264 Outdoor Vices and Whims 



surprise the horse and he will take a step backward, 

 when he should be caressed. Do not ask him to back 

 very far at a time, and caress him for doing as you 

 wish. Repeat the process until he will obey the 

 lines and voice, remove the pulley bridle and con- 

 tinue with the lines until he will obey the voice alone. 



Rearing and plunging. — Since these habits are 

 somewhat similar, they will be considered together. 

 Both invariably result from defective training and 

 are usually traceable to bad mouthing. They are 

 provoked in much the same manner as balking, kick- 

 ing and the like (p. 249). In overcoming either vice, 

 first train the horse to the proper uses of the bit 

 (pp. 56 and 134). This may require patience and tact, 

 but is essential in overcoming such habits. If the 

 mouth has lost its natural sensitiveness by the use of 

 harsh bits, use the Yankee bridle (p. 189) in the bitting 

 process. As soon as he understands the uses of the 

 bit, teach him the commands. By the proper appli- 

 cation of the double safety (p. 208) in pulling him to 

 his knees every time he rears or plunges, he should 

 be taught the meaning of the command ^'whoa" 

 so very thoroughly that he will stop and stand quietly 

 at the command. 



Now with the Yankee bridle and double safety still 

 attached, hitch him to a vehicle and continue as be- 

 fore. Each time he starts either to run or plunge, 

 give the command ^^whoa" and bring him to his 

 knees. Hold him down until he quiets. About 



