avery's own farrier. 227 



This is what preserved Daniel in the lion's den, and is 

 what may save many people the great trouble they meet 

 with in endeavoring to manage the horse. 



How it is done. — The horse is to be taken into a room 

 or close stable, so that his attention may not be attracted 

 by surrounding objects. Then the man, after placing a 

 halter or bridle on him to hold him by, with his power- 

 ful, mental and physical organization, and indomitable 

 will, proceeds to gaze directly in the eye of the horse, 

 which will most assuredly be met by that of the animal. 

 After standing in this position a few moments, the man 

 gently passes his hand over the vertebrae and temples of 

 the horse; this quiets and soothes the nerves of the 

 head, whatever the propensities of the animal may be, 

 being careful not to relinquish his gaze at any time while 

 he is thus caressing him. If the horse is too vicious for 

 a person to stand with safety before him, he can have a 

 partition between them for his safety. There is a certain 

 tone of voice also to be used, which should be modulated 

 according to the temperament of the animal, so as to 

 further the ends sought after. Two lessons a day, say 

 from ten to fifteen minutes at a time, are sufficient; and 

 the worst of horses will generally yield to the supremacy 

 of the man after two or three days' trial, and become 

 perfectly docile and obedient. You may call this mag- 

 netism or what you please. " The light of the body is 

 the eye, if, therefore, thine eye be single, thy whole body 

 shall be full of light," Matthew, vi, 22. There is still 

 another way which expediency sometimes calls for, viz: 

 After proceeding as stated above, whether your horse is 

 in harness or not, if he does not yield, pass the left hand 



