TEACHING HORSES TRICKS. 43 



shoulders, and bear the horse, high up above the heads of the 

 spectators, like some equestrian statue, around the ring. 



To teach this trick some patience is necessary but the method 

 is quite simple. The horse is first led upon the platform several 

 times, being allowed to remain a moment or more each time. 

 He will soon understand when brought into the vicinity of the 

 platform that he is to take his position upon it. Now com- 

 pel him to raise his foot, and as he attempts to put it down 

 again, guide it with your hand to the required position upon the 

 drum. After a few times he will place it upon the drum of his 

 own accord on being made to raise it. Then in the same man- 

 ner make him raise the other foot and place it upon the post. 

 This is the most difficult part of the performance on account of 

 the post presenting only a slight foothold, and the horse having 

 only limited power to guide his foot to this position ; it is also 

 quite difficult to make the hoof retain its hold even after the right 

 position is gained. After the horse thoroughly understands 

 what is wanted of him he will go through the performance with- 

 out prompting, for the sight of the platform suggests to him the 

 desired actions. The " carrying around " part is, of course, 

 strictly a ring performance which few persons would care to 

 undertake for private amusement, but if the horse is gentle and 

 has been taught to have entire confidence in his master, and to 

 obey him implicitly, there is little difficulty in this part of the 

 exhibition if done with care. 



TO TEACH A HORSE TO KISS. 



Give the horse a few pieces of apple from your hand, then 

 place a piece between your teeth, letting it project so that the 

 horse can readily seize it. When he has become used to tak- 

 ing the apple in this way, say, " Kiss,'^ or " Kiss me," to him 

 each time before putting the apple m your mouth, and he will 

 by and by put his mouth to your lips at this command. In 

 every case he should be rewarded by a piece of apple, for, to 

 him, " kiss me " means apple, and if he is deceived in getting 

 it he will not so readily obey. 



TO MAKE A HORSE FETCH AND CARRY. 



For this purpose a small basket or some light article which 

 he can easily seize with his mouth, should be used. Place the 

 handle in his mouth and shut his mouth upon it. Should he 

 drop it when you remove your hand, speak sharply to him, and 

 replace it in his mouth. When he retains it you are to let it 

 remain a few moments, then remove it, pat him, speak encour- 

 agingly to him, and reward him. In a short time offer it to 



