Approach him gently upon the left side, fasten a strap around the ancle of
his fore-foot; then raise the foot gently, so as to bring the knee against
the breast and the foot against the belly. The leg being in this position,
fasten the strap around his arm, which will effectually prevent him from
putting that foot to the ground again. Then fasten a strap around the
opposite leg, and bring it over his shoulder, on the left side, so that
you can catch hold of it; then push these gently, and when he goes to
fall, pull the strap, which will bring him on his knees.
Now commence patting him under the belly; by continuing your gentle
strokes upon the belly, you will, in a few minutes, bring him to his knees
behind. Continue the process, and he will lie entirely down, and submit
himself wholly to your treatment. By thus proceeding gently, you may
handle his feet and legs in any way you choose.
However wild and fractious a horse may be naturally, after practicing this
process a few times, you will find him perfectly gentle and submissive,
and even disposed to follow you anywhere, and unwilling to leave you on
any occasion.
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.