PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 



" This is my horse. He can kick you as much as he pleases, 

 but you cannot punish him ; he is mine. I will take him to 



another shop and let him kick some other smith. He must be 

 treated kindly, for this is my way of treating horses." 



The proper way to do in a case of this kind would be to take 

 the horse and put him through a regular course of instructions 

 before taking [him to the blacksmith shop, handling his foot and 

 leg in every conceivable manner. If he kicks, punish him ; and 

 if he stands quiet and submits, treat him with kindness, patting 

 and caressing him ; thus showing to the horse what you want him 

 to do. We will speak more fully upon this subject under its 

 proper heading. 



Another very erroneous idea exists not only in this country, but 

 throughout the civilized world, and that is, when the horse is 

 approached by the owner or groom he must use the word 

 " Whoa ! " when the horse is already standing perfectly still. If 

 he goes to put the harness on — " Whoa ! " if he goes to take the 

 harness off — " Whoa ! " if he goes to hitch him up — " Whoa ! " 

 and if he goes to unhitch him — " Whoa I" 



In fact when he mounts, dismounts, looks at his mouth to see 

 how old he is, goes to him when he is hitched and standing 



