ui^^n'^n ^Kmf^mm ttifv 1 ;' ' '■ < " \ ^T^B I ', , ^-:2. 6^/^ JOHNA.SEAVERNS MfluA ^4ul^ , ,^j(l4/U\,^y<^^^ ^,Si HORSE-TRAmiNG MADE EASY. BEING A NEW AND PRACTICAL SYSTEM OF TEACHING AND EDUCATING THE HORSE. BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH FORTY-FOUR ENGRAVINGS. WHIP-TRAINING, OR, HOW TO DRIVE WITHOUT REINS ; HOW TO MAKE A HORSE TROT HONEST, &c. By ROBERT- JENNINGS, VETERINARY SURGEON ; PROFESSOR OF PATHOLOGY AND SURGERY IN THE VETERINARY COLLEGE, PHILADELPRIA : LECTURER ON VETERINARY MEDICINE IN THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, PA. ; AUTHOR OF " THE HORSE AND HIS DISEASES," '" CATTLE AND THEIR DISEASES," " SHEEP, SWINE, AND POULTRY," ETC., ETC. TO WHICH IS APPENDED, AN ESSAY ON SHOEING; ALSO, THE SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF THE VARIOUS DISEASES OF THE HORSE, EMBRACING A FULL AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF GLANDERS. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY JOHN E. POTTER & CO., NO. 617 SANSOM STREET. 1866. M Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by ROBERT JENNINGS, V. S. In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. PREFACE. The art of training horses has, until within the last few years, been attended with much cruelty and bad manage- ment. The system known as Rarey's, though practised in this country for many years, was made popular by Mr. J. S. Rarey, to whom we willingly accord all the credit which is justly due him. His success has given a new impulse to the inventive minds of horsemen; and, like almost all other discoveries, the original is lost sight of in the improvements which follow it. The Rarey system is one purely of subjugation and exhaustion; the spirit of the animal is thus often broken. On the contrary, our new system is one of education, embracing the practical portions of all the various systems known to man, from that of Sul- livan the Irish whisperer, down to the more modern systems of the present day. The animal is first taught what is required of him, and, as soon as he is made to understand, he becomes a willing subject. To attempt to force him to do that which he does not comprehend, is to excite him to resistance, a circumstance always to be avoided; henco the many baulky, kicking, and otherwise unruly horses. The Rarey system requires a man of nerve and deter- mination to handle a horse successfully, which requisites few men possess. Ours enables a boy fifteen or sixteen years of age to handle, and break to harness, the wildest animal. Strength and courage are not essential; but patience, perseverance, and kindness are required. The man who is void of patience cannot control and win the confidence of his horse. There is no other system known to man by which a horse can be trained to drive without bridle, bit, or reins, guided simply by motions of the whip. This principle is so simple, that any intelligent person can practise it successfully on any intelligent horse. To make a horse trot honest is also part of our system, it being original with us. We have 1* (5) VI PREFACE. never known it fail. In March, 1S65, I presented this subject to the consideration of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, and to the Philadelphia Riding Club, both of which institutions highly indorse it. Within the last year it has been greatly modified and improved, rendering it the most complete and practical system ever presented to the public. To Messrs. Magner & Dudley, and to Messrs. Rockwell & Hurlburt, we acknowledge our indebtedness for valuable suggestions voluntarily offered us ; also to Mr. J. E. Potter, Publisher, for the use of seven of our illustrations from the author's work, "The Horse and his Diseases." The subject of shoeing horses, being one of great import- ance to horse-owners generally,. has been duly considered. Twenty years' active practice as a veterinary surgeon, has enabled us to detect many errors in the present system of shoeing, and to suggest improvements which have proved of great service in remedying, in a measure, the evils of the present mode of shoeing. The bad efieets of careless shoeing are fully demonstrated. We ask of the smith a fair and candid trial of our principle, and we will abide the issue. « The want of veterinary surgeons in most sections of the United States, and the urgent desire of many friends, has induced us to add to this work plain and simple directions for the treatment of the various diseases of that noble ianimal, including a full and complete history of that ter- rible and loathsome disease. Glanders; proving its con- tagious character and ready communication from horse to horse, and from horse to man. Under present circumstances, man cannot become too familiar with this dreadful disease. This pamphlet was published by the author, and dis- tributed gratuitously by the Philadelphia Agricultural Society, Pa., and the Burlington County Agricultural So- ciety, N. J. The demand being several thousands more than the supply, is our motive in republishing it entire; all who wish it will now have an opportunity of obtaining it. INDEX. PAGE ITints on Training Horses, 13 The Rope Halter, 20 The Cord, 21 The Line Webbing, 2:? Habits of the Horse, 24 Kiclving in the Stable, 24 Kicking agiiinst tlie side of the Stall 25 Kicldng while Harnessing, 26 Kicking while Grooming, 27 Kicking in Single Harness, 27 Kicking in Double Harness, 29 Kicking while Shoeing, 30 Ugly to Shoe Front, 32 Striking, 33 Baulking, 34 Shying, 35 Weaving, 37 Cribbing, 38 Biting Horses, 39 Kunning Away, 41 Tgly to Bridle, 49 Lolling the Tongue, 50 Hugging the Pole, 51 To make a Horse trot honest, 52 Halter Pulling, 54 Objects of Fear, 56 Haltering the Colt, fi2 Hitching the Colt, <)4 Training Colts to Harness, 66 Whoa, 67 Learning to Back, ^^8 Hitching to the Wagon, 70 Bitting the Colt, 71 To add Style, 73 Mounting the Colt, 74 Riding the Colt, 74 Whip Training, 75 The Short Strap, 78 .The Long Strap, 80 i To teach a Colt to follow you, 80 To teach a Colt to lie down, 80 To teach a Colt to sit up, 85 To make a Bow, 85 To answer Questions, 86 To Kiss vou, 86 To shake Hands, 87 (7) 8 INDEX. PAGE To Kick with the right or left Foot, 87 Learning to Waltz, 88 Hints upon Shoeing, 91 Preparing the Foot, ,. 95 Application of the Shoe, 96 Clips, 97 Interfering, 97 Overreaching, 98 Shoeing Horses with Corns, 99 Stopping the Feet, 100 Things worth knowing, 100 Diseases of the Horse — Inilaramation, Sthenic and Asthenic Inflammation, 104 Terminations of Inflammation, 105 Lampas; Bags or Washers, 106 Sore Mouth; Ulcers in the Mouth, 107 Wolf Teeth, 108 Irregular Teeth; Caries of the Teeth, 109 Diseases of the Eye; Amaurosis, or Glass Eye, 110 Inflammation of the Haw ; Simple Ophthalmia, Ill Specific Ophthalmia; Cataract; Distemper, 112 Sore Throat; Strangles, 113 Influenza, 114 Bronchitis; Nasal Gleet, 115 Pleurisy, 116 Inflammation of the Lungs ; Congestive Pneumonia, 117 Hydrothorax ; Heaves, or Broken Wind, 118 Palpitation of the Heart; Inflammation of the Brain, 119 Stomach Staggers ; Inflammation of the Bowels, ._ 120 Colic, 121 Diarrhoea; Worms, 122 Retention of Urine, ; 123 Profuse Staling, 124 Bloody Urine; Calculi, or Stone in the Bladder, 125 Hide Bound; Mange; Surfeit, ....v 126 Poll Evil, , 127 Fistula of Withers ; Water Farcy; Locked Jaw, '..