TAMING HORSES. 37 



though innocent of themselves, became faith with- 

 out works ; and thus men remained always in 

 doubt concerning this important secret. The se- 

 cret is a complete lesson of morality; for all is 



GENTLENESS PATIENCE PERSEVERANCE. 



But, I return to the explanation of the secret. 

 If the horse makes the least motion when you ad- 

 vance towards him, stop and stand perfectly still 

 till he is quiet. Remain a few minutes in this po- 

 sition, and then advance again in the same slow, 

 almost imperceptible manner. Take notice: If the 

 horse stirs, stop without changing your position. It 

 is very uncommon for a horse to stir nlore than once, 

 after you begin to advance, yet there are excep- 

 tions. He generally keeps his eye steadfast on 

 you, till you get nigh enough to touch him upon 

 the forehead. When you are thus near to him, 

 raise slowly, and by degrees, your hand, and let it 

 come in contact with that part just above the nos- 

 trils, as lightly as possible. If the horse flinches, 

 (as many will,) repeat Avith great rapidity those 

 light taps or strokes upon the forehead, going a 

 little further up towards his ears by degrees, and 

 descending with the same rapidity, till he will let 

 you handle his forehead all over. Now let the 

 strokes be repeated with more force over all his 

 forehead, descending by lighter touches to each 

 side of his head, till you can handle that part 

 4 



