204 BALKING. 



good. Many horses are led into this habit by badly fitting collars, 

 that either choke or make the shoulders so sore that it becomes 

 painful to push steadily or firmly. 



When hitched to a load, care should be used to prevent 

 pulling so hard and long at a time as to get out of breath. Neither 

 should a stop be made in a soft place, or where a steady, heavy pull 

 to start will be required. The team should be kept fresh, and en- 

 couraged by stopping often and giving the horses a chance to re- 

 cover breath. In pulling up hill or very steep places, a good rest 

 should be given before starting. If one or both horses become con- 

 fused, and balk, let them stand until they recover fully. Then 

 stand in front, take both by the head, and move them to the right 

 or left. It is sometimes advisable to turn them both ways. When 

 you get them to move together, say gently and .encouragingly, 

 "Come, boys !" or any word to which they are accustomed. Much 

 depends upon the tact of the driver in bringing them up against the 

 collar with assurance, and in helping them to break the force of the 

 dead pull in starting, by moving partly sideways. If the wheels are 

 gunk in the mud, and the power and willingness of the horses to pull 

 out is doubtful, a part of the load should be thrown off; better do 

 this than run the risk of spoiling the team. 



Horses compelled to pull hard should not be checked up. Let 

 the head have full freedom. Sometimes a horse is so stubborn that 

 he will not go, even when not required to pull any load. Always be 

 governed, by circumstances, such as the horse's disposition and the 

 difficulty to be encountered. If of a sensitive, nervous disposition, 

 try either of the' following tricks, which in many cases will work 

 very nicely : First, tie a strap or cord to the end of the tail, bring it 

 forward between the legs and attach it to the hame ring of the gen- 

 tle horse, or to the end of the pole. Tie it so short that unless the 

 horse will come forward promptly to his place he will be pulled 

 upon sharply. Or double a piece of cord (that used for War Bridle is 

 best), pass the tail through the center, and twist the ends of the cord 

 three or four times and tie to the hame ring of the gentle horse or 

 to the end of the pole. Or, again, a noose may be formed of a small 

 chain or rope around the body back of the shoulders, and tied to 

 the end of the wagon tongue." Now when the gentle horse is made 

 to start, the pull becomes so severe that it startles and disconcerts 

 the balky horse from his purpose, and compels him to go ahead. 



After adjusting either of these rigs, start the gentle horse 

 quickly so as to make a sharp pull upon the balker, which will sur- 

 prise and force htm to jump ahead. After a few repetitions, he 