*. 128' Rheumatism; Cramp, ISO Founder, 131 Pumiced Feet; Navicular Joint Lameness, .' 132 Ossification of the Lateral Cartilages, 133 Quitar; Thrush, I34 Scratches; Grease Heels, .'..!.".'..!.!!.*.!,*!.."'.'.','..' 135 Bone Spavin; Blood Spavin '. 136 Ring-bone; Splint; Curb; Capped Hock, "... 137 Shoulder Strain; Galls, 138 ^varts, ."...!!...."!!!....."!!.".!.* 139 Castrating Colts, I39 Essay on Glanders, !.'.!'.'..'."!!'."!."."!!!!!!.'.'.*.'." 141 Valuable Receipts, !...!..........."."!..."!!!!!!!!! 181 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. * Dr. Robert Jennings was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the 28th day of December, 1824, of English parents. As soon as he was^ able to comprehend anything, his love and admi- ration for the noblest of all the animal creation (excepting man himself), the horse, was the subject of general remark by his friends. As he grew in years, this passion became almost a mania. In the year 1832 his parents removed from Phila- delphia to Mount Holly, where he had frequent opportunities of gratifying his passion. His daily haunts Were the stables of the village. Young and sprightly animals were the chief objects of his attraction. In the year 1836 his father died. By this event he was thrown upon the world to seek his own living. Having obtained a situation for him as errand boy in a store, his mother sent him to the city; this did not suit his inclinations, and he soon changed his occupation, engaging in ♦ a printing ofl&ce; the business still not suiting his tastes, he tried the confectionery business; still not satisfied, his uncle, Frederick Jennings, took him to his country seat, where he remained (9) 10 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. until tlie following fall, wLen his uncle put him out to learn the coppersmithing business. Dissatis- fied with this also, he turned his attention to the surgical instrument case making business, at which he remained until the spring of 1842. Bqpoming dissatisfied he went to New York, where he found employment for a time about the Bull's Head, riding and handling horses. In 1844 he took a trip with a drover to purchase horses, returning to New York the following spring. In the summer of 1845 he returned to the city of "Philadelphia. ^He now turned his attention to the study of medicine, entering the oflBce of Dr. James Bryan, late Prof, in the Geneva Medical College, N. Y., afterwards Prof of Surgery in the Phila- delphia Medical College. Soon after commencing his medical studies, his attention was called to a horse sufi"ering from an attack of colic. Ofi"ering his services to treat it, which were accepted, the animal soon recovered under his fostering care. His preceptor soon discovered in his student, his fondness for the horse. Being naturally fond of that noble animal himself, frequent conversations occurred between the jDrofessor and his student res- pecting the diseases and sufi"ering of this faithful, non-complaining servant of man. His thoughts now began to turn in a new channel, and, prompted by his preceptor, he applied himself to the study of veterinary medicine and surgery in connection with his other studies. There being no Veteri- nary Colleges in the United States, and not having the pecuniary means necessary for a voyage to BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 11 Europe, in order to gain a tliorough veterinary education,, his task was commenced with many difficulties surrounding him, which many less sanguine would have failed to combat. In 1852 Prof. Jas. Bryan, Gren. George Cadwalader, Prof. Wm. Gibson, M.D., John Phillips, M. D.,Alfred L. Elwyn, M. D., Hon. Frederick Watts, Gen. George M. Keim, James Gowan, Esq., Hon. Geo. W. Woodward, Sketchley Morton, Esq, Alonzo Potter, D. D., and L. L. Ward, Esq., obtained a charter from the Pennsylvania State Legislature for a veterinary college, to be located in the city of Philadelphia. Kobert Jennings having been the recipient of an honorary diploma from the board of directors, was placed at the head of the new institution. Not meeting with the encourage- ment which the enterprise deserved, the college project for the time was abandoned. Dr. R. J. removed from Philadelphia to Cleveland, in the spring of 1855, to fill the veterinary department in the Agricultural College of Ohio, situated at Cleveland Heights, Ohio City, under the charge of Prof. Norton S. Townsend, M. D. For three years he was ardently devoted to the interests of the college, without any pecuniary remuneration. The college failing to receive sufficient support from the farmers of the state, applied to the Legislature for an annual appropriation, which not being granted, the operations of the Institution were suspended. In the winter of 1858 Dr. R. Jennings returned to Philadelphia, and with the assistance of the Philadelphia Society for promo- 12 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. ting Agriculture, and that of his friend Geo. W. Bowler, V. S. of Cincinnati, Ohio, commenced the first session of the Veterinary College of Phila- delphia, with two students, Mr. W. A. Wisdom, of Delaware, and Jacob Dilts, of New Jersey. In 1860 he gave his first work to the world, *' The Horse and his Diseases,'* which was very favourably received by the public. Soon after this book appeared, he was oflPered the position as lecturer on veterinary medicine and surgery in the Agricultural College, Centre county, Penn- sylvania, which position he holds at the present time. In 1862 his second work was published, *' Cattle and their Diseases,'' which also met a favourable reception at the hands of the public. In 1863 his third work on '' Sheep, Swine, and, Poultry," made its appearance, meeting also with a favourable reception. During his professional career he has studied closely the disposition of the horse, finding it as variable as are those of man; and how to manage them successfully and easily has been his main object. A remarkable trait in his character, is his quicjc temper when dealing with men. and the complete control of that passion when handling horses, never having been known to become excited or angry with a horse under any circumstances. HOUSE-TRAINING MADE EASY, HINTS ON TRAINING HORSES. The