60 METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



the Third Method will, as a rule, prove a success or failure 

 after the first trial. But if the horse will bear it, this trial 

 can be carried to a considerable extreme of pressure, and 

 continued for some time, though it should not exceed thirty 

 minutes except in very extreme cases. This I have learned 



ft 



by a long series of careful experiments upon all kinds of 

 horses. The point is to make all the impression possible 

 with it when used, and then, if necessary, resort to other 

 methods. 



It is rarely necessary to use much severity in the sub- 

 jection of colts. The less excitement and punishment used 

 in their treatment, the better. Also in the management of 

 vicious horses, the best proof of skill lies in surprising or 

 forcing them into submission before they become excited. 

 Much extra work and abuse will thereby be prevented. 

 Under no circumstances must there be half-way work. 

 Nothing short of the most thorough and complete submis- 

 sion will answer. Short of this there will be danger, in 

 the future handling or training, of their breaking over and 

 becoming more unmanageable than before. 



Control by Whipping. 



In chapter on " Colt Training," I have referred to the 

 control of horses by whipping, and I think it advisable to 

 refer to it here more definitely as a method of subjection. 

 If a sensitive, nervous-tempered horse were shut up in a 

 small yard or building, and then suddenly or unexpectedly 

 whipped from behind, and the whipping cease as soon as 

 the horse is disconcerted and frightened, it would certainly 

 do a great deal in the way of controlling him. But this 

 should not be hazarded in the control of courageous, strong- 

 willed horses, especially stallions, as it would be likely to 



