72 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION 



however, a method of treatment that should be used with great 

 care and judgment. It is easy, of course, to apply this form of press- 

 ure, but the point is to use it on cases for which it is suited, and 

 adapted properly to enforce their submission. Not enough pressure, 

 or applying it carelessly, would cause failure, while too much or too 

 longrCofltinued pressure would not only be needlessly cruel, but 



dangerous to life. 



I found by experience 

 that pulling sharply upon 

 a horse with the second 

 form of war bridle, which 

 brings the main force of the ' 

 pull upon this point, would 

 often so unnerve and break 

 up his confidence, that, 

 though previously he could 

 not be touched around the 

 feet or body, he would now 

 submit to s such handling 

 with entire docility ; and 

 that putting the center of a 

 cord under the bridle so as 

 to rest upqn this point, and 

 bringing both ends through the rings of jthe bit, and carrying back 

 for reins, would usually make a pulling horse drive submissively, in 

 a short time, to a slack rein. I was not, however, led to make any 

 special effort to, study out the key to this principle of subjection, 

 until, in a chance way; I heard of a man who, in breaking colts, 

 brought a cord moderately tight two or three times around the 

 head. This, with the remembrance of the effects before referred 

 to, led me to experiment carefully with a cord in this way. But, 

 finding it gave but little more advantage than the common war bridle, 

 I abandoned its use. 



At this time I carried canvas, visiting only large centers, which 

 gave me all the opportunity I wished for using the First and Second 

 Methods, and I rarely found a horse that would not submit to these 

 methods of treatment. One day, however, a vicious, kicking mare 

 was brought in that resisted the utmost resources of my regular 

 treatment ; for, once warming up in harness, she would kick, in N spite 

 of all that could be done, in the most desperate manner. The ex- 

 tremity in which I was placed led me instinctively to try what could 

 be done with this treatment by carrying it to the utmost limit, and. 



Fig. 97.— Holding Cord when Through the Mouth. 



