DETAILS OF TREATMENT. 



167 



No matter how well the horse drives to poles, it is no 

 assurance that he will be reliable before a wagon. The in- 

 creased noise and rattle of the wagon will be an additional 

 cause of excitement to which he must be accustomed. Be- 

 fore hitching, repeat the touching around the quarters and 

 flanks with a pole. If he has been much frightened at the 

 wagon, let him feel and smell of it, at the same time rattle 

 it until he is accustomed to the noise, and encourage him 

 by giving apples, etc. ; then put in shafts. Pull the wagon 



FIG. 140. As the horse usually drives in harness after being subdued. 



forward at first lightly against the quarters, gradually re- 

 peating until it can be brought against the parts quite hard. 

 Now by starting him a little and pulling the wagon behind 

 in this way, it can be ascertained what he will bear. 



Attach him to the wagon without buckling the breech- 

 ing-straps, get in, let him go slowly a few steps, then pull 

 him back sharply, saying, " Whoa ! " which will bring the 

 wagon as before against the quarters. Repeat, driving him 

 faster and faster, until he can be put at a moderate trot, 

 and then increase to a run. In this way he becomes 

 thoroughly reconciled to the noise and excitement of a 

 wagon, as well as to the contact with the shafts. Of course 



