Restoring Confidence 259 



timid horse that such objects cannot do him injury. 

 Do not rush through this work, but give him ample 

 time to adjust himself to the new condition. After 

 he is perfectly familiar with this special object, take 

 another and repeat the lesson. To inspire confi- 

 dence in your commands, caress him often and soon 

 he will go any place you wish. 



Now that he has learned to face strange objects 

 and has confidence that you will not ask him to do 

 that which will cause him injury, you are ready to 

 hitch him to a vehicle. For the first few times leave 

 the safety ropes attached. If convenient, drive him 

 past some object that formerly caused him special 

 fright. As you approach the object, caress him with 

 voice and whip to assure him that no injury is to 

 come to him. Drive up on the opposite side of the 

 road until a few feet in front of the object, then face 

 him toward it, and stop at the command ^^whoa, " if 

 necessary using the safety to assure him that you 

 have perfect command. Now make him walk right 

 up and feel it with his nose as you did the objects 

 in the training paddock. As he moves toward it, 

 caress him to give him confidence. If at any time 

 you wish to square him, pull his head away from the 

 object, as this straightens the head and neck and 

 gives much better control. To leave the object, 

 carefully pull the horse away with the line farthest 

 from it and give the command '^ get-up." Should he 

 show alarm, immediately stop him at the command 