form, proportions, muscular powers, and swiftness of tte horse, combined with its spirit, docility, and intelligence, expressly fit it for the use of man. It is alike serviceable for draft and the saddle. From its primeval nursery it has radiated in all directions ; it has accompanied man in his wanderings over the world. To the industrious inhabitant of the thronged city, to the agriculturist, to the sportsman who follows the chase for pleasure, and to him who scours the plains in quest of prey, a " mighty hunter before the Lord," this noble, beautiful, but too often ill-treated creature, is either important or essential. It performs the drudgery of toilsome servitude ; it draws the peaceful plough, and dashes on in battle amidst withering volleys of musketry and the clash of gleaming swords. Man owes a deep debt of gratitude to the horse, and is bound to acknowledge his sense of its value by humanity and kindness. In its natural state, the horse is gregarious ; and in domestication it exhibits the same propensity to associate with its fellows. In the field they herd together, form 2 (13) 14 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. friendsTiips, gambol with each other, and rush to the fence to see a strange horse in the road, saluting him with repeated neighings. So de- cided is the disposition of the horse to contract friendship, that, when others of its species are not accessible, it will attach itself to animals of a different species. Many instances of mutual attachment between dogs and horses have been recorded. English Eclipse contracted a strong friendship with a sheep. When kindly used, the horse will demonstrate towards his master every mark of submissive attachment. There are, it is true, horses of a sullen, obstinate temper, which the kindest treatment will not conciliate; but these are exceptions to the general rule ; many horses, we may add, have their temper spoiled by injudicious or wanton severity, in which case it requires patience and perseverance to reclaim them; but almost universally, where kindness is shown to the horse, his attachment will be secured. In the tents of the Arabian, the mares with their foals, and the masters with their families, dwell all together ; the master caresses his favor- ite mare, the children and the foal play together, and the utmost confidence exists between them. The quiet peaceful companionship of horses with each other does not obtain among the stallions. In a wild state, they have furious contests ; and in a domestic state, stallions, if at liberty, will fight desperately with each other. Twenty years' experience in active practice has afforded the HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 15 author very many opportunities of studying the disposition of the horse, and how to manage it to the best advantage has been his special study. That the horse possesses more intelligence than has been accredited to him is very evident from his readiness to learn, when properly instructed. The feats he is taught to perform in the " spectacles" of the modern circus fully prove this. Knowledge of time, and memory, are certainly possessed by the horse, as a thousand instances will convince. A horse accustomed to commence or leave off work at a certain hour of the day, well knows the respective periods. Well does the farmer's team know the hour of release from Jabor, as is shown by their actions when hearing the horn for dinner. Taken to a distance from home, the horse will return, finding his way during the darkest night. The following, taken from an old number of the London Penny Magazine, illus- trates the love of the horse for its " old home ;" — " A short distance below Fort Erie, and about a mile from where the river Niagara escapes over a barrier of rocks from the depths of Lake Erie, a ferry has long been established across the broad and, there, exceedingly rapid river, the distance from shore to shore being a little over one-third of a mile. On the Canada side of the river is the small village of Waterloo, and opposite thereto, on the United States side, is the large village of Black Rock, distant from the young and flourishing city of Buffalo two miles. In com- pleting the Erie Canal, a pier or dam was erected 16 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. up and down the river and opposite to Black Rock, at no great distance from the shore, for the pur- pose of raising the waters of the Niagara to such a height that they might be made to supply an adjoining section of the Erie Canal. This pier was and is a great obstruction to the ferry-boats ; for, previous to its erection, passengers embarked from terra firma on one side of the river and were landed without any difficulty on the other ; but after this dam was constructed it became necessary to employ two sets of boats, one to navigate the river, the other the basin, so that all the passengers, as well as goods and luggage, had to be landed upon this narrow wall and reshipped. Shortly after the erection of the pier-dam, a boat propelled by horses was established between this pier and the Canada shore. The boat belonged to persons connected with the ferry on the Ameri- can side of the river; but, owing to the barrier formed by the pier, the horses employed on the boat were stabled at night in the village of Water- loo. I well recollect the first day this boat began to ply; for the introduction of a boat of that description in those days, was considered an event of some magnitude. The two horses (for the boat had but two) worked admirably, considering the very few lessons they had had previous to their introduction upon the main river. One of the horses employed on the new ferry-boat had once been a dapple gray, but at the period I am speaking of he had become white. He was still hale and hearty, for he had a kind and indulgent HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 17 master. The first evening after the horses had been a short time in the stable, to which they were strangers, they were brought for the purpose of being watered at the river, the common cus- tom of the place. The attendant was mounted upon the bay horse, the white one was known to be so gentle and docile that he was allowed to drink where he pleased. I happened to be stand- ing close by, in company with my friend W n, the ferry contractor, on the Canada side, and had thus an opportunity of witnessing the whole pro- ceeding of old G-rizzle, the name that the white horse still went by. The moment he got round the corner of the building, so as to have a view of his home on the opposite side of the river, he stopped and gazed intently. He then advanced to the brink of the river, then again stopped and looked earnestly across for a short time, then waded into the river until the water reached his chest, drank a little, lifted his head, and, with his lips closed and his eyes fixed upon some object on the farther shore, remained for a short time perfectly motionless. Apparently having made up his mind to the task, he waded further into the river until the water reached his ribs, when off he shot into the deep water without hesitation. The current being so strong and rapid, the river boiling and turmoiling over a rocky bed, at the rate of six miles an hour, it was impossible for the courageous animal to keep a direct course across, although he breasted the waves heroically and swam with remarkable vigor. 