90 RUNNING BACK. 



strong man, who would avoid any thing like abuse or a 

 fight with the horse, to take this course. You will be sur- 

 prised at your success ; but it may take you several hours to 

 do it. Then be careful for a few times, hitching, taking a 

 few moments in stopping and starting as before, and re- 

 warding ; then gradually let the horse out to his work. There 

 is a great deal in this sort of natural tact ; and I would ask, 

 What are a few hours' or a half-day's time spent in this 

 way, compared to the gratification and success the effort 

 accomplishes ? 



RUNNING BACK. 



If, in training the colt, you make him back too freely when 

 pulled upon, you are liable to have this habit learned, which 

 is a very bad one, because so much beyond control. It is 

 on this account I repeatedly warn not to try to back the 

 colt until he learns to go ahead and sideways, and does it 

 well, and be careful not to get the colt's mouth too sensi- 

 tive. No matter how stubbornly a colt may resist the bit, or 

 how hard the mouth, there will be no difficulty of making it 

 as sensitive as you please with the breaking-bit. If, for 

 example, you were to force the colt to back while warm, and 

 after a desperate struggle, you will find that next day the 

 colt will be too light on the bit. Make him go back now, 

 freely, a few times, and the habit is established ; or if restless, 

 and you pull back sharply, making the colt to run back, if 

 you are not careful, it will become an established habit. 



To break up this habit, there must be established a 

 thorough fear of the whip, so as to induce going ahead when 

 commanded. Put on harness, and tie the tugs into the rings 

 of the breeching rather short. Drive around with the reins, 

 giving a sharp cut, with a good bow-whip, around the legs 

 once in a while, if not prompt. As the horse learns to 

 spring ahead when commanded, pull a little on the lines, 

 gradually repeating until he will pull quite hard on the bit 

 to go ahead. Make this as thorough as possible. In driv- 

 ing, repeat this, going ahead promptly, whipping up sharply 

 once in a while, if necessary. 



The main point is to create a thorough fear of going back. 

 Now, attach to wagon, and gradually work up with whip. 

 The foot-strap may be put on, if there is any possible danger 

 of the horse running back when hitched. 



