70 THE HORSE 



notice when tired. This does not always prove 

 that he is shamming — nor is it to be confounded 

 with neurotic or hysterical shying, of which I will 

 speak later. When fresh, his nerves are keyed 

 up to such high tension — are all on such a tiptoe 

 of expectancy, as it were — that the impression is 

 telegraphed to the brain with lightning rapidity 

 and an involuntary shrinking is the result. Later, 

 when he is tired, the nervous action is slower. 



Although, as a general rule, it is preferable to 

 drive a horse by an object that he fears rather 

 than to lead him, there are a great many cases 

 where the latter is necessary and it is highly im- 

 portant to know how to do it. Strangely enough, 

 this thing, which seems so simple, is almost in- 

 variably done in the wrong way. Under the im- 

 pression that the horse needs coaxing and per- 

 suading, the ordinary driver will stand facing him 

 and grasping the two reins close to the bit, walk 

 sideways, constantly speaking words of encourage- 

 ment as he endeavors to " work " the animal by 

 the object. No wonder the horse believes the oc- 

 casion a momentous one. From his driver's be- 

 havior he is led to believe he must nerve himself 

 to pass some terrible object. 



Now the right way is this: Grasp the near 

 rein in your right hand about a foot from the bit. 

 Now, holding it firmly, but looking right before 



