GENERAL REMARKS. 



12:^ 



unexpected sound, as to precipitate the most violent resist- 

 ance, and the contrary of soon quieting down and becoming 

 indifferent to it, by convincing the reason that it would not 

 cause injury. 



Understanding these effects, we will now consider con- 

 ditions. Suppose we wish to accustom a colt to the sight 

 of a piece of paper or a white handkerchief. It is first 

 brought to his nose so that he is able to feel of it, and see 

 it plainly, then rubbed against the head and neck until it 

 ceases to attract attention. 

 If now the operator were 

 to step behind or opposite 

 the flanks, and throw it 

 suddenly behind or under 

 the belly, it would be very 

 likely to excite as much 

 fear and resistance as if ,f] 

 he had not before seen or 

 felt it. The difference of 

 position makes it appear a 

 new object of danger to 

 be avoided. Familiarized with it at the head, it should be 

 thrown down carelessly in front, then a little further back, 

 occasionally rubbing it against the head and nose, and so 

 repeating until it can be thrown anywhere around or under 

 the body ; this must also be done on both sides of the body 

 alike. 



A spirited horse that may have been driven for years 

 to a wagon, gentle, would be just as likely to kick and run 

 away should the breeching break and let the cross-piece or 

 whiffletree come against the quarters, as if he had previ- 

 ously known nothing about them. And so in relation to 

 other objects or causes of resistance. This is particularly 

 noticeable in breaking colts, as shown by the fact that mak- 



FiG. 113. — Sullen, treacberous character. 



