58 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



A " trip line " to a fore foot is a safeguard, if a 

 colt is inclined to bolt, or perhaps run away, but 

 this inclination is best combated perhaps by double- 

 harness work. With the light and sensitive mouth 

 such a colt will have, and educated as he has been, 

 this escapade is unlikely, but if worst comes, and you 

 feel that he is " going," try to " whirl " him by 

 putting your strength on one rein and circling him, 

 if you have room ; or put him head-on to a fence 

 or building if time serves. There is an indefinable 

 preliminary cringing, dropping of tail and ears, etc., 

 — hard to describe but unmistakable after you have 

 " been there " once or twice, — and when you see 

 it coming, do anything you can accomplish quickest, 

 even to throwing him, if possible, for he may 

 endanger other lives if he gets under way. 



Punishment must come, and it should always be 

 severe, but try to let him know the exact reason for 

 it. For instance, he tries to turn round ; this proba- 

 bly happened when you were driving him on foot, 

 and well if so, because you could correct him then 

 and there. Try to straighten him out, giving him 



