TAMING HORSES. 61 



REFRACTORY HORSES GENTLED FOR A 

 LONG TIME IN THE COMMON WAY. 



I begin first with those which are afraid of a gun, 

 or the like. Cause a pen to be made, j ust big enougli 

 to put the horses in, and in such a manner as 

 to be able to go round it in every direction, as well 

 behind as before ; and let the bars be far enough 

 apart for you to handle him every where. Let 

 him remain in his pen or cage from two o'clock in 

 the afternoon till the next morning, without eating 

 or drinking. The pen ought to be made so high, 

 that the horse cannot reach his head over it, and 

 with four strong posts in the ground, so that if he 

 should fall back upon the bars, that traverse it be- 

 hind, his weight Avill not be sufficient to break or 

 derano;e them. Go to him in the mornino;. Han- 

 die him smartly a few minutes ; then stand at a 

 distance before him, with your gun in your hand, 

 without moving it, but so that he can see it. If he 

 is frightened at it, keep your position for some 

 time, till he remains quiet, then flash it off. Re- 

 peat this, till he is in some measure reconciled to 

 it. Draw nigher. Repeat the same : flash it off 

 6 



