118 ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTTOK. 



A self-possessed man, understanding the use of the whip, is in but little 

 danger from a young horse. But there is no need that the animal es- 

 cape. The straps and leading ropes must be secure. 



When the colt gives up, let the assistant hold the rope, while the 

 trainer, with the whip under his arm, the butt forward, gently and grad- 

 ually shortens his rope, advancing to the horse. Take plenty of time, 

 speaking firmly but soothingly to the horse, watching for any indications 

 of vice. If the ears are held naturally or thrown forward, all is right. 

 When mischief is intended they will l)e thrown back. When the horse 

 allows you to approach him and will smell the whip or your hand, give 

 him a trifle of salt or sugar, rub his nose gently, and induce him to fol- 

 low you. Then lead him into the stable and tie him in the stall securely. 

 From this time on he should have a daily lesson until broken. 



One thing must be remembered ; in first tying up in the stable, the 

 lialter must be so strong that the animal cannot hy any possible means 

 break it, and so perfectly fitting and secure that he cannot slip or rub it 

 off. Thus you will never again have to break him of pulling at the halter. 



X. Saddling and Harnessing. 



The trammg of the horse fairly commenced, it should proceed day by 

 day. Get him used to the harness and saddle by putting them on every 

 day. Do not throw them on. Buckle every strap as carefully as though 

 the animal was to be taken to work. The saddle being allowed to be put 

 on without restiveness, and kindly taken, gradually draw the girth tighter 

 from day to day until sufficiently tight so it will not turn. Begin by 

 bearing some weight upon it, first with the hand and then by pulling on 

 the stirrup. If the colt cringes at first and leans over to the side pulled 

 upon, it will soon get over it, and will at length allow the full weight of 

 the man sitting upright upon the saddle in the stall. 



Then accustom the colt to being touched in different parts of the body 

 with the legs, to be squeezed somewhat with the thighs and knees, mount- 

 ing and dismounting repeatedly. This being permitted, lead him out of 

 the stable, and while an assistant holds him by the bridle above the bits 

 —not by the reins — the trainer mounts, the assistant lets go, and in nine 

 cases out of ten the horse will move off at the word of command. If he 

 doe? not, use no haste ; give him time. If he rears and plunges, the 

 rider must have full command and confidence in himself, or else quietly 

 dismount and use the previous course until the animal understands what 

 is wanted. If the rider is master of the saddle, and the horse plunges or 

 throws himself about, get him into motion in a field of not less than ten 

 acres, and if rather soft, so much the better ; circle him about the field 



