254 BALKING. 



in the mud, and the power and willingness of the horses 

 to pull out is doubtful, a part of the load should be thrown 

 off; better do this than run the risk of spoiling the team. 



Horses compelled to pull hard should not be checked 

 up. Let the head have full freedom. Sometimes a horse 

 is so stubborn that he will not go, even when not required 

 to pull any load. Always be governed by circumstances, 

 such as the horse's disj^osition and the difficulty to be en- 

 countered. If of a sensitive, nervous disposition, try either 

 of the following tricks, which in many cases will work very 

 nicely : First, tie a strap or cord to the end of the tail, 

 bring it forward between the legs and attach it to the hame 

 ring of the gentle horse, or to the end of the pole. Tie it 

 so short that unless the horse will come forward promptly 

 to his place, he will be pulled upon sharply. Or double a 

 piece of cord (that used for War Bridle is best), pass the 

 tail through the center, and twist the ends of the cord 

 three or four times and tie to the hame ring of the gentle 

 horse, or to the end of the pole. Or, again, a noose may 

 be formed of a small chain or rope around the body back of 

 the shoulders, and tied to the end of the wagon tongue. 

 Now when the gentle horse is made to start, the pull be- 

 comes so severe that it startles and disconcerts the balky 

 horse from his purpose, and compels him to go ahead. 



After adjusting either of these rigs, start the gentle 

 harse quickly so as to make a sharp pull upon the balker, 

 which will surprise and force him to jump ahead. After a 

 few repetitions, he will jump ahead to avoid being hurt. 

 If the cord under the tail causes the horse to kick, it should 

 not be used. 



Best Treatment. 



First, put on (under the ordinary bridle) the Second 

 Form of War Bridle, bring it under the head-piece, and, as 