2* 18 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EAST. Had he been able to steer his way directly across, the pier-wall would have proved an insurmount- able barrier. As it was, the current forced him down below where the lower extremity of this long pier abuts upon an island, the shore of which being low and shelving, he was enabled to effect a landing with comparative ease. Plav- ing gained terra Jirma, he shook the water from his dripping flanks, when he*.plunged into the basin and soon regained his native shore. At the commencement of his voyage, his arched neck and withers were above the surface, but before he reached the island his head only was visible. He reached his own stable-door — that home for which he risked so much — to the no small astonishment of his owner. This un- expected visit made a favorable impression on his master, for he was heard to make a vow that if old Grizzle performed the feat a second time, for the future he should remain on his own side of the river, and never be sent to the mill again. Grizzle was sent back to work the boat the following day, but he embraced the first opportunity that occurred of escaping, and swam back the way he had done before. His owner, not being a person to break the promise he once made, never afterwards dispossessed him of the stall he had long been accustomed to, but treated him with marked kindness and attention." Colonel Hamilton Smith, of the British Army, relates a case which proves the memory and attachment of the horse : " The Colonel had a HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 19 charger in liis possession for two years, wliicli he left with the army, but which was brought back and sold in London. About three years after- wards the Colonel chanced to travel up tosvn, and at a relay, on getting out of the mail, the off- wheel horse attracted his attention ; on going near to examine it with more care he found the animal recognised him, and testifying its satis- faction by rubbing its head against him, and making every moment a little stamp with its fore- feet, to the surprise of the coachman, who asked if the horse was not an old acquaintance. It was — it was his own old charger I" " A lady, remarkable for benevolence to the brute creation, observed from her garden-gate one day a miserable horse, with the shoulder raw and bleeding, attempting to graze upon an open spot adjacent; having, by means of some bread, coaxed the poor animal to the gate, she then managed, with some assistance, to cover the wound with adhesive plaster spread upon a piece of soft leather. The man to whom the animal belonged (one of those ignorant and careless beings who are indifferent to the sufferings of any but themselves) shortly afterwards led the horse away. The next day, however, the horse made his appearance again a^the gate, over which he put his head and gently neighed. On looking at him it was found that the plaster was removed, either by the animal's master, or by the rubbing of the ill-made collar in which he worked. The plaster was renewed. The third day he 20 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. appeared again, requiring the same attention, which he soHcited in a similar manner. After this the plaster was allowed to remain, and the horse recovered ; but ever after, when it saw its benefactress, it would immediately approach her, and by voice and action testify its sense of her kindness and notice. This anecdote, for the truth of which we can personally testify, proves how sensible the horse is of humane treatment, and how grateful for benefits bestowed." Kind treatment and every care are due to an animal from whose services man derives such important benefits ; but too often does man forget that he has a duty to perform, not only towards his fellow-man, but towards those domestic animals which Providence has intrusted to him for his welfare. The apparatus used in training horses upon our new system are both cheap and simple. A common rope halter, a three or four ply cotton cord about twelve feet long, and a piece of line webbing, are all the implements required in training colts. THE ROPE HALTER. This should ^ made rather heavier and longer than those use! upon broken horses, and so arranged, by tying -a knot or otherwise, that it does not slip up so tightly as to pinch the ani- mal's nose. HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 21 THE CORD. This is nothing more than a three or four ply rope or cord. The cotton cord is much the best, as it works smoothly, and is much softer than any other. This cord is not a new feature in horse -training, as impostors would have you believe, it having been used many years by various tribes of Indians, Mexicans, &c. It is mentioned in the Veterinarian of London in 1828 as used by the North American Indians in sub- duing their horses: hence it is known as the Indian war bridle. A. H. Rockwell calls it the Yankee bridle, which claim is wrapped in some obscurity. The use of this simple arrangement is a powerful means of controlling horses, when properly used, otherwise it is more likely to do harm than good. To prepare the cord for use, tie a knot in each end, as seen in the engraving, then make a loop by doubling the cord and pass- ing the knot through, as represented by the enscravino:. LOOPING THB COKD. 22 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. These loops should be at such distances from the knot as will allow the cord to pass around the neck at one end and the lower jaw at the other, passing the knot through the loop from the oppo- site side of the loop to where it first passed through in making the lap; this brings the thickness of the cord in the centre of the loop. By this means safety is secured, the cord slipping easily through, preventing the possibility of its getting fast, as it would be likely to do if passed through the loop from the same side it originally came through. The necessity of this arrangement will be seen on applying the cord. We have here two principles involved : first, steady pressure upon the lower jaw; second, friction in the mouth. CORD APPLIZD ON LOWES JAW. HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 23 CORD APPLIED ON NECK. the one stationary in jhe mouth, the other slip- ping through it. The*ses of these loops will be explained in their proper places. THE LINE WEBBING. Take a piece of worsted webbing, such as is used for driving-lines, divide it in two parts, one piece of sufficient length to girt the body. Make a loop in one end large enough for the other end to pass through, so as, when adjusted, it is sufficiently long to tie. The other part of the web needs no loop. These two pieces of web are used for various purposes, which will be explained as we proceed. 