Training Inclosures. Examining 49 



Many advise turning the horse loose within the 

 inclosure in order that he may become accustomed 

 to the place in which he is to receive his early training. 



EXAMINE THE HORSE BEFORE TRAINING 



The horse should be carefully examined to see 

 that he is in good physical condition before the 

 training begins. In order to be effective in training, 

 it is necessary to gain the horse's confidence and 

 hold his attention. This is not possible with the 

 animal in poor physical condition. Note the teeth 

 to see if they are uneven or possess sharp edges, 

 which are likely to injure the tongue or jaws. Such 

 edges should be removed with a guarded rasp, 

 otherwise the pain will detract the animal's atten- 

 tion from the lessons we are trying to teach. Note 

 the condition of the feet, and if they are out of pro- 

 portion, level them with the rasp, otherwise the 

 horse will be irregular in his action and may injure 

 himself by interfering. Examine the horse for 

 impaired vision and defective hearing. If his vision 

 is impaired, he may run into objects, or seeing them 

 but dimly may become frightened and uncontrollable. 

 If his hearing is defective, he is at the disadvantage 

 of not being able to understand spoken commands. 

 The disadvantages under which such a horse labors 

 are great, and it is important that such defects be 

 noted in order that we may not ask him to do that 



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