28 POWEL'S SYSTEM. 



doubt conaerning this secret. If the liorse makes 

 the least motion when you advance towards him, stop, 

 and remain perfectly still until he is quiet. Remain 

 a few moments in this condition, and then advance 

 again in the same slow and almost imperceptible 

 manner. Take notice if the horse stirs, stop, with- 

 out changing your position. It is very uncommon 

 for the horse to stir more than once after you begin 

 to advance, yet there are exceptions. He generally 

 keeps his eyes steadfast on you, until you get near 

 enough to touch him on the forehead. When you 

 are thus near to him, raise slowly, and by degrees, 

 your hand, and let it come in contact with that part 

 just above the nostrils, as lightly as possible. If the 

 horse flinches (as many will), repeat with great 

 rapidity these light strokes upon the forehead, going 

 a little farther up towards his ears by degrees, and 

 descending with the same rapidity until he will let 

 you handle his forehead all over. Now let the strokes 

 be repeated with more force over all his forehead, 

 descending by lighter strokes to each side of his 

 head, until you can handle that part with equal 

 facility. Then touch in the same light manner, 

 making your hands and fingers play around the 

 lower part of the horse's ears, coming down now and 

 then to his forehead, which may be looked upon as 

 the helm that governs all the rest. 



" Having succeeded in handling his ears, advance 

 towards the neck, with the same precautions, and in 



