The reader will observe, by reading my book, that great use is made of the Bonaparte bridle, and if those who handle horses will always resort to it when obedience from the horse is desired, they will save much time, trouble and annoyance that so often occur, especially to persons who quickly loose their tempers. Men can accomplish more in fifteen minutes using the bridle than in fifteen hours with any other means, as it does not inflict a severe punishment when properly used, but never fails to secure obedience. Therefore, as in most cases it is used, I, in the present, introduce it again.
Put a surcingle on the horse, attach a strap to his nigh fore-foot between the fetlock joint and hoof and draw it up to within eight or ten inches of his body, then take a strap or cord, say 6 or 7 feet long, and fasten it to his off fore-leg in the same manner and secure the services of some person to assist you, directing him to stand on the off-side, and, when directed, to pull up his foot. Place on the horse the Bonaparte bridle, and take your position in front of him with bridle in hand, requesting assistant to pull, when your horse will come down on his knees, now pull on your bridle and say, “Come here,” when he will soon obey you. Do not make your lessons long, but repeat them often; not forgetting to caress him if he should make the slightest move towards you.
Never attempt to teach a horse this trick with shoes on his hind-feet, as he might cut himself, which would cause him to dread a second effort.
TO EDUCATE A HORSE TO DRIVE A BOY OFF THE PEDESTAL.
TO EDUCATE A HORSE TO DRIVE A BOY OFF THE PEDESTAL.
It will be necessary to first educate the horse to mount the pedestal. Instructions to do this may be found elsewhere; then proceed in the following manner to educate to the above trick. Put on the Bonaparte bridle, using a cord, say twenty feet long, and send your horse away from you with a whip, the length of the cord, then give him a slight pull, and say, “Come here;” then run from him and mount the pedestal yourself; when he approaches he will try to mount, and as he does so you jump off. After you have thus exercised him a few times get a boy to assist you. Let the boy stand on the pedestal, and say to your horse, “Come here and mount up;” instruct the boy to leave so soon as the animal shall mount.