Waltzing.—Tie the horse head and tail (see [Fig. 45], [page 200]), and make him go round by flourishing the whip. As the animal obeys, gradually slacken out the cord, until it can be removed.
CHAPTER XIX.
TESTING A HORSE’S MANNERS, MOUTH, AND TEMPER.
If we circle a horse with the long reins (see [page 168]), turn, jump, and rein him back, we shall be able to form a good idea of his manners, mouth, and temper, by the way in which he goes through his “facings.” We may, further, test him, by cracking a whip near him, touching him all over with a long pole, and gently prodding him in the ribs. As a final proof, we may make him lie down, in the manner described on [page 153]; when it will be easy to see whether he be actuated by a plucky spirit, or by a sullen disposition, which will, always, cause him to adopt a policy of passive resistance. The methods I have here, briefly described, are of great practical value.
CHAPTER XX.
ON IMPROVISED GEAR.
Although I have described in the foregoing pages, a variety of special appliances; still it is well to draw attention to the fact that the whole system of breaking can be carried out with gear which can be improvised without difficulty. We can make a standing martingale with a piece of doubled cord, knotted near the centre to form a loop for the girth to pass through; while the free ends are connected to the rings of the snaffle: or the cord, or strap may be attached to the ring of the breast-plate, in front of the chest; or, as mentioned on [page 182], a cord may connect the rings of the standing martingale to those of the snaffle. A stirrup-leather will serve as a leg-strap (see Figs. 14 and 16, pages 101 and 102). Ropes will do for driving reins; a saddle, for a driving-pad (see Figs. [43] and [44], [page 185]). A head-stall, strong roller, couple of iron rings, crupper, stirrup-leather, pair of knee-caps, and a strong cord, are all that is required for making a horse lie down. An ordinary rope will serve to form a twitch. Any stable rug will do for blindfolding the horse. No special rope is needed for forming a halter, or for noosing a fore-leg. For lifting up a hind-leg, all that we require is a stout cord for the tail, and a stirrup-iron and leather, with which to make a hobble (see [Fig. 34], [page 144]). For driving on foot, we would, of course, want a heavy smooth snaffle. I need hardly say, that a person who wished to go in thoroughly for breaking, ought to provide himself with a driving-pad, or pair of cross-trees, specially made (see Figs. [40] and [41], [page 168]). Either of these could be made for five-and-twenty shillings. The strait-jacket (see [Fig. 25], [page 122]) is not a necessity.
APPENDIX.
Copies of Testimonials, etc., Received from Members of Captain Hayes’ Classes.
“Bombay, 2nd February, 1887.
“To “Captain M. H. HAYES, “Great Western Hotel.