Unless the horse be wild, the first treatment will be all sufficient; but
should he be too fractious to be approached in a manner necessary to
perform the first named operation, this you will find effectual, and you
may then train your horse to harness or anything else with the utmost
ease.
In breaking horses for harness, after giving the powders, put the harness
on gently, without startling him, and pat him gently, then fasten _the
chain_ to a log, which he will draw for an indefinite length of time. When
you find him sufficiently gentle, place him to a wagon or other vehicle.
NOTE.--Be _extremely_ careful in catching a horse, not to affright him.
After he is caught, and the powders given, rub him gently on the head,
neck, back and legs, and on each side of the eyes, the way the hair lies,
but be very careful not to whip, for a young horse is equally passionate
with yourself, and this pernicious practice has ruined many fine and
valuable horses. When you are riding a colt (or even an old horse), do not
whip him if he scares, but draw the bridle, so that his eye may rest upon
the object which has affrighted him, and pat him upon the neck as you
approach it; by this means you will pacify him, and render him less liable
to start in future.
MEANS OF LEARNING A HORSE TO PACE.
Buckle a four pound weight around the ancles of his hind legs, (lead is
preferable) ride your horse briskly with those weights upon his ancles, at
the same time, twitching each rein of the bridle alternately, by this
means you will immediately throw him into a pace.
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