DETAILS OF TEEATMENT. 189 



seven feet long, say in a quick and sharp manner, " Get 

 up ! " If he does not respond at once, catch both reins in 

 the left hand, step a little to left, at the same time lift the 

 reins out of the way of the whip, and give him one or two 

 sharp cuts around the legs up near the belly. Then quickly 

 jerk upon the near rein to disconcert and throw the head 

 up. If the horse springs ahead surprised and disconcerted, 

 a few repetitions will soon establish the idea of going ahead 

 when commanded. Should he, however, kick in response, 

 this must at once be abandoned ; as in bad cases these fel- 

 lows will stand sullenly, and fight every time struck. 

 Grasp the reins as before in the left hand, and step to the 

 right and forward of the quarters. Instantly after the 

 sharp " Get up ! " give one or two keen cuts with the whip 

 across the tip of the nose. This will so surprise him as to 

 cause him to jump quickly. After a few repetitions he 

 will, at command, spring ahead without being touched, when 

 the point is made. Now drive around right and left until 

 he will start or stop as desired. When the horse works 

 well, make friends with him by giving apples, etc., which 

 tells him that punishment is for resistance, and reward for 

 obedience. No matter how stubborn these cases may ap- 

 pear at first, if treated sharply in this way they will in- 

 variably work in well. 



When I first hitched up " GifFord," he seemed to have 

 his own mind about going, and would not start ahead when 

 commanded. I gave him a sharp touch of the whip, when 

 he kicked and smashed the dash in. This was his trick, 

 of which I knew nothing. I at once unhitched him, and 

 treated as just explained, until he would start promptly, 

 and he never kicked afterward. 



Sometimes in driving or trotting, a horse will go off all 

 right until struck with the whip or pushed a little, when he 

 will sulk or kick. Such are usually horses showing a large 



