EEYIEW OF SYSTEM. 401 



powei'. As explained in the first chapter, it will not do to 

 use the First Method on a sullen or sulky horse. He will 

 usually drop down upon his belly, not trying to get up. 

 In such a case dependence must be placed upon the Second 

 and Third alternately. 



The mustang, of a wild, dangerous nature, cannot be 

 safely approached and subjected to the Third Method, be- 

 cause he would strike the moment approached. If a rig 

 could be put on, and the foot tied up (which would be very 

 difficult to do), the instant freedom is given again he would 

 be likely to bound into the air, or drop down sullenly upon 

 his belly, either doing nothing or acting like a desperate 

 maniac. For such the Second Method would be just the 

 thing. It requires very little effort to tie the halter into 

 the tail, and send around until helplessly dizzy, when the 

 subjection of the case becomes simple and easy. A wild 

 mule, that cannot be safely touched, can frequently be made 

 entirely gentle in a few minutes in this way, and after this 

 treatment, if necessary, the other methods can be used. 



If space permitted, these explanations might be ex- 

 tended indefinitely. But whatever the success of the direct 

 treatment, it is important to hold the advantage gained, by 

 kind and careful after-treatment, because upon kindness must 

 depend fixing and holding the impression made upon the 

 brain by the previous treatment. Without this, it is practi- 

 cally impossible to hold a very vicious horse gentle. It is, 

 of course, easy enough to compel obedience by force, or by 

 reducing the strength ; but unless the incentive to resist- 

 ance is overcome, which must really be done by kindness, 

 the instinct of viciousness is liable to again gain the ascend- 

 ency. The importance of this is repeatedly urged in the 

 previous chapters. Without this, the best results of direct 

 subjection can easily be neutralized, and the horse be per- 

 mitted to go back into his old habits. Should this occur, 



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