TREATMENT OF FEAR. 61 



AN UMBRELLA OR PARASOL. 



While holding the colt by the halter or bridle, as may be 

 necessary, bring the umbrella to his nose gently, rub it 

 against the head, neck and body, as he will bear, spreading 

 it a little, repeating the process of rubbing, and so continue 

 gaining little by little, until you can raise the umbrella over 

 the head, and pass it around the animal as you please, 

 without exciting fear or resistance. 



SOUND OF A GUN. 



First, commence by snapping caps a short distance from 

 the horse, gradually, as he will bear, approachmg nearer, 

 until you can snap caps while the gun is resting upon the 

 back, over the head, etc. Then put in a little powder, and 

 at each repetition increase the charge until you can fire oif 

 a heavy load without exciting fear. 



RAILROAD CARS. 



Let the animal see them at rest, then gradually lead or 

 drive him up to them, even to smelling them with his nose. 

 Now, as you have *an opportunity, drive the horse around 

 while they are moving, working up nearer as you can, and 

 at the same time turning him around so that he can see and 

 hear them from different directions. This lesson should be 

 often repeated, being careful not to crowd beyond what the 

 colt will easily bear, until they cease to attract his serious 

 attention. 



OBJECTS EXCITING FEAR WHILE RIDING 

 OR DRIVING. 



Should the horse show fear of a stone or stump, or any- 

 thing of the kind, he will naturally stop and stare at the 

 object in an excited manner. Should the cause of fear be 

 great and sudden, he may attempt to turn round and run 

 away. This is to be guarded against, by sitting well for- 

 ward on the seat, and taking a short hold of the reins, at 

 the same time speaking calmly and encouragingly to the 

 horse. Bear in mind the horse has a great advantage over 

 you, that his excitement is liable to precipitate his whole 



