24 The Horse and his Master 



horses are subject. We should make a careful study 

 of the horse and adopt that method which will prove 

 most efficient with the animal in hand. 



Whatever system of training is employed, to be 

 successful we must exact implicit obedience from 

 the horse at all times. Be gentle yet firm, and go 

 through with whatever is attempted. If at any time, 

 however, the horse cannot be induced to do exactly 

 what is required, make him do something else. Enforce 

 obedience of some kind at the time to prevent him 

 from conceiving the idea that he can dispute his 

 master. If at all possible, however, do not rest until 

 he does that which was asked of him. 



We should devote our entire attention to the horse 

 in hand and should strive to obtain and keep his 

 attention that he may get an idea of what is expected 

 of him. As soon as he understands what is wanted, 

 repeat in the same manner until the lesson is fixed 

 in his mind. Do not hurry from one lesson to an- 

 other, and do not try to teach too many things at 

 one time, as such only serves to confuse the horse. 



In training the stubborn, refractory and wild 

 horse, or in subduing the vicious horse, it is of the 

 utmost importance that he be given to understand 

 that he is to obey or suffer accordingly. From the 

 beginning we must use such appliance as will give 

 us the advantage. This can be accomplished in 

 two ways : First by the employment of such appli- 

 ance as will consume the animal's strength, and by 