24 nORSE-TRAININQ MADE EASY. HABITS OF THE HORSE. Horses contract habits very easily when im- properly managed, and transmit them to their offspring. *' 'Tis easier to prevent than cure." Every one at all conversant with the secrets of the stable know how readily habits are contracted by the horse, and the difficulty in breaking up such habits when once contracted, by the ordinary methods. Many habits of the horse, in no way owe their origin to vice, yet are often as trouble- some and dangerous as those which do. KICKING IN THE STABLE. To break up this dangerous habit, it is only necessary to place the animal in a stall closed at the head, or against a wall, so as to allow him no HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 25 opportunity of jumping into or over the manger. Tie his head short, and suspend by a cord at either end, a bag of straw, hay, corn husks, or any soft material, so as to strike the hocks when- ever the animal kicks. The bag rebounds, striking him upon the hocks : after several repetitions the animal is observed to stand and tremble ; the bag .at this point is to be pulled upon one side so that he does not see it, and when the animal gets over his excitement try and induce him to kick. If you succeed, immediately let the bag go back to its former position. Two or three kicks will again quiet him, and he trembles as at first. Remove the bag, and when his excitement abates, try and induce him to kick again. By repeating this a few times the animal is thoroughly broken of the habit.. Such horses are often broken of the habit of kicking in harness, as well as the stable, by the same means. » Kicking against the side of the stall is a serious evil. Capped hocks, and callous enlargements are frequently consequences of this habit ; mares more frequently than geldings are subject to this vice. Particularly is this the case when placed beside other horses. Removal to a box stall, and left there unhaltered, will frequently break up the habit. When no such conveniences exist, a strap should be buckled around the leg above the hock, to which a club one and a half or two inches thick, and ten or twelve inches long, covered with a woollen cloth, or other soft material, so as not to hurt the animal, should be attached in such a 3 26 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. manner as to "hang loosely against the shank bone ; with this appendage the moment the animal kicks, this club punishes it by comning sharply in con- tact with the leg, but does not bruise it. The animal soon learns that by keeping the leg still he escapes the punishment which follows every effort to kick. KICKING WHILE HARNESSING. This habit is acquired by bad management in the early training of the horse; rough handling,, throwing the harness too quickly upon its back before it becomes thoroughly accustomed to its feel, are sufficient causes to produce this habit in the colt of a highly nervous temperament. The more quietly you go about such an animal, the more readily and willingly will he yield obedience to your desires. To break up this habit the cord is called into requisition ; put the small loop over the under jaw, take your position upon the near side, opposite the shoulder, pass the cord over the neck from the off side, and carry it through the loop around the under jaw ; now draw it up tightly and take a half-hitch, so as to keep the head in a confined position (represented in engraving), keep the cord in your hand, so in case of the animal rearing you can slip the hitch and let the Jiead loose. You should then give him a few quick jerks; this diverts his attention; you now quietly take up the harness in your hands, and as quietly approach, and put it upon him. Should he attempt to kick, slip the loop as before, and give him a HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 27 few more sliarp pulls upon tlie cord; tliis discon- certs him. Repeat this lesson a few times, and he will soon learn to stand quiet while you are har- nessing him. KICKING WHILE GROOMING. . Horses of a high nervous temperament are frequently addicted to this habit. This, like kicking in harness, is brought on by careless or rough handling. The cord here too is a powerful instrument of control. Having secured the head, use the brush and currycomb in the most gentle manner for several days, particularly about such parts as he manifests the most tenderness. KICKING IN SINGLE HARNESS. Previous to putting the animal in harness, take the cord, put the small loop over the under jaw, pass the rope over the neck from the off side and through the small loop upon the near side; give him a few quick pulls, which calls his atten- tion to you. Put the harness upon him, having a ring or loop upon the top of the bridle B and a ring H secured to the back strap, about six inches from the crouper. You now take a small bit, attach to either ring a strong leathern strap about half an inch wide, pass these straps A, A, A, A, up over the face to the ring B in the bridle, down through the terrets in th^ saddle, and back through the ring H, then bring them down at right angles, across the quarters and secure them to the shafts on either side, in such a manner as HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 29 not to interfere with the animal in travelling. With this arrangement properly adjusted, the moment the horse attempts to kick, the strap is drawn tight over the quarters, at the same time it jerks up the head forcibly, punishing the ani- mal at each attempt to kick. KICKING IN DOUBLE HARNESS. First use the cord upon the animal until he will yield his head on the slightest pull upon the cord; put on a halter, which should be a good strong leather one, having a strong lead, and ring F, (see Eng. p. 28), so adjusted as to slip under the girth. Have two strong straps with 3* EICEIMG QOfiS£. 