TOP WAGON. 59 



at the same time turning him around so that he can see 

 and hear them from different directions. This lesson 

 should be often repeated, being careful not to crowd be- 

 yond what will be borne easily, until they cease to attract 

 his serious attention. 



A horse once really frightened, must be taken out of 

 doors, and brought under thorough subjection by the first 

 and second courses of subjection. Get good control of 

 the mouth, make every point sure, and now drive around 

 as before described. 



TOP WAGOtf. 



If necessary, use second and third courses of subjec- 

 tion. Next, see that you have perfect control of the 

 mouth with the bit; now with an umbrella, commence 

 gradually at the nose, and work slowly, shutting and open- 

 ing it, going on each side alike, at the same time, giving 

 apples or any thing of which he is fond. From behind, re- 

 peat, first passing the umbrella gradually back over the hips 

 from the shoulders, and finally getting behind, when you 

 are to take the reins, starting and stopping, raising slowly, 

 lowering, closing and opening the umbrella. Make this 

 the object of quite a thorough, careful lesson. Now hitch 

 to a wagon, with top down, or partially so. Be sure you 

 have power enough to hold the horse with the bit while 

 standing. Commence again in the same gradual manner, 

 and work back. Do not by any means attempt to drive 

 right off, and raise the umbrella or top suddenly on the 

 road : if you do, you will undo your work. Be very cau- 

 tious about this : a little care and time now, is what will 

 do your work. If the horse is nervous, get out and to his 

 head, over and over, working back as before. Remember 

 the fear is really in connection with the wagon, and this 

 is the difficulty to be overcome. The umbrella is the top 

 to his imagination ; reconcile him to this carefully. You 

 can also raise and lower the top, and let him smell and 

 see it on every side, before being put in the shafts. Re- 

 member it is an entirely new thing to him ; when he is 

 backed into the shafts, and this is the end you are working 

 for, to reach his mind to be convinced upon ; move a 

 little, while the umbrella is over your head: stop and 



