n6 THE HORSE: ITS KEEP AND MANAGEMENT 



It is quite right for a man to be kind to a horse, but at 

 the same time he should be very firm. When a horse 

 throws its ears back and lifts its foot up in the stable to 

 kick, it should be spoken to very sharply and given a cut 

 with the whip. Instead of doing this the attendant often 

 runs out of the way, and the next time the horse lifts its 

 foot up he will probably kick if not corrected. It is always 

 better to use light measures than harsh, in breaking a horse 

 in. The horse breaker should always carefully notice the 

 disposition of the animal before using harsh means. For 

 instance, the first time a young horse has its bridle on it is 

 frightened, and some harsh trainers think it requires a lash 

 round with the whip at once. This is a great mistake. 

 When such strong measures are taken it often spoils the 

 animal's temper. When the bridle is put on for the first 

 time it is well to let an old horse go before the young one 

 a few times, and the bridle of the latter should not have 

 blinkers on, so that the animal may see what is going on. 

 First the two should be walked across a grass field, then 

 trotted, then run round a very big ring with the old horse 

 in front. Just lay the whip across them if they are idle 

 and will not run, but do not under any circumstances hit 

 them hard at first, if so the younger horse becomes 

 stubborn and will not move. Take them out next day 

 and give them a good run again. 



It is well when a young horse is being broken 

 in, to stroke it and give it a little corn. After the bridle 

 is put on the attendant should again speak kindly to the 

 colt and give it a handful of corn at the same time. If this 



