230 



BAD TO SHOE. 



If the horse is very sensitive and excitable, but natur- 

 ally gentle if given his own way (they are usually rangy, 

 good-tempered animals until excited or irritated, when they 



become exceedingly obsti- 

 nate in their resistance, 

 perhaps simply pulling the 

 foot away at an unguarded 

 or critical moment, kicking 

 or throwing the poor smith 

 across the shop), a great 

 deal, of course, depends 

 upon the good management 

 of the shoer, but as much 

 on the aid of the owner. 



FIG. 185. snowing the manner of letting Try the following COUrse : 

 up on the cord as the horse submits. -r TT1 , -. . , -, . 



When the smith is in posi- 

 tion, and ready, his left hand resting on the horse's hip, let 

 the owner, or some good, quiet man, catch the horse's ear 

 with one hand, squeezing or twisting it a little, with the 

 other stroke the nose, or 

 grasp the muzzle, and hold 

 firmly but gently, at the 

 same time talking to the 

 horse kindly. If there is 

 resistance to this, try blind- 

 folding. Tie a blanket, or 

 something convenient, over 

 the eyes, at the same time 

 rubbing the nose, etc. 

 With care on the part of 

 the shoer, cases that have 

 proved very difficult to 

 shoe will submit at once to be shod as desired. If these 

 expedients fail, put on the cord, the First, or Double Draw 



FIG. 186. Four-ring Bit. Method 

 of pulling down on the cord. 



