Quieting a Horse with Tail over Line 269 



pole work back toward the tail very gradually, and 

 if he shows much excitement slip the pole up his 

 back and then start toward the tail again. Con- 

 tinue this work until he becomes perfectly subixdssive. 

 Raise the tail and place the pole from buttock to 

 buttock under the tail. As much care should be used 

 in removing the pole as in placing it under the tail. 



After he becomes perfectly familiar with the 

 pressure of the pole, with the double safety still 

 attached, place the harness on him and drive him 

 about the paddock, managing to get the line under 

 the tail. If he shows excitement, quiet him at the 

 command ''steady," as in poling. If he refuses to 

 quiet, go over him again with the pole. Soon he 

 will learn that the line is no more Ukely to cause 

 him pain than the pole. When he becomes sub- 

 missive to the line under his tail, he may be hitched 

 to a vehicle and the work continued as before. 



Halter-pulling. — This is a very aggravating habit 

 and one that is easily acquired. It is usually due to 

 faulty training, the horse being tied up by the head 

 before being educated to the pressure of the halter. 

 The strange object on his head annoys him and he 

 tries to shake it off, and faihng in this he tries to free 

 himself by puUing. Now he finds himself in a trap 

 and becomes frantic in his efforts to get free. The 

 pressure of the halter hurts his head and he may pull 

 so hard as to deform the face lines or injure his neck, 

 or he may break the strap that secures him ; in any 



