274 KUNOTNG AWAY. 



WILL NOT BACK. 



Sometimes a horse will back readily out of harness, but 

 when put before a wagon will resist every effort to make 

 him back. Again, a horse may back all right until crowded 

 and maddened, when he will stand sullenly, and refuse to 

 move. Various palliative measures could be mentioned 

 for making such a horse back, though they are hardly prac- 

 ^ ticable ; as, standing in front and pushing the end of a 

 sharp stick under the shoulder blade gently until he will 

 go back ; or, by taking a firm hold of the reins, and kick- 

 ing the shins until the leg is lifted, then pushing back and 

 repeating until successful. 



If a young, sullen colt is liable to resist the restraint 

 upon the mouth so much as to injure it, put around the 

 body a surcingle. Tie a rope around the fore foot below 

 the fetlock, and bring forward over the belly-band. Now, 

 while standing in front of the horse, catch hold of the reins 

 and pull up the foot ; as you let the foot down again, pull 

 upon the reins ; this will bring the foot down eight or ten 

 inches back of the other one. Caress for this, and repeat, 

 which will very soon teach a sullen colt to go back 

 freely. 



The War Bridle, Second Form, will usually work bet- 

 ter than this means, but it is liable, in extreme cases, to 

 bruise the mouth somewhat. If, however, it is desired to 

 use it, stand on the near side, bring the head partly around, 

 then give a sharp pull backward ; this will force the horse 

 partly sideways, as well as back. Forcing him sideways a 

 little prevents his power, in a great measure, to brace 

 against the pull, as he could do if pulled upon in a line with 

 the body. Simply repeat cautiously until he can be made 

 to go back freely. 



If a horse that has learned to resist, put on the harness 



