128 THE HORSE: ITS KEEP AND MANAGEMENT. 



same time give him a handful of oats or bran. This 

 should be repeated two or three times on the journey, 

 especially when he shies at anything on the road. Many 

 horses can be completely cured of this habit by speaking 

 kindly. The animals get to look upon the person who 

 treats them properly as their friend. I once bought a 

 horse which would jump right round at the sight of a leaf 

 or piece of paper blowing about, especially a bicycle. It 

 was a very valuable horse were it not for that one fault, but 

 it was sold on that account to run in a butcher's cart. I 

 very soon cured him of the shying, certainly not in a week, 

 nor a month, but in less than six weeks after I had him he 

 was a different animal altogether in this respect. I found 

 when he shied he would jump round, and then go as fast as 

 he could, expecting a lash with the whip, but in less than 

 three months I would have sat in the trap behind him 

 without holding the reins. The horse would do anything I 

 told him. He had been beaten till he was frightened 

 at his own shadow, and I refused 100 guineas for him 

 before he had been in my possession six months. When I 

 had him he was between five and six, and he was valued 

 then on account of his bad habits at about ^15, but being 

 cured of these tricks his value rose to 100 guineas in less 

 than six months. I still have him at my place and have 

 done for some years. This shews what kind and judicious 

 treatment will do. 



I have known many horses, which would jib and turn 

 right round and back into a hedge or bank at the sight of 

 almost anything on the road, sold at a nominal price, and 