30 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. rings, on the plan of a dog collar. Tliese are to be buckled around the leg above the liocks, D, D, a strong leathern strap fastened to the rings D, passing through the ring F, well secured, so as to be tense when the animal is standing square : now check him up, and he is ready to hitch up for the start. This arrangement does not interfere materially with his travelling, yet it reproves him whenever he attempts to kick, and he soon gives up the habit. KICKING WHILE SHOEING. COED APPLIED ON LOWER JAW. This, like most other habits, is brought on by bad management. The colt, upon first entering the shoeing shop, should be used with the greatest HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY, 31 gentleness and kindness. Any deviation from this rule often causes the colt to resist all efforts to shoe it. Particularly is this the case with the hind feet. The habit once established, requires the utmost care and perseverance to overcome the evil. Ordinary cases of resistance while shoeing may be brought to terms by the lise of the cord alone. To do this, put the small loop over the under jaw, pass it over the neck, and through the loop upon the opposite side, draw the cord tight, and take a half-hitch ; you will then take up the foot. Should he resist, slip the hitch, and give him a few quick jerks upon the cord, and then renew the hitch. If he still refuses to let you have the foot, repeat the operation. If he then resists, put a collar around his neck, slip the long web through the collar, carry it back, and around the fetlock of the foot you wish to handle, bring it 32 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. back througli the collar, holding the end in your right hand ; now pull up the foot and hold it until he ceases to resist : then take the web in your hand close to the foot and pull the foot in different directions, until he ceases to resist your efforts; then caress him. Recollect, gentleness and kind- ness go a great way in gaining the confidence of the animal. When he gives you the foot readily, take a hammer and tap upon it very gently. If he resists, jerk him sharply a few times with the cord ; if he still resists, remove the long web, then take a short hold upon the halter with your left hand, and with a quick motion catch the tail with the right hand, and swing him around a few times, by quickly bringing the head towards you. This so disconcerts him that he usually yields the foot without further resistance. For safety it is always better to put the web on again for one or two handlings. Properly managed you will seldom fail in breaking up this habit iu from four to six days. HORSES- UGLY TO SHOE IN FRONT. Take the short web, put it on the foot (at the fetlock) you wish to handle, pass it over the back from the opposite side ; now pull the foot up and hold it there until the animal ceases his efforts to get it away, then tap lightly with a hammer upon the foot, increasing the force of the blow gradu- ally, until he will allow you to strike upon the foot as hard as may be necessary ; tlien let the foot down, pick it up with the hand; if he resists, HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 33 draw it up again with the web ; and so repeat until he yields it readily and willingly. Usually the animal submits his foot in a very short time, unless he becomes excited by rough usage. THE LONG F00T-3TEAP. STRIKING. Some horses have an ugly practice of striking with their front feet. To break up this habit take the cord, put the small end in the mouth, and jerk him from one side to the other; he will try to strike you, but he fails to do so if you give him sufficient length of cord ; he soon finds he is overmatched, and yields to you readily. By using the long foot-strap or web, placed around the near forefoot, then passed under the girth, and carried back, having an assistant at the ani- mal's head to lead him, as soon as he steps, pull up the foot, let it drop and pull it up again at 84 nORSE-TRATNING MADE EASY. the next effort to step or strike. This teachea him that he cannot use the foot as he would like, and he ceases to make the effort. BAULKING. This is the most aggravating of all the habits to which the horse is subject; it tries the patience of man to the utmost; yet, by patience and per- severance, with proper management, even this habit can be broken up. It is rarely we find a baulky horse which is not a good one. They ate usually very hardy, high-spirited, quick of com- prehension, and of a strong nervous temperament. They resist because we have failed to make them understand what we require of them, or it may occur from overloading, sore shoulders, or work- ing until tired out. Particularly is this the case with young animals. To whip under such cir- cumstances only excites them to more determined resistance. On the first attempt of your horse to baulk, get out of the wagon, pat him upon the neck, examine the harness carefully, first upon one side then upon the other, speaking encour- agingly to the animal while doing so; then jump iu the wagon and give the word to go ; generally he will obey; if he refuse to do so, take him out of the shafts, put up the traces so that they do not drag upon the ground, then take him by the head and tail, reel him until he is almost ready to fall, then hook him up again, and give him the word to go; this rarely fails, it takes that sullen spirit out of them, and they start at the 3* HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. . 35 word, I have failed but once in handling baulky- horses, though I have handled a large number of them. By repeating the same operation every day for a week, usually breaks up this most perplexing habit thoroughly and permanently. Another method which often proves successful, is to tie the tail of the horse fast to the shaft-bar, unloose the traces, securing them so that they will not get under his feet. Now start him up ; as soon as he finds his tail fast he will pull the wagon by that appendage ; repeating this a few times will often cure the habit. Another method still will sometimes prove successful : instead of tying the tail to the shaft-bar, take it between the hind-legs, having a cord secured to the end, and tie it to the saddle-girth; this will often answer the same purpose. SHYING HORSES. - Those who are in the habit of riding or driv- ing along frequented roads, or through thickly populated cities, can best estimate the inconve- nience, annoyance, and constant apprehension occasioned by a shying horse. While travelling along with an air of the greatest unconcern, all in an instant, planting himself in an attitude of aflFright, he comes to a dead stop, or flies the road. Of the sensation of the animal at such a time, we will not venture a description, but we know by experience what those of the driver or rider are. Shying in horses is no doubt the off- spring of fear. Fear- is the emotion excited by 36 HORSE -TRAINING MADE EASY. suspicion, apprehension, appearance or approach of danger. ' This may be denominated native timidity, giving rise to that kind