Overcoming a Nervous Horse 265 



the third time, instead of using the safety give him 

 a severe set-back with the Hnes, to impress him that 

 you have the same power with the Hues as with the 

 rope. Now drive him to those objects that formerly 

 caused him to rear and plunge, and continue until 

 he becomes perfectly submissive and quiets at the 

 command. , 



Breaking and prancing. — Occasionally a high- 

 spirited but nervous horse, because of his eagerness 

 to go forward, becomes addicted to the habit of 

 breaking and prancing when we wish him to walk or 

 trot. This often becomes very aggravating and 

 may lead to more serious vice, as he is especially 

 liable to rear and throw his head up and down. To 

 overcome the habit, attach the double safety (p. 208) 

 and thoroughly educate him to the commands, es- 

 pecially to the term ^^ steady." If he seems very 

 game, apply the throwing-harness (p. 212) and lay 

 him down until he becomes quiet, or if preferred 

 attach the tail-rope (p. 219) and stupefy him. When 

 he becomes obedient to the commands and will walk 

 or trot as you like, then hitch him to a vehicle, and 

 continue the work as before. The horse that is exer- 

 cised regularly is less likely to acquire such habits 

 than one that stands in the stable much of the time. 



Switching tail. — Some horses have the very 

 aggravating habit of constantly switching the tail. 

 The causes for this are quite numerous and much 

 the same as in producing kickers (p. 254). In fact, 



