Teaching the Horse to Follow 55 



whip, and facing the animal, take a position in front, 

 or slightly to the left, caress him by gently rubbing 

 the whip over his back and rump. When ready to 

 start, say ^^come here," and immediately follow the 

 command by striking the horse on the rump with 

 the whip, which will induce him to walk forward. 

 Walk backward at the same rate as the horse walks 

 forward, giving the command ^^come here" to in- 

 duce him to follow. When he follows at command, 

 place the whip under the left arm. This method may 

 require some time, but with a little patient effort the 

 teachable horse will follow you without the use of 

 either halter or whip. 



Some horsemen in teaching a horse to follow pre- 

 fer to turn the animal loose in a small inclosure, say 

 twenty-five feet square. It is important that the 

 floor be of earth, and that all objects be removed, as 

 they may attract the colt's attention. If the horse is 

 two years old, or more, some prefer to teach this 

 lesson before training to the use of the halter. When 

 ready, turn the horse loose in the inclosure and 

 snap the whip a few times to attract his attention. 

 Remaining near the center, follow him around a 

 few times, occasionally snapping him about the 

 heels with the whip. Soon he will stop in the corner 

 farthest from you. Walk directly to him, giving 

 him an opportunity to turn to you. If he turns his 

 heels as if to kick or run away, strike him severely 

 about the hind legs. Soon he will understand that 



