138 



THE HORSE. 



THE HORSE TAMED. 



temper, but possessed of firmness and courage, and accustomed to 

 deal with horses, may gain such a control over even the most vicious, 

 that he can do what he likes with them in-doors. No one who 

 has examined into the matter can doubt Mr. Rarey's power, nor can 

 he refuse.him the merit of improving upon the old system of con- 

 trolling the horse, by the addition of the second leg strap, which 

 adds so much to the power of the human arm that the most violent 

 and muscular horse has no chance whatever. The secret lies in 

 two essential features; first, that the horse must never be coerced or 

 resisted unless the man is certain of success in controlling him ; 

 and, secondly, that when the former is thoroughly convinced of his 

 powerless condition, and his muscles are tired out, the latter inter- 

 feres and relieves him of his trammel, " gentles" him, gives him 

 kind words, and at length encourages him to rise. The effect is 

 marvellous — the most vicious brute, who would previously tear any 

 man to pieces, after he is thus first coerced, and then " gentled " and 

 relieved, appears to grow fond of his master, and follows him about 

 like a dog. Clearly, therefore, Mr. Rarey may be considered as 

 having been eminently successful in propounding a system of hni,<e. 

 taming ; but it by no means follows that his process is equally, or 

 even at all, useful in horse-breaking. 



