FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



the whip, and "jab" in the mouth will be his 

 luckless portion because he does some Httle thing, 

 or has some little trick, which you don't like. 



Be sure the animal backs freely (many of them 

 do not) , and that up hill. Let him get his tail 

 over the reins ; he'd better kick then, if he's that 

 way inclined, than after you own him. Hit him 

 sharply near the root of the tail for the same 

 reason ; pull him up sharp, and start him quickly 

 to see if he is balky or inclined to get mad, and 

 to be hot about it ; in short, put him through any 

 " stunts " you consider necessary or advisable, but 

 invariably have a distinct understanding with the 

 dealer first. 



Now that your Bucephalus is tried, and we 

 hope bought and taken home, there are two things 

 to be especially insisted upon. First, use him, 

 and keep using him. Don't think because he is 

 new to you that he is too precious to work. The 

 reason for his demure behavior is because he has 

 labored regularly and steadily for somebody, so 

 keep him going. 



" Mark that day lost which sees the setting sun 

 Descend upon at least ten miles undone ' ' 



may be pasted over Charlie's box-stall door (let 's 

 hope you will give him a box). So use him 



i6 



