Tricks, Etc., Taught by Kindness 95 



Lying down is taught very easily. Put a plain 

 snaffle bridle on the horse, and a rope or strap on his 

 off fetlock, running thence up over his shoulder and 

 withers to your hand (armed with heavy glove). 

 You stand on his left side, your right shoulder 

 against his left. Now pull up his fore foot by draw- 

 ing on the rope over his withers; pulling (by your 

 left hand on the bit) his head and neck round to 

 your body (i. e. so that it curves round you), and 

 saying, " Lie down." He must go down first on 

 his knees, then on his side. Never hurry him, and 

 be sure you are fit yourself, for he must go down 

 the first time, or he will get the idea he need not — 

 and always afterward resist. Soon the mere picking 

 up the foot and the order will ensure his obeying — • 

 especially if he is allowed to roll when down, for 

 all horses greatly fancy this privilege. 



To teach him to kneel, strap up one leg (he must 

 be on deep straw, earth, or soft grass), and tap the 

 other leg until he goes down. He will plunge up 

 for a few times, but finally through fatigue remain 

 kneeling, when reward him freely. He will finally 



