GENERAL REMARKS. 



horse as by sudden or unexpected contact with objects or 

 sounds, are produced in various ways. Now, as these dif- 

 ficulties are entirely preventable by proper treatment, the 

 importance of understanding and applying it can be appre- 

 ciated. 



A horse's way of reasoning is limited to his experience 

 in seeing, hearing, and feel- 

 ing. When convinced in 

 this way that an object or 

 sound will not hurt him, no 

 matter how objectionable 

 or repugnant it may have 

 previously seemed in ap- 

 pearance, it will be re- 

 garded with entire indif- 

 ference. It is remarkable FIG. 111. Extreme of a wild, vicious 



also what a degree of in- 

 sensibility to fear, or how much confidence can be inspired 

 when proper treatment is applied. For instance : Let a 

 pole be brought suddenly or unexpectedly against the quar- 

 ters of a wild colt, and he will instantly jump, snort, and 

 kick, showing the greatest fear of it. If this be repeated 

 for a few times, the fear, kicking, and effort to get away 

 will be greatly increased. If, on the contrary, the pole 

 were slowly and gently brought to the nose, so that he can 

 smell of it, then passed over the mane and back, gently 

 rubbing the parts, and gradually extending it over the hips 

 and across the quarters lightly, increasing the force of the 

 contact as he will bear, at the same time attracting his at- 

 tention, and quieting his fear by stroking the head, talking 

 to him, or giving apples, etc., a few repetitions, requiring 

 in all, perhaps not more than ten or fifteen minutes, will 

 make the colt entirely fearless and indifferent to being 

 touched. 



