CHAPTER VI 

 HANDLING IN THE STABLE 



IN the straw-yard you have taught your 

 horse to lead perfectly, and it is his 

 own desire to follow you. Take him 

 out of the straw-yard with his halter and 

 practise him at leading outside, taking care 

 that you select a place where there are no 

 other horses or other excitements to distract 

 his attention from you, and, above all, see 

 that the infernal dog has been double chained. 

 When you get outside give him just a taste 

 of the oats, to remind him that you carry them. 

 Coming out of the yard for the first time he 

 will be inclined to play up a little, so you have 

 to be watchful. You have less control over 

 him on a loose lead, than you would have in 

 the saddle, and it is most important that in 

 this first outing he should not break away from 

 you. It is in any case desirable that the 

 enclosure should be a small one, so that, in 

 the event of his accidentally snatching the 

 halter from your hand, he is not free to get 

 away for a gaUop. 



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