76 TAMING HORSES. 



leg, pulling downwards at the same time upon the 

 bridle-reins, which you hold in your left hand, 

 speaking to the horse, and telling him to lie down. 

 Every time you strike his left leg, bear a little 

 against him, and pull upon the bridle, saying to 

 him, "Lie down, sir!" The horse, after several 

 repetitions of the strokes, tries to lift up his left 

 leg ; but, as the other is tied up, this motion natu- 

 rally throws him upon his knees. Now push him 

 gently, till he lies upon his side. After he has re- 

 mained several minutes in this position, untie his 

 left leg, and say, " Stand up ! " After he gets up, 

 pat him in the forehead and all over, and lead 

 him about a little. By repeating these lessons a 

 few times, the horse will lie down at the word of 

 command, by your pulling a little upon the bridle- 

 reins, and leaning against him. AVhen I practice 

 this upon a wild horse that I have just been break- 

 ing, it is surprising to see how quick he will learn 

 to lie down. He will do it in less than one half 

 the time which one that has been broken in the 

 common way will be, in doing the same, and very 

 often in one fourth. 



