66 



METHODS OF TREATMENT. 



Divide the hair above the knot, pass the strap through, and tie into 

 a half-hitch knot. The strap should be drawn just short enough to 

 compel the horse to turn fast enough to divert his attention (some- 

 thing as in Fig. 83) and make him helpless, but not so short as to 

 cause him to fall. The more nervous and excitable the subject, 

 the longer the strap must be left at first, and the more sullen or 

 cold-blooded the horse, the shorter it may be drawn. If at all 

 doubtful as to the length, when the strap is run through the tail, be- 



Fig. .89. — As the Sulky, Vicious Colt is Liable to Throw Himself if Tied too Short. 



fore tying the strap double it in the hand, and go around with him a 

 few times, as in Fig. 86, so that the necessary length can be exactly 

 ascertained ; then quickly tie into a half-hitch knot, and let go. If 

 tied the right length, the horse will keep moving in a circle as de- 

 scribed ; but if too short, or forced up to the point of falling, the 

 moment he staggers, pull quickly upon the end of the strap, which 

 will pull it loose, and tie again the required length. 



Sulky or cold-hlooded colts, if "tied very short at first, are liable 

 to throw the head against the nose-piece of the halter, and if pushed 

 are likely to rear up and fall over backward, as shown by Fig- 89. , 

 This can be easily prevented by holding the strap, as before, up near 

 the tail with one hand, as before explained, and the part near the 

 fead with the other, and going around with him a few times, until 