of shyness with which colts, and young animals generally, are endowed. There is another kind of shyness which we may denominate acquired. To illus- trate, a colt is naturally shy at any object of im- posing appearance, either novel or strange to him. On the other hand, he beholds an object that is familiar to him, which he associates with some former suffering. We do not mean to assert that these manifestations of fear are alike, further than that they arise from the impressions made upon the brain, a dread or consciousness of dan- ger, in the one case acquired, in the other con- genital. Shyness may be attributed to a third cause, imperfect vision. A horse whose eye- sight is imperfect is apt to shy at objects in con- sequence of not seeing them properly. The disposition to shy arising from either of the above causes, is often increased by the acts of the driver; for instance (a very common one), a man is driving a young horse upon the road, he meets an object of fear to the animal, and, as he ap- proaches it, starts suddenly out of the road, his driver instantly commences a round of castigation with the whip, in which he persists until the horse, as well as himself, have lost their temper, and then, while one whips, the other jumps, plunges, frets, &c. The next object of fear the animal meets recalls the whipping previously in- flicted upon him. and associates it with the object HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 87 he fears, shies, and starts with even more alarm than before, sometimes attempting to run away. Gentleness and persuasion are the best means of breaking up this habit; let the animal stand and look at the object he fears, speak to him encouragingly, and gradually he will approach it. After he has passed it, turn him around, passing the object slowly several .times, and his fear vanishes. By thus gently managing him, he soon places confidence in you, and a gentle word from the driver will induce him to move on by the object. It is an- old saying, that the most effectual way to make a cowardly dog fight is to put him in front of his antagonist, in such a way that he cannot retreat ; but we never heard any one recommend that he be whipped at the same time; yet we whip a horse for being afraid to do that which we desire him to do. Reason and experience both forbid the practice. It is our duty to act mercifully towards an animal so noble, so beautiful, and so useful to man. Contemptible indeed is that being who disregards the plaintive murmurs and ineffectual resistance of the poor beast which chance has thrown into his possession. WEAVING. This is an unsightly habit, but not of so much consequence as either of the foregoing. It con- sists in the animal moving his head and fore- quarters in quick succession from one side of the stall to the other, like the action of a weaver's shuttle, or like the hyena in his cage. The ani- 3 38 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EAST. mal stands with his forefeet wide apart, hence the motion of the animal throws the weight of its body alternately upon the inside of each fore- foot. The effect of this habit is to turn the inside quarter of the feet downwards and inwards at the heel, forming, as it were, a kind of club- foot. This habit indicates a restless disposition, expressing impatience at being tied up. To break up the habit, il is only necessary to turn the animal loose into a box-stall. ORIBBIirS MUZZLE. CRIBBINa. This is a very disagreeable habit, to say the least, but not so serious as it is often represented. The effects of an inveterate crib-biting horse are horse-traIning made easy. 89 ;plainly perceptible upon the incisor (nippers) ' teeth. The cribbing muzzle is the best means of breaking up the habit. See Jennings on *^The Horse and his Diseases." BITING HORSES. This is a hateful habit, or, more properly, a vice of the worst kind. It is sometimes acquired from foolishly teasing the animal in th^ stable by mischievous boys. Love of mischief is a pro- pensity too easily acquired, and often becomes a confirmed vice ; particularly is this the case with biting horses. Last spring (1865) my advice was asked regarding a horse which had always been known as a remarkably good dispositioned animal, but, some four or five months previous, some boys amused themselves by teasing him. He soon acquired the habit of biting, and, almost ' simultaneously, that of striking. Regarding the former vice — one of the most dangerous and the most difficult of all vices to break up — I advised castration ', the owner approving, I operated upon him on the spot. Instead of curing the habit, he from this time became notoriously vicious, two men narrowly escaping with their lives from the infuriated animal. He finally became so con- firmed in his vicious propensities, it was worth a man's life to approach him. The owner, whose name I omit by request, called upon me to handle this animal, which I did on the sixth day of Oc- tober, 1865, at his residence, near Princeton, New Jersey. My efforts were attended with 40 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. entire success. I first drew his head down close to the manger from an opening in the partition, having his head well secured. The stable-door was thrown open. I then approached his head cau- tiously, and put my rope halter upon him. I now tied a knot in his tail, slipped the halter lead through the hair above the knot, drew the lead up as far as possible, so as to draw the head to one side, and tied the halter lead by a half-hitch to the tail ; this prevented the animal going in a straight line, and enabled me to keep out of his way. I now slipped the head-halter, previously upon him, and drove him out of the stable. The moment he gained the yard, I was after him, tickling him upon the hind-legs with a whip. This set him wild with rage, and caused him to move in a circular direction quite rapidly. I kept up this action until he began to stagger ; I quickly caught the halter at the head to prevent his falling, and, before he had time to recover himself, I tightened the halter so as to bring the head and tail nearer together. I again started him, he reeled more rapidly, and came near fall- ing ; I caught the end of the halter, slipped the hitch, and, before he had time to recover, I had the small end of the cord nicely adjusted in his mouth. I then commenced to pull him right and left, and in a few minutes he was as quiet as a Iamb, following me readily in any direction. He was handled by the owner in the same manner for several days. I recently heard from him ; he remained perfectly tractable. My friend Mr. E. HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 43 C. Dudley, of the firm of Magner & Dudley horse trainers, accompanied me to see this horse. RUNNING