442 SUBJECTION.— ILL USTEATIVE CASES. 



I do next ? I could not safely let go or put on any rigging. 

 In fact, I had none. Without stopping to consider, I 

 resolved to take the only chance open for me, that of com- 

 bating him in the most simple and direct manner. He 

 was a wonderfully quick, energetic fellow, and just as 

 vicious as he was quick, having no idea but to jump at a 

 man. Should I succeed, his control would be simple and 

 easy, whereas if I failed I should be completely helpless 

 and in his power, the result of which would be serious if 

 not fatal to me. A supreme effort was my only chance, 

 and I prepared to make it. I took as short hold of the 

 rope as I could with safety, measured the chances, and said 

 to the other man, " Let go." The moment the horse was 

 given freedom, he jumped for me. At the same instant I 

 sprang for his tail, which I was barely able to catch and 

 hold. The struggle now was for me to hold on and keep 

 upon my feet while going around rapidly. I barely suc- 

 ceeded, soon making him so helpless that I could safely 

 let go and reverse a few times, after which I quickly put 

 on the War Bridle, and made him feel all the power I could 

 exert with it. The whole time of doing this was not more 

 than five or six minutes, when he became completely docile, 

 following me around and allowing me to handle him as I 

 pleased. I now advised that he be treated kindly, given 

 apples, petted, and put to work. He was driven almost 

 daily afterward, while I was in the city, by members of the 

 family, proving as safe and gentle for use as he was in the 

 first place. 



When I look back upon this experiment, and consider 

 all the circumstances, I regard it as one of the most sue 

 cessful I ever made. It was, at the same time, so fool- 

 hardy that after mature experience I would have hesi- 

 tated long before taking such a risk. Tt would be simple 

 and easy enough in ordinary cases ; but when the horse 



