152 



FAULTS OF TEMPER. 



long reins, and using them in the manner just described, 

 for controlling the horse when the assistant mounts him, 

 will be sufficient for an expert. 



Biting and savaging. — Apply the wooden gag (see 

 page 1 60), and if necessary, tie up one fore leg, or put on 

 the strait-jacket. Then handle the horse, and give him 

 every opportunity to bite, so as to show him that he cannot 

 effect his purpose, and that, when he vainly attempts to 

 do so, he will hurt his mouth by the pressure of the gag on 

 his gums. On this account, its action is most salutary, and 

 differs entirely from a muzzle, which simply protects the 

 object of the animal's resentment, without either checking 

 the practice of the habit, or punishing him for indulging in 

 it. I need hardly say that, with the gag on, the horse is 

 unable to bring his teeth together. The fore leg may be 

 let down, or the strait-jacket taken off, as soon as the horse 

 is quiet to handle with the gag alone. This appliance may 

 be kept in the horse's mouth for an hour or longer, during 

 which time he should be handled with gentleness and 

 freedom ; particular care being taken not to irritate the 

 animal, whose confidence and affection we should now 

 endeavour to win. The worst biter ought to be rendered 

 safe to handle, when the gag is out of his mouth, by giving 

 him a week's course of three of these lessons daily, with 

 a subsequent lesson, now and then, if necessary. For 

 safety sake, the breaker should teach the horse the meaning 

 of the word " steady ! " (see page 129) with the rope-twitch. 

 Though many bad, treacherous biters have passed through 

 my hands, I have never met one which would attempt to 



