to take Mr. Powel’s method at first, till you
gentle him, which he says takes from two to six hours.
But, as I want to accomplish the same, and what is
much more, learn the horse to lead in less than one
hour, I shall give you a much quicker process of accomplishing
the same end. Accordingly, when you have entered
the stable, stand still and let your horse look at
you a minute or two, and as soon as he is settled in
one place, approach him slowly, with both arms stationary,
your right hanging by your side, holding the whip
as directed, and the left bent at the elbow, with
your hand projecting. As you approach him, go
not too much towards his head or croop, so as not
to make him move either forward or backward, thus
keeping your horse stationary, if he does move a little
forward or backward, step a little to the right or
left very cautiously; this will keep him in one place,
as you get very near him, draw a little to his shoulder,
and stop a few seconds. If you are in his reach
he will turn his head and smell at your hand, not
that he has any preference for your hand, but because
that it is projecting, and is the nearest portion
of your body to the horse. This all colts will
do, and they will smell of your naked hand just as
quick as they will of any thing that you can put in
it, and with just as good an effect, however much some
men have preached the doctrine of taming horses by
giving them the scent articles from the hand.
I have already proved that to be a mistake. As
soon as he touches his nose to your hand, caress him
as before directed, always using a very light, soft
hand, merely touching the horse, all ways rubbing the
way the hair lays, so that your hand will pass along
as smoothly as possible. As you stand by his
side you may find it more convenient to rub his neck
or the side of his head, which will answer the same
purpose, as rubbing his forehead. Favor every
inclination of the horse to smell or touch you with
his nose. Always follow each touch or communication
of this kind with the most tender and affectionate
caresses, accompanied with a kind look, and pleasant
word of some sort, such as: Ho! my little boy,
ho! my little boy, pretty boy, nice lady! or something
of that kind, constantly repeating the same words,
with the same kind, steady tone of voice; for the
horse soon learns to read the expression of the face
and voice, and will know as well when fear, love or
anger, prevails as you know your own feelings; two
of which, fear and anger, a good horseman should
never feel.