TREATMENT FOE VICIOUS STALLIONS. 



239 



It is almost needless to state that there should be the most 

 careful attention, while going around the horse, to keep such a re- 

 straint upon him as will prevent his biting. A very little careless- 

 ness, such as taking the eye off from his, turning the back to him, or 

 relaxing restraint upon the head, would encourage aggression, and 

 practically undo all that had been done. It is easy enough to sub- 

 ject the' horse to the various methods of treatment givenr, but it is 

 not so easy to exercise that prudent after- watchfulness which is an 

 indispensable requisite in fixing and holding the impression made. 



Fig. 287.—" Jet " as Led Home after Treatment. 



In going into the stall, the trainer should give the horse an apple or 

 two, or something he likes, to win his belter nature. It. is also inv- 

 portant that the horse be worked or driven enough to keep him a 

 little sore or tired. 



Above any other class of horses, stallions seem the best able to 

 determine the strength of character of a man from his actions ; and 

 in approaching them in the stall it is almost fatal to success to show 

 any timidity or weakness in voice or manner; whatever the feel- 

 ing of doubt, nothing but the most perfect confidence and firm- 

 ness must be shown. Fencers always look each other in the eye to 

 see an indication of the intended movement, and to be ready to ward ' 

 off the attack. In the same manner are the intentions and move- 



