50 HUMANE HORSE-TRAINING 



time it will be necessary to get him used to different 

 objects he will be likely to meet on the road. This 

 lesson is best given in the field, with just the bridle 

 and long reins and surcingle. Let the colt walk round 

 quietly, give the command " Whoa ! " then get some- 

 body to make a noise on an old tin can, or drum, and 

 drive the colt around at a fair distance, gradually bringing 

 him nearer and nearer to the noise, by which time he 

 will be almost used to it. 



Talk to him, and when you get right up to the noise, 

 pull the reins and say " Whoa ! " Then stop the noise 

 and allow the colt to touch the instrument. When he 

 has satisfied his curiosity, have the " music " start again, 

 commencing very quietly and gradually increasing in 

 sound. Be careful not to startle or frighten the colt. 

 Caress him and talk to him. The colt will try to follow 

 you, but you must continue to drive him in the long 

 reins ; do not lead him. After he has commenced to 

 ignore the noise let someone lay a heap of papers on the 

 ground and drive your colt all round them ; let him see 

 them from all angles; then drive him slowly up to 

 them, letting him step over them. Be careful to hold 

 him and have your reins tight, for it is probable he will 

 give a jump when he is passing over them. Continue 

 this until he ignores them; let him feel them, and then 



