48 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



directions is quite useless. Early impressions with 

 animals and children are lasting. The head-collar 

 should be of soft but strong leather, fitting snugly 

 about the nose, so that the little chap may not catch 

 a hind foot in it, as he is not unlikely to do when 

 scratching his cheek, etc., and so arranged that the 

 cheek-pieces will not draw into his eyes. Lead him 

 behind or beside his mother, — for he will go freely 

 after her, — just restraining him enough so that 

 he may feel that he is not free, and if he goes along 

 quietly for fifty feet or so, unsnap your halter-shank 

 and let him go, but never if he is pulling at you 

 at the time ; wait until he chances to be quiet, and if 

 he is loosened then he will not get the idea that 

 his efforts effected it. A few brief lessons like this, 

 and he is ready to be really led. Generally he will 

 come quietly with you, but be prepared for the worst. 

 If he resists, do not pull him or jerk him, and above 

 all do not look him in the eye — unless he is very 

 wilful. Simply stand still and hold your own; the 

 rest is his affair. Let him pull it out, — he is learn- 

 ing every instant, — and w'hen he does " come 



