200 BALKING. 



balking. A short lesson in teaching to start and stop, as directed in 

 " Colt-Training," would prevent this. As it is a very common as 

 well as annoying form of balking, I will include the details of a sim- 

 ple treatment, which can be easily practiced by any one : — 



First, teach the horse to stand (see "Will Not Stand," page 

 201) with the harness on, as explained to stand with the Breaking 

 Bit ; then tie up the reins, give a good sharp lesson with the War 

 Bridle, and put him in shafts. If he balks, overcome it with the War 

 Bridle. If of a quick, nervous disposition, this treatment should be 

 sufficient ; but if of a decidedly resolute, plucky character, regular 

 coercive treatment by Second Method, etc., may be necessary. But 

 as there is usually little inclination among owners to resort to co- 

 ercive treatment, for the benefit of such I include the details of sim- 

 ple, winning treatment : — 



Before putting the horse into the shafts, adjust the harness. 

 Get directly behind, with an ordinary carriage whip touch the hips 

 lightly, and say sharply,, " Get up ! " After going a short distance, 

 call, "Whoa!" and pull lightly upon the reins to make him. stop. 

 When there is prOmpt obedience, give a little apple, etc. Continue 

 driving and stopping until a good foundation is made for the next 

 step. Next, turn the carriage to face a barn or high fence, and qui- 

 etly hitch the horse in ; then go to his head, caress, talk to him, and 

 give him some apple. Be in no hurry," but hold his attention in this 

 way several minutes. When you want him to move, walk ahead a 

 little and say, " Get up ! " or " Come ! " After going a few steps, stop 

 and repeat the rewarding. 



There will be less inclination to rush ahead when a barn or high 

 fence is in front, and you are standing directly before him. In addi- 

 tion to this, his attention is attracted by the apples. In this way re- 

 peat until the obstruction is reached, when it will be easy to turn or 

 back short around. Gradually get back opposite his head and shoul- 

 ders, with each repetition going farther back till the wheel is reached, 

 when mount the step and get into the wagon. Repeat this until the 

 horse is obedient to wait for the driver to get in, stopping and start- 

 ng as desired. Now drive farther, and take some one in with yOu 

 as if to take a journey. First, drive where the horse is least likely 

 to resist, but finally in front of the house, or other place, where there 

 has been most trouble. The hitching and unhitching should be re- 

 peated, and his attention held as before with apples, etc., in the 

 meantime talking, walking around, and rattling the wagon. A little 

 care should be used, especially after idle spells, to hold the attention 

 by giving apples, etc., or have some one stand at his head and' talk 



