138 FEAR— ITS EFFECTS. 



no half- way work. Make every step sure, and go slowly until the 

 horse can be put in shafts as before explained, and driven without 

 showing fear. This work must in all cases be done out of doors. It 

 may also be necessary to repeat the lesson once or twice, so far as 

 leading around, feeling and smelling of the carriage, are concerned. 

 It is only a matter of a little work and care in this way to make al- 

 most any horse entirely gentle and fearless. 



Objects Exciting Fear while Riding or Driving. 



In overcoming the horse's fear of objects while riding or driv- 

 ing, very much depends upon the treatment. If but partially bro- 

 ken, and sensitive, it will help very much to put him through a 

 course of subjection. Sometimes, horses so exceedingly sensitive 

 that they can hardly be driven with any degree of safety, after being 

 treated are entirely fearless in driving. This is seen in the effect 



Fig. 174. Fig. 175. Fig. 176 Fig. 177. 



Contrasts of Character. 



produced by the treatment upon the wild colt. The subjection of 

 " Wild Pete," referred to at the conclusion of this chapter, is a good 

 illustration of the remarkable effect of this treatment. 



If the horse drives gentle, but is afraid of some special object, 

 such as a white stone, stump, sheep, etc., take all the precaution 

 possible against his seeing such things suddenly and unexpectedly. 

 As soon as his alarm is excited, if at all violent, the best way is to 

 stop him, speak encouragingly, and hold him quiet until his alarm 

 subsides, then let him go on,, quieting him until the object is 

 reached or passed by. 



Many horses that may appear perfectly gentle, and perhaps 

 used for family driving with entire safety, are consequently sup- 

 posed safe under any circumstances. No mistake can be greater. 

 A horse may be all right, but suppose a threshing-machine or a 

 threshing-machine engine were suddenly met : these are entirely- 

 new, and may suddenly frighten the horse. Do not undertake to 

 drive against such objects ; you had better turn around and drive 



