68 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 



teach him at home to have his feet handled and rasped o». 

 If he is vicious, head-and-tail him and give him a dance^ 

 then teach him to have his fore feet handled, sticking to 

 each one until he yields. If he is stubborn, give him an- 

 other dance. Sometimes by strapping up a fore leg they 

 will allow their feet to be handled ; then, again, by merely 

 tying the tips of their ears together will break them. A 

 horse cannot think of two things at once, and by attract- 

 ing his attention to something else you can often accom- 

 plish your purpose. 



HOW 



TO PREVENT 



RUNNING-AWAY 



HABIT 



The first thing to do with a horse of this 

 kind is to] teach him to pay attention to 

 the bit and commands of the driver under 

 all circumstances. To do this, put him into single har- 

 ness, placing the lines through the lugs of the thills in- 

 stead of the turrets, so he cannot turn his face toward 

 you. Now drill him for an hour each day for a month, 

 turning to the right, to the left, backing, going ahead, 

 and stopping instantly. Turn him sharp, and short, 

 and back again, cracking him with the snapper of 

 the whip. Make him stop short at the word, if he 

 does not, give him a sudden check; he will soon learn to 

 stop at once, even if you are several rods away, which 

 will give you control of him at all times. 



