This excellent and very simple method of horse training is nearly all accomplished by what is called the persuader or bit; which is made as follows:  take a piece of strong rope eight or ten feet long and a quarter of an inch thick, then part the horse’s mane in the centre, turning one half towards the ears, and the other towards the back of the horse; next tie the rope by one end in a hard knot that will not slip—­not too tightly—­round the horse’s neck in the place at which the mane is divided, having the knot on the right side of the neck; then pass the loose end of the rope forwards, along the right side of the neck, into the horse’s mouth and back along the left side of the neck to that part of the rope which surrounds the horse’s neck, and underneath which it is passed; than take the loose end of the rope in your hand, and you have the persuader or bit completed.  By pulling on the end which you now hold, you draw his mouth up towards his throat, and can thereby inflict the most excruciating torture that is possible for a horse to undergo, and the beauty of it is, without the least injury to the animal.  One pull on this persuader is more dreaded by the horse than a whole day’s flogging with raw-hide.  In fact he cannot stand it; no matter how ugly his tricks may be, such as kicking, balking or anything else, if you use the persuader on him at the time, you can conquer him at once; make him as meek as a lamb, and glad to do anything to escape the torture inflicted by the persuader.  A few times is all you will have to use it, even on the most sulky animal, until you will see no more of his tricks, and he is completely conquered.

305.  To halter wild colts

How to approach and halter the wildest colt of any age without danger, and lead him quietly, is as follows:  choose a large floor, that of a wagonhouse answers well, strew it over with straw two or three inches deep, turn your colt into it, follow him in with a good whip, shut the door, and he will clear to the furthest corner, follow him, and whip him well on the hips, he will clear to another corner, follow him, treat him in the same manner, and he will soon begin to turn his head towards you, then stop and bid him come to you, if he does not come, lay on the whip again, being always careful not to touch him about the head or shoulders, but always about the hips, in a short time he will come to you when you bid him, then rub his ears, nose, neck, chest, &c., and pet him all you can; halter and lead him about the floor; it at any time he clears from you, pay the whip well on his hips until he comes to you again; after a little use him the same way in a small yard, and after this you can do as you like with him in any place.

306.  Horses with tender ears