THE HORSE, HOW TO BREAK AND TRAIlf. 12S 



when colts are usually gelded. He should be exercised in a close yard, 

 first at the end of the halter, and at length without bridle or halter rein, 

 and made to advance, to back, to circle, to describe a figure eight, to rear 

 and come down at the word of command, to kneel, to sit on his haunches, 

 to lie down, and especially to come instantly to Ms keeper at the word 

 of command. 



All this takes time, but is labor well spent, for henceforth his usefulness 

 as a sire, and escapes from accidents by being kicked, may depend upon 

 his thorough training. Any observing person will have noted that in 

 fully half the cases a stallion will be found dragging his keeper about 

 like a puppet. All this may be avoided by proper care and training, 8o 

 the horse will retain his full exhuberance of spirit, and yet be entirely 

 under control. 



His care and keeping should be of the best possible, and his daily exer- 

 cise enough to keep his muscles firm, certainly not less than eight mile* 

 a day during the season of service. However well trained the stallion, 

 when it comes to actual service, there is always a time when he may 

 refuse to obey. Then he must be made to do so at whatever cost, and U> 

 accomplish the object, the whip must be used to any extent suflicient to 

 conquer him. Cut sharp and strong, but with temperate judgment. Do 

 not rain a succession of blows. This will only make him fight. A few 

 well-directed blows will generally suflice, if they are sharp and cutting. 

 Do not be afraid oi drawing blood. If it can be done at the first stroke, 

 so much the better. Give him time to think before you strike the second 

 time. Give him the order you wish him to execute. If there is the 

 least hesitation, strike again, and so on until he is conquered. If he has 

 been properly trained previously, he will handle nearly as easy as a geld- 

 ing. If not, he may become a brute, dangerous for any man to handle. 

 Above all, a stallion once trained, never intrust him to an incompetent 

 keeper, and never allow a valuable one to be ridden during the season of 

 hard service. If he travels from one station to another, or is otherwise 

 exercised, it should be with a leading rein, the rider being on anoth^ 

 horse. 



