KICKING IN HARNESS. 



77 



If this will not do, repeat the lesson of subjection which 

 the reader has been shown, and if there is any doubt about 

 submitting to the shafts without danger of an accident, get 

 TWO POLES about twelve feet each in length ; lay them 

 down on the ground so that the small ends will be about 

 twenty-two inches apart, and the large ends are six or seven 

 feet apart. Next get a piece of pole of the same size, lay 

 across and tie firmly to the side poles just far enough from 

 the forward ends so when the horse is hitched in the tugs 

 are tied to this crosspiece with pieces of cord. Hitch to 

 this without holdbacks, and drive around, repeatedly stop- 

 ping and backing the horse against the cross-piece until 

 there is perfect submission. This driving in poles may be 

 repeated if thought necessary, remembering that it is ab- 

 solutely necessary to make every step sure before the next 

 is attempted. 



A great advantage of repeating the lesson is, that the 

 sensibility of the mouth is so greatly increased that the most 

 plucky horse will scarcely dare resist the bit after being 

 severely punished a few times. If the horse yields, but is 

 doubtful or appears touchy and sensitive once in a while, 

 you may be able to make your point by putting on the foot 

 STRAP, which is an excellent means of controlling a doubt- 

 ful horse, in making this step. 



This is simply disabling 

 and controlling one of the 

 fore feet, by a strap 

 which is passed over the 

 belly-band and back to 

 the wagon as a third rein. 

 Simply pulling upon this 

 at the instant there is an 

 attempt to kick, throws 

 the horse off his balance 

 and disables him from 

 doing so. It must be 

 borne in mind that much 

 depends in making sub- 

 jection thorough; no mat- 

 ter how good or proper the treatment, the horse must 

 be made to yield unconditionally, or failure is not only 

 probable but almost certain. 



