28 THE HORSE : ITS TAMING, 



little while come near and put his nose on the " third 

 hand." When he does so, pass it quietl}^ over his 

 head, taking great care not to sti^ik^ him zuith it, 

 along his neck, and withers, back, and croup; when 

 }'ou get it here he will probably show a bit kick^ or 

 an inclination to do so ; but go on quietly rubbing 

 him all over the body with your " third hand," and 

 then get it on to its quarters and hocks. Take time ; 

 exercise discretion, judgment, ?ind patience. 



It must be the desire of every trainer of colts to 

 gain the animal's confidence as soon as possible, not 

 to create fear. Prove to the animal by your actions, 

 no matter how^ fearful they may appear to it, that man 

 is naturally the horse's friend as well as its master, and 

 that you are not there to hurt him, or to bully and beat 

 him into a demon, but to teach him his business, and 

 treat him so humanely, that it will be a pleasure for 

 him to do your bidding, and thus he will become a 

 willing and obedient servant. 



Now, when the colt submits to be touched all over, 

 especially about the head and neck — rub him gently 

 on the nose — [if the "third hand" has a piece of bag 

 tied round it so much the better, as it is softer, and if 

 in the animal's fear and impatience he knocks his head 

 against it, it is not so likely to hurt him]. Then when 

 }'ou can touch his head all over, without his showing 

 any resentment or fear, gradually approach him, 

 hold the " third hand " in your right hand, and keep 



