BALKING IN DOUBLE HARNESS. 85 



enough to hold the pole in the centre. Or you can get 

 a ring that will slip over the pole easily, and from it extend a 

 cord or strap to each hame-ring, and run the pole through 

 this ring which will hold it in place. Tie the cord on the 

 head now to the pole through the hole at the end, and leav- 

 ing it just long enough to give freedom, so long as the horses 

 keep even ; but as soon as there is refusal to go, the strength 

 of the true horse is brought by the pole on the head, which 

 will compel going ahead. (See cut.) Start and stop the 

 horses until obedience is secured. This pole may be left on 

 an hour to half a day as desired. 



The horse should not be required at first to use much 

 strength in drawing. Let this be required gradually, as 



Pole applied to balker, as shown when attached to the off horse. 



is obedience and willingness inspired to work. It is a grave 

 fault to try to make the horse wdrk immediately. This must 

 not be attempted. First, create a willingness to start when 

 commanded, then gradually increase the load until it be- 

 comes habitual to draw when commanded. I forgot to men- 

 tion that when the purchase is obtained by extending the 

 wagon-tongue, at first let the wagon be empty. As you make 

 the horse go as desired, then gradually put in load. Either 

 of these methods, when applied properly, will break a horse 

 of the habit. It gives all the advantage needed, and only a 

 little care is necessary in carrying out the principle and prac- 

 tice to break any horse easily of balking. 



