128 FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. 



so exceedingly sensitive they can hardly be driven with 

 any degree of safety, after being treated are entirely fear- 

 less in driving. This is seen in the effect produced by the 

 treatment upon the wild colt. The subjection of " Wild 

 Pete," and other horses referred to at the conclusion of this 

 chapter, are good illustrations of the remarkable effect of 

 this treatment. 



If the horse drives gentle, but is afraid of some special 

 object, such as a white stone, stump, sheep, etc., take all 

 the precaution possible against his seeing such things sud- 

 denly and unexpectedly. As soon as his alarm is excited, 

 if at all violent, the best way is to stop him, speak encour- 

 agingly, and hold him quiet until his alarm subsides, then 

 let him go on, quieting him until the object is reached or 

 passed by. 



Many horses comparatiA^ely safe are liable to be fright- 

 ened by suddenly meeting a drove of sheep, load of hay, 

 white cow, sprinkling wagon, etc. For safety, it is better 

 for a few times to get out and take the horse by the head 

 and hold or lead him in part. Particular care should be 

 taken not to expose him to the sudden meeting of a brass 

 band and drums. If he is a crazy headed fellow that seems 

 all right until he sees something and then loses his senses, 

 lunging into the fence, or turning around quickly, there is 

 so much danger of being upset that unless there is certainty 

 of making him thoroughly safe, he should be condemned 

 for such use. If he will keep well up to the bit there 

 should be no trouble in preventing his going sideways by 

 either the Breaking Bit or Patent Bridle. 



The Bit gives power in but two ways, — sideways and 

 ahead ; so if the horse will not go against it and runs back 

 when suddenly frightened, or turns around quickly, there 

 is practically but very little power to prevent it, except 

 what can be done with the whip and speaking sharply. ^ 



