44 



VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY, 



ment at being brought to his knees, he begins to resist ; that is, he rears 

 up on his hind legs, and springs about in a manner that will sometimes 

 alarm the trainer (Fig. 57). Daring these struggles you must not try 

 your strength against the horse's strength, but merely follow him about, 

 holding the strap just tight enough to prevent him from putting out his 

 off fore-leg. As long as you keep close to Mm, and behind Ms shoulders, 

 you are in very little danger. The bridle in the left hand must be used 

 like steering lines, by pulling to the right or left as occasion requires ; 

 the horse, turning on his hind legs, may be fatigued by being forced to 



Fia. 56. 

 The Horse on his knees. 



walk backwards. The strap passing through the surcingle keeps, or 

 ought to keep, the trainer in his right place ; he is not to pull or in any 

 way fatigue himself more than he can help, but, standing upright, simply \ 

 follow the horse about, guiding him with the bridle so he will not pre- 

 cipitate himself against the side of tlie stable or room in which you are 

 exercising him. When held and guided properly, he will soon sink down. 

 Corn-fed horses will hold out longer than grass-fed ones, and the most 

 energetic horse will scarcely struggle more than ten or fifteen minutes. 



