26 A COUNTRY READER, 



let a horse conquer you, because you will have 

 more trouble next time. A horse soon learns 

 who is master. 



If your voice, rein, and heel fail to obtain 

 obedience, then as a last resource use the whip. 

 When you do use the whip, use it well, but 

 when everything else has failed, and always 

 remember this, for it is very important keep 

 your control ; don't lose your temper. In your 

 treatment of all animals be very patient, and 

 closely observe the different dispositions of each. 



Perhaps there is nothing that shows a good 

 horseman more than his manner of holding and 

 using the whip. A skilful ploughman and very 

 skilful work is ploughing will work his team 

 by his voice, with only the assistance of two 

 slender string reins. 



A good waggoner will seldom strike his horse. 

 Why should he, when the big, beautiful creature 

 understands and obeys everything said to him? 



The human voice, when it is associated with 

 confidence and affection, has a wonderfully calm- 

 ing effect on a horse. It will succeed when 

 everything else fails. Therefore constantly talk 

 to your horse. Before going up to him in his 

 stable always speak to him first. While you are 

 speaking to him, stroke his neck and nose gently. 

 When you can manage it, put a lump of sugar 

 in your pocket, and when you have a chance 



