22 BREAKING AND TRAINING 



When a restive horse is ridden for the purpose of 

 breaking him, this should be done in such a manner 

 as will be likely to bring out his disposition. In this 

 way an opportunity will be afforded to you of showing 

 him your superiority over him b}^ repeatedly conquer- 

 ing any resistance he may offer and compelling him 

 into absolute obedience. 



The best method of inducing a restive horse to show 

 this disposition is to ask him to perform the different 

 actions we may require, and so to learn which of them 

 he most strongly objects to. 



As a rule a restive horse will have several favourite 

 places, or objects, at which he " sets," and either he 

 will refuse to pass these or will make himself trouble- 

 some in some way whenever he meets with them. A 

 traction engine, motor, etc., will often afford him an 

 opportunity of displaying this vice. 



To cure a habit such as I have described, you must 

 familiarise him with the object of his dislike or terror. 

 The latter should, in consequence, be frequently 

 passed (first of all at the walk) and the animal's fears 

 will, at the same time, be allayed if you let him stand 

 close to the engine, or what not, when it is out of 

 action. 



