200 Training Wild and Subduing Vicious Horses 



Bridle-twitch. — In making this twitch, the right 

 snaffle-rein is passed under the upper Up and drawn 

 tightly to the left side. This is often employed in 

 training the horse to stand quietly after he has been 

 bridled, and while you mount. 



Rearing-twitch. — This twitch is suggested for the 

 horse that rears in the saddle. Secure a small rope 

 the size of a sash-cord and about ten feet long, tie a 

 knot in it about six inches from one end and draw it 

 tightly, tie another knot about six inches from the 

 first, but leave it open. Pass the knotted end of the 

 rope through the horse's mouth, and bring it around 

 the lower jaw and pass through the open knot, and 

 work it up tightly against the lower jaw. Pass the 

 free end back through the breast-plate, if there is one 

 attached to the saddle, then between the forelegs, 

 through a ring arranged in the middle of the girth, 

 and then up to the right hand, or the end may be 

 secured to the saddle. Now w^hen the horse shows an 

 inclination to rear, immediately pull the cord. 



Wooden-gag. — This gag is made from a block of 

 hard wood, five or six inches long, and about two 

 inches square. The corners should be rounded to 

 prevent severe injury. A hole is bored through the 

 center, longways, for a chain which is attached to a 

 headstall. Some persons tack leather guards on each 

 end to prevent the horse from getting the gag out of 

 his mouth. This gag is used to prevent the horse 

 from biting, and for curing him of the habit. 



