452 EXTKACT FEOM OFFUTT'S BOOK. 



follow. I want to feel my way five steps at first, or less than 

 that. If alarmed, then let me know if anything is wrong by 

 rubbing m<! over the face and neck, then after starting and stop- 

 ping some three or four times, you will undci'stand that. 



" H. If you fasten me to such things and rush me ofi" and 

 commence fighting me, I will then commence rearing and jerking 

 to get loose and free from such abuse. Remember that confidence 

 lost is hard to restore. Remember that all have to learn, and 

 practice is important in exercise. 



" M. With your practice of the use of the bridle, and friendly 

 acquaintance witli me, will you not allow mo to ride you ? 



" H. Yes, if you will show mo that you will not hurt me. 

 This is done by your rubbing me over the face, neck, and body ; 

 then get along by my side, rising quietly in the stirrup, then down 

 in the same place, until I can know your will. Now I am 

 inclined to go with Ball round the fields, to learn how to walk and 

 to turn to tlie light and left. There are cases that we learn to 

 turn but one way, sometimes from sore mouth, other times from 

 the tongue of the Avagon striking against us, other times from 

 alarm of gear, others from whips, so as to pull more than I know 

 how ; consequently I look for the whip, and begin jumping up in 

 confusion. 



" M. How shall we teach you better than by taking level 

 pieces of ground ? The wagon can be drawn slowly and quietly, 

 and repeatedly practiced until it is well done. To be well done 

 nuist be well practiced, for the mind to comprehend or design. 



" H. How can you teach me to stand, if you have no plans or 

 signs for me to comprehend the difference between going or stand- 

 ing ? I am always looking for the whip or a jerk of the bridle. 



" M. If you are to know my will, I cannot let you know but 

 by first letting you know my design until understood ; as for your 

 stopping, I then speak to let you know I wish you to go along ; 

 but if you repeat this, you know that — 



" H. If I am to stand while you get on me, or for you to get 

 seated in your carriage, or otherwise, you must first take the reins 

 in your hand, then speak to me to let me know when to go ; for 

 if I am always to bo on the look foi- the whip for the sign to start 

 by, I will be oft' in time to keep clear of it ; for between two 

 opinions, doubting both, it is certain to be as often wrong as 

 right, but guess if you are ready or not ; but as soon as you come 

 to mo and commence whipping me, and halloo, Whoa, I then look 

 for the wliip ; whenever you halloo, Whoa, confidence is lost in 

 you, and I am looking for the whip, and friend horse shows signs 

 for us to be oflf! 



" M. How shall I teach you the acquaintance of umbrellas, 

 handkerchiefs, my hat, my gun, or buffalo skin, and many other 

 things you will meet with ? 



