WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE 389 



such as papers, umbrellas, robes, and the like; and to 

 sound, as sleigh bells and steam cars. Now pad the 

 knees and hitch the horse to a vehicle. After driving 

 him about for a time give him an opportunity to run 

 away, choosing a straight, wide road. When he gets well 

 under way command "steady" and begin to restrain his 

 front feet with the safety rope. Slacken him gradually 

 until slow enough to permit a sudden stop, then give the 

 command "whoa" and bring him to his knees. Repeat 

 this a few times. Now try him again and just before 

 applying the safety rope give him a severe pull on the 

 lines in order to impress him that we have the same 

 power with the lines that we have with the safety rope. 

 Continue this work, driving the horse past objects that 

 formerly excited him to run. After a few rather hard 

 falls he will usually become submissive. 



Tossing and shaking the head. — Many otherwise good 

 driving horses have the very aggravating habit of tossing 

 the head up and down, or throwing it from side to side. 

 Such nervousness not only detracts from the general 

 appearance of the horse, but makes him difficult to drive 

 properly, as he pulls the lines through the hands and 

 may throw the lines over the end of the shaft and an 

 accident result. Such habits are often difficult to over- 

 come. First examine the mouth to see that it is free 

 from sores and that the bit and bridle are properly ad- 

 justed. Procure a short strap about six inches long 

 provided with a snap on either end and a loose ring in 

 the center. Snap the leather to the bit rings so the loose 

 ring on the leather will remain under the lower jaw. 

 Now secure a strap to this loose ring, pass it down be- 

 tween the front legs and attach to the belly band, similar 

 to a standard martingale. When the horse is properly 

 reined this is a very effective appliance, as he is unable 

 to move the head out of position. 



Tongue-lolling. — Many good driving horses have the 

 disagreeable habit of protruding the tongue from the 