AWAY. Some horses, of an excitable or headstrong disposition, will make frequent efi"orts to get away with his driver, and, when once he succeeds, he is very apt to try it over again. Such animals must be trained upon the mouth. To do this effectually, take the cord, using the large loop, over the neck, placing the cord in the mouth, " and back through the loop. You now pull TEMPERING THE MOUTH. quickly and sharply upon the cord, this sets the horse back, and causes the mouth to become 44 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EAST. tender. You then go behind him, pulling quick upon the cord. Handle him several times in this way before putting him in harness 3 he soon yields promptly to the slightest pull upon the cord. You may now harness him up ; and, as a matter of safety, put the long web around the near foot, and give it in charge of an assistant. Let him take it in the buggy. With him, you TAKING UP THE FOOT. start on your journey ; if the animal attempts to run, pull upon the lines, and he will generally come down to his usual gait. Should he not obey this gentle warning, let your assistant take up his foot by pulling the web. This throws him upon three feet, and prevents his running. Another method, more convenient and equally HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 47 effectual, is tlae apparatus used for kicking horses, with this- difference, instead of fastening the ring 6TEAPS ON KICKING HORSE, which passes under the girth to the halter, secure it to the collar (see Eng. p. 46). With this ar- rangement upon him, a horse cannot run. It is not necessary to have the straps as heavy as for a kicking horse. REFUSING TO STAND WHILE GETTING INTO A CARRIAGE. This habit is very easily broken up. Use the cord upon the mouth, have it long enough to 48 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. CONTROLLING THE MOUTH. take in your hand; when entering the carriage, if the horse starts, jerk lightly upon the cord; if he does not obey, bring him back forcibly by a quick, strong jerk on the cord. This soon teaches him to stand until you are ready for him to start. HARD PULLERS, OR LUGGERS ON THE BIT. To break up this habit, use the cord in the same manner as upon a runaway horse, or have a pair of straps about twelve inches long, with a ring at one end and a buckle at the other ; pass these straps through the ring of the bit on either side, carry them up on . the side of the face, and HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 49 buckle to the head-piece of the bridle, which must be a strong one; buckle the lines to the rings on these straps, instead of the rings in the bit. This forms a gag, similar to the French twitch gag, and is a powerful means of control- ling the mouth of a hard-pulling horse. UGLY TO BRIDLE. Some horses are ugly to bridle from having been knocked or roughly handled about the head. Horses are occasionally troubled with sore ears, or have some tenderness about the mouth or head. Such animals refuse to be bridled from fear of being hurt. Nothing but kindness and careful KEEPING THE HEAD DOWN. 50 . HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. handling will accomplisli our purpose in such cases. Where the habit arises from previous injury or ugliness of disposition, take the cord, put the small end into the mouth, draw it tightly, and take a half-hitch. This confines the head, preventing the animal from raising it. In this position, the horse will allow you to put on and take off the bridle at pleasure. After putting it on and removing it several times, loosen up the cord, and repeat the bridling; every time the animal resists, draw the cord tightly; on the contrary, when he yields, caress him ; you thus gain his confidence. LOLLING THE TONGUE. Some horses have a habit of carrying the tongue out of one side of the mouth. This is generally confined to narrow-jawed horses, the space between the molar teeth being too narrow to contain the tongue in the mouth when the bit presses upon it, without coming in contact with the edges of the molar teeth, to prevent which the tongue is thrown out over the bit and hangs from one side of the mouth. To remedy this defect, take a common bar bit, drill a hole on either side, about three-quarters of an inch from the centre of the bit, from the upper surface ; then take a piece of sole leather, four inches long and two inches wide, sprinkle it over with pulverized rosin and burn it into the leather, this renders it proof against the action of the saliva HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. 51 in the mouth ; now drill two holes in the centre of the leather corresponding to those in the bit, and secure both together by rivets, so that the leather extends two inches above the bit and two inches below it ; this, put into the mouth, keeps the tongue down clear of the molar teeth, and prevents the animal getting it over the bit. A horse which lolls the tongue should never be driven with a snaffle bit; a bar bit is always preferable. HUGGING THE POLE. This is a great annoyance to the other horse, and he will probably learn to do the same thing, not from imitation, but from leaning inwards so as to enable Eim to stand against the other lean- ing on him. I have seen a pair of horses thus going, each leaning on the other, rendering it extremely dangerous in frosty weather, or where the road from any cause may be slippery. This habit may be broken up by securing a piece of sole leather to the pole upon the side where the animal leans, having a number of tacks driven through it in such a manner as to protrude from the leather towards the horse. The moment he attempts to hug the pole, the tacks prick him, and he leaves it in a moment and takes his proper position. He makes but few efforts after the first punishment ; a few days' driving in this manner, usually cures him of the habit. 62 HORSE-TRAINING MADE EASY. TO MAKE A HORSE TROT HONEST. Many horses show speed when they strike their gait, but do not hold it long. This, in many in- stances, arises from too much anxiety on the part of the driver, forcing the horse off his feet. This is a great source of annoyance to the owners, who in many instances have built their hopes very highly upon the great speed of their favorite nag. But how often are they doomed to disappoint- ment ! the animal is beaten by those of far less speed, simply because he breaks up badly. To prevent this habit in horses, requires some de- gree of patience and good management on the part of the trainer. The apparatus used upon this occasion is a similar one to that used for kicking horses. The straps e e are the same; the halter lead, however, is not required ; use instead a strap passed through the collar; the choke-strap will answer the purpose, if not t