PALLIATIVE TREATMENT. 233 



really difficult cases. They were used by Hie almost daily 

 under circumstances like the following : 



After subjecting a horse to the Second Method, while 

 still tied, the effort would be made to take up the foot ; but 

 it was rarely, unless thoroughly subdued, that the foot 

 would be submitted. The same is true of the cord or War 

 Bridle. It was often a matter of considerable importance, 

 to be able to control some cases quickly, and I would, as an 

 experiment, try the most simple and direct methods of 

 management. I have experimented in this way thou- 

 sands of times before, after regular subjective treatment 

 with the War Bridle, and cannot regard it as more than pal- 

 liative, since it would, in a great many cases, prove entirely 

 inefficient. Even with the Double Draw Hitch, its most 

 powerful and effective form, which, until recently, we kept 

 a secret, and used only as a reserve, we could not de- 

 pend upon it. Fifteen years ago the War Bridle was my 

 principal resource for controlling colts and bucking horses 

 to ride. But it is entirely inferior to the Second Method 

 for the control of bad cases. Simply tying the head to the 

 tail, and sending around until dizzy, then mounting from 

 the outside, so as not to get entangled by the strap, the 

 horse will be found so helpless that he cannot buck ; should 

 he attempt it he would simply be carried around the more 

 rapidly until submissive. 



The matter of breaking bucking colts ana horses was a 

 common, and, sometimes, a very formidable difficulty to 

 meet. One of the worst cases I ever came across was a ten- 

 year-old mule in Central Mississippi. It was proved ab- 

 solutely impossible, even by the restraint of any kind of 

 rigging, to mount or keep upon this brute's back. In fact, 

 the case was so bad, and the people felt so sure that I could 

 not ride her, that they made up a large class for me, know- 

 ing they would get their money back if I failed to do so. 



