SECOND METHOD. 43 



cause him to fall. The more nervous and excitable the 

 subject, the longer the strap must be left at first ; and the 

 colder-blooded, ' the shorter must it be drawn. If at all 

 doubtful as to the length, when the strap is run through 

 the tail hold it in the hand and go around with him a few 

 times (as in cut 35) so that the necessary length can be 

 exactly ascertained, then quickly tie into a half-hitch knot 

 and let go. If tied the right length, the horse will keep 



FIG. 37. A vicious colt as he will usually strike when the pole 

 is brought near his nose while turning. 



moving in a circle as described ; but if tied too short, or 

 forced up to the point of falling, the moment he staggers 

 pull quickly upon the end of the strap which will pull it 

 loose, and tie again the required length. 



Sulky or cold-blooded colts, if tied very short at first, 

 are liable to throw the head against the nose-piece of the 

 halter, and if pushed are likely to rear up and fall over 

 backward. This can be easily prevented by holding the 



