250 BALKING. 



away until the next day, when he should be tried, and, so 

 far as found necessary, the treatment repeated until under 

 good control. 



Although the horse may go a few times as commanded, 

 yet, after hitching to a wagon, he may balk again. If so, 

 take down the cord, stand in front of him — a little to the 

 right or left — and give a sharp jerk, repeating until he wall 

 go at command. Should this be resisted, which is not at 

 all improbable, repeat the previous course of treatment, 

 which, in some cases, may be supplemented by the other 

 methods of treatment. It is advisable to test the horse 

 hard before putting to regular work. A great point after 

 the coercive treatment, is to win his confidence by giving 

 apples, etc. 



Restless Balkers. 



If, when a young horse is hitched to a wagon, he is al- 

 low^ed to start as he pleases a few times, he is liable to ac- 

 quire the habit of becoming impatient, so that as soon as 

 hitched up, if not allowed to go his own way, he may get 

 mad and balk. Or if whipped to start quickly, and then 

 pulled back upon, or if made to stand too long w^hile getting 

 into or out of a wagon, he Avill acquire the habit of balking. 

 A short lesson in teaching to start and stop, as directed in 

 " Colt Training," would prevent this. As it is a very com- 

 mon as well as annoying form of balking, I will include the 

 details of a simple treatment, which can be easily f)racticed 

 by any one : — 



First, teach the horse to stand with the harness on, as 

 explained to stand with the Breaking Bit ; then tie up the 

 reins, give a good sharp lesson with the War Bridle, and 

 put him in shafts. If he balks, overcome it with the War 

 Bridle. If of a quick, nervous disposition, this treatment 

 should be sufficient ; but if of a decidedly resolute, plucky 



