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Many persons suppose that it is perfectly naiural for the horse 

 to go right on just as you want him to. This is a mistake. 

 It is natural for the horse to move along in some way, but 

 there is the widest difference between mere locomotion, and a 

 fine, easy, rapid road gait, so desirable in the family horse, 

 and we should remember that this desirable quality is the 

 result of vei-y careful and continuous ti'aining. And first, you 

 must teach your horse the meaning and use of the word go, 

 or go on, or some word or expression that signifies your wish 

 for him to move on, and when you have selected your word or 

 expression, never use it for any other purpose. And you 

 should not use it for the right object, too often, for, if you are 

 constantly saying go on, go on, you won't have any go on 

 when you vpant it. There is a certain kind of familiarity that 

 breeds contempt, even in a horse. He soon becomes indifler- 

 ent and dull, then comes the use of the whip, which should 

 never bo used, except for punishment, or as an ornament. 

 Give him one good, clear, distinct go on, that will send him 

 on his wrt}^ until the word whoa brings him to a halt. 



When this is thoioughly accomplished, then the horse must 

 be taught the use and power of the bit. This is, or should be, 

 a very delicate operation. In our opinion, more young })orses 

 are spoiled by the cruel and sometimes dastardly use of the 

 bit, than in any other way, If you do not see the point, just 

 place a bar of cold iron in your own mouth, some cold winter 

 morning, and then let some ignoramus, who prides liimself on 

 his superior muscle, experiment » little time, in turning your 

 head or moving your body, and you will have some apprecia- 

 tion of the sensibility of the horse's mouth. The bit should 

 be adjusted to your horse's mouth so as to hang as easily and 

 naturally as possible. If your animal should object to receiving 

 •it into his mouth at first, don't strike him over the head, nor 

 pull him forcibly around, nor even scold him for his seeming 

 disobedience. Take the bit in your hand, show it to him, con- 

 vince him that jt is harmless, and the most obstinate colt will 



