346 FAULTS OF TEMPER. 



mount from. — We may take the '' rough edge " off a 

 horse's nervousness or impatience of control, by driving 

 him with the long reins, or by giving him a good turn at 

 the head and tail method, the effect of which may be com- 

 pleted by the use of the rope-twitch. By teaching obe- 

 dience to the word "steady! " (see page 129) we can, with 

 a degree of certainty unattainable by any other means, 

 make the horse stand like a statue, by mere word of com- 

 mand. The rope-twitch can be so readily and easily 

 applied, is so effective in its results, and is so free from evil 

 consequences, that its application is of the utmost value 

 in rendering horses docile. Having made the refractory 

 horse acquainted with the meaning of the word " steady ! " 

 we may take hold of the loose end of the rope-twitch and 

 direct an assistant to proceed to handle, saddle, mount, or 

 otherwise try the temper of the animal, whom we should 

 punish by jerking the rope and uttering the word "steady! " 

 the moment he makes the slightest refractory movement. 

 Each time the punishment is inflicted, the objected-to 

 action should be recommenced, and the punishment re- 

 peated until obedience is obtained, when a caress and 

 encouraging words should testify our approval. We should 

 continue this instruction until we have made the animal 

 thoroughly obedient. The noose-twitch (see page 136), 

 from the ease with which it can be applied and taken 

 off, is particularly useful for making horses steady for 

 mounting and dismounting. If time is pressing, or if 

 we are unable to accomplish our purpose by less severe 

 methods, we may make the horse lie down and keep him 

 on the ground (see page 165) until he "gives in." 



