SHYING 69 



that, in some way or other, the horse be got by 

 the object. He will never be good for anything 

 if allowed to turn around and retrace his steps. 

 In many cases I have found a good whalebone whip 

 and a four-ring bit all the adjuncts that were 

 necessary. But generally speaking, the control- 

 ler, described in the last chapter, affords the best 

 means of treatment, for the horse is obliged to 

 stand perfectly still when its pressure is applied, 

 and when it is released he is frequently ready to 

 pass quietly by. With reference to the whip, its 

 use is so often abused that it is never to be recom- 

 mended except to those who know exactly when 

 and how to use it. 



The fact that the fear is sometimes real and 

 sometimes assumed makes it especially difficult to 

 give detailed instructions to fit any and every 

 case. It is essential that the trainer know the 

 one from the other and I find it almost impossible 

 to describe the actions of the horse in each in- 

 stance so that my reader can distinguish the dif- 

 ference. And yet there is a difference, and a 

 difference that anyone who has had much experi- 

 ence with horses can readily perceive. In the 

 assumed fright, the horse is acting a part and his 

 actions do not ring true. 



It often happens that a horse fresh from the 

 stable will shy at an object that he would scarcely 



