HOPPINGr ABOUT. 75 



case the process is of course much easier. But it must 

 never be forgotten that to tame a horse properly no un- 

 necessary force must be employed ; it is better that he 

 should put down his foot six times that he may yield it 

 willingly at last, and under no circumstances must the 

 trainer lose patience, or give way to temper. 



The near fore-leg being securely strapped, and the 

 horse, if so inclined, secured from biting by a wooden 

 bit, the next step is to make him hop about on three 

 legs. This is comparatively easy if the animal has been 

 taught to lead, but it is difficult with one which' has not. 

 The trainer must take care to keep behind his horse's 

 shoulder and walk in a circle, or he wall be likely to be 

 struck by the horse's head or strapped-up leg. 



Mr. Rarey is so skilful that he seldom considers it 

 necessary to make his horses hop about ; but there is 

 no doubt that it saves much after-trouble by fatiguing 

 the animal ; and that it is a useful preparation before 

 putting a colt or kicking horse into harness. Like every 

 other operation it must be done very gently, and ac- 

 companied by soothing words — " Come along" — " Come 

 along, old fellow," &c. 



A horse can hop on three legs, if not severely pressed, 

 for two or three miles ; and no plan is more successful 

 for curing a kicker or jibber. 



When the horse has hopped for as long as you think 

 necessary to tire him, buckle a common single strap 

 roller or surcingle on his body tolerably tight. A 

 single strap surcingle is the best. 



It is as well, if possible, to teach colts from a very 

 early age to bear a surcingle. At any rate it will require 

 a little management the first time. 



You have now advanced your colt so far that he is 

 not afraid of a man, he likes being patted and caressed, 



