30 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
Fre. 3. the iiorbe in a kneeling posture preparatory to lying down. 
the left bent at the elbow, with the hand projecting. As you move 
forward go not too much toward his head or croup, so as not to make 
him move either forward or backward, thus keeping your horse sta- 
tionary ; if he does move a little either forward or backward, step a little 
to the right or left very cautiously ; this will keep him in the right place. 
When almost in contact stand motionless for a second or two, giving the 
animal another opportunity to survey you, then, speaking in a soothing 
tone, place the hand lightly upon the shoulder, working up toward the 
neck, stroking in the direction in which the hair lies, down the side and 
front of the face to the nostrils. When the nose is reached suffer the hand 
to remain, that the horse may smell of it two or three times, and then as 
Mr. Rarey facetiously remarked, “you’ve got the animal.” Now halter 
securely. Next in order, pass down the neck to the shoulder and on- 
ward to the fore-arin, when you must prevail upon the horse to lift the 
leg which is fastened in the manner described in our illustration, No. 1. 
A looped strap that can be slipped over the knee is the most expedi- 
tious. We will here remark that the floor should be liberally covered 
with straw (tan-bark or saw-dust is better), to prevent any injury result- 
ing to the knees, and it would be well to apply knee-caps. While in 
this position, after letting him stand for a short period, buckle a strong 
surcingle around the horse, the surcingle having a loop upon it, (see 
fig. 2,) then fasten a strap around the fetlock of the off leg, passing the 
other extremity of the strap through the loop. When this portion of 
the business is completed you are ready for active operations. 
The object now is, to back the horse about the stable until he is 
tired and evidently wishes to lie down, then compel him to move for- 
ward, and when the animal lifts the off' foot for that purpose, draw upon 
the strap fastened around that leg, thus elevating it to a like position 
with its mate. The procedure is portrayed in our second engraving. 
Just as soon as this strap is drawn tightly, seize the halter close to the 
head and let the animal down easily upon his knees, as seen in fig. 3. 
This is a critical period, and the operator must possess coolness and 
energy to prevent disaster to himself or the animal. When the horse 
attempts to rise, pull his head around toward the shoulder and his 
demonstrations will prove futile. Bear your weight against his hips, 
and by voice and action endeavor to give him au idea of your wishes, 
continuing the movements as long as it is necessary, when he will 
