Wv.W v\. ^mm^wmm ^vV::^ :^;U^ LIBRAUT OF CONGRESS.? Mtap.^....L|orori5Mji» t I UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. | i^.^ j,M^l ^yyyw^wyvD '3?-5m-co. TuRCO, the farthest on the right, is a black stallion of Duroc-Morgan blood. He is nearly fourteen years old, of beautiful form. He was, v/hen a colt, remarkably vicious; at four years old, having resisted all efforts to break him, he was purchased by me of Esq. Cole, of Smithville, Jeffer- son county, N. Y., in June, 1861. He was trained by me in Smithville, and among the most interesting features of his training was that of driving to carriage without bridle or reins. The performances of this horse excited the great- est attention in all the principal towns and cities of the north and east. I trained several horses to drive with him, and he has been driven and exhibited, double and single, by me, through the principal towns of twenty-three states. 6 PROF. MAGNER S EDUCATED HORSES. This ceasing to be a novelty, by the number of horses soon after so trained by others, who assuming the most ex- travagant pretensions, made it no better than a burlesque, I superseded it with other and more interesting features of performance under canvas, as now exhibited by me daily. This fine horse has shown some peculiar features of saga- city. He will not allow a stranger to loaf around him, will allow any one to approach, feed, water and clean him, but curiosity seekers who may show any timidity in going near him, are soon reminded that he is not to be trifled with, but is perfectly docile. GiFFORD, the black horse on the near side, is of Mor- gan blood, ten years old, and is one of the most beautifully modeled, as well as one of the finest performing horses in the country. Have owned and exhibited him for nearly five years, both north and south. Among his most remark- able feats is that of acting vicious or gentle at v/ill. He will play sick in the most natural and wonderful manner, even groaning from apparent intense pain. Next on the off side, to the left, is represented Blind Billy, which is acknowledged by all witnessing his per- formances, to be not only the finest modeled pony, but the most wonderful performing blind horse in the world. Billy is now nine years old, mahogany bay color, fourteen hands high, and weighs nearly 900 pounds. He is as above stated, totally blind, and has been so for four years. He does everything by word of command only, and not the least interesting peculiarity of his performance is the atten- tion with which he waits for and promptly obeys every command. He will run the ring, turning right or left, go lame, walk on his knees, kick on his knees, look for and find a handkerchief, jump clear of the ground and kick, walk on his hind feet around the ring, or turn right and left in circles while standing erect on his hind feet. He will sit down like a dog, turn right or left while sitting on his haunches. All this, and much more, he does in the promptest manner, at the word of command. He is acknowledged not only to excel all other horses, blind or PROF. MAGNER S EDUCATED HORSES. 7 not, by the difficulty and variety of his performances, but surpasses as well all horses known, by his wonderful perform- ances of squealing and laughing, at the word of command. The sum of Seven Thousand Dollars has been offered and refused for this beautiful and wonderful animal. He is un- questionably, the rarest, finest, and most valuable perform- ing pony in this country, if not in the world; and the witnessing of his performances the most instructive and interesting novelties of the day. The best Trick Pony in the World. The nearest on the left is the Spotted Pony, Tommy. As his appearance shows, he is the smallest and most cun- ning of the group. He is eleven years old, weighs 720 pounds, bright bay color with white spots, extending back on each side of his body, and is a perfect model in form. Tommy is the clown of the lot. He is in himself a whole show, and the amusement he excites by his unique per- formances is really side-splitting; it is not so much what he 8 PROF. MAGNER'S educated HORSES. does as the way he acts out his performance that so intensely amuses. He is as apparently innocent and gentle as can be ; even allowing a child to go under, around, or over him. Should a rider even fall under his feet, he will either carefully step over him or stand still until the rider gets up; yet in an instant by the merest signal, his whole nature seems to be changed to the character of a vicious, dangerous stallion, with ears back, mouth open, eyes flash- ing fire, and every hair on his body on end, he will clear the ring of all intruders. At such a time there are but few of the most courageous who will dare to enter the ring, so apparently dangerous does he appear; yet as quickly at command will he assume his former gentle appearance, and play with any one or go around the ring for presents. The sagacity he exhibits even in this is almost wonderful, for if given no attention he will pass by without apparently noticing a person, going directly to those of the sunniest nature by whom he delights being caressed, always showing preference for well dressed and good looking ladies, for whom he seems to have a great fondness, acknowledging a caress or a present with the politeness of a courtier, by a bow of the head. It is, however, in his great contests with riders that he shows the most wonderful sagacity and power, throwing or not a little boy easily and quietly as commanded, but send- ing the smartest and best riders flying at will from his back. It is in his great performance of ''^ throwing the boys'' that he brings down the house with almost insane applause. I have seen at such times the most habitually grave men and women laugh and scream with delight, until the tears coursed down their cheeks, and in many instances of per- sons lying down upon the seats, or rolling upon the ground, yielding in their paroxysm of excitement to the uncontrollable impulses which seized them. When the elo- quent preacher and senator from Ohio, Mr. Garfield, who, with his friends and faculties of the Hiram College, attended one of my exhibitions in that place; so great was his pleasure while witnessing this great performance of Tommy's, that he rolled, clapped his hands, and shouted with delight. The following from the Cleveland Leader, in speaking of Tommy's performance during one of my exhibitions in that PROF. MAGNER S EDUCATED HORSES. 9 city, will better illustrate the excitement and interest which his performance excites : ''But the most laughable scene took place when the spot- ted wild horse, Tommy, was introduced. He presented every appearance of a wild steed, and ran restively about with distended nostrils and fiery eye, his mane bristling like the quills of a fretful porcupine, but at the approach of his master he became as tame as a lamb. Every one was invited to try their equestrian skill on Tommy, and all who tried were thrown to the ground, tenderly, but in the twinkling of an eye. Mr. Magner offered ^500 to any one" who would ride Tommy one minute. Several tried, but Tommy, in his famous act of tlirowing the Boys. none were rewarded with success. One ambitious gentle- man threw off hat, coat and vest, and said he ' would be d — d if he didn't ride him.' Tommy was too much for him. He was thrown several times, and finally concluded that he had better let Tommy have his own way." Thus it is seen I not only give the most interesting exhi- bitions free under canvas, but being the author of my own work, and handling and controlling the wildest and most vicious horses daily in illustrating my system, and devoting too, my whole attention to this end, that I am inaugurating an era of interest in the study and kind treatment of the horse, which is in the extreme, commendable and valuable. 1* THE NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. There are so many who claim precedence as authors of the New System, etc., and that, too, in increased propor- tion to the ignorance and inexperience of those engaging in the business as a matter of speculation, that a few words of explanation, in relation to the part I have taken and of my success in this field, becomes necessary as a matter of duty and justice to myself and public. I have now been before the public over eleven years, constantly employed in imparting a knowledge of such principles of educating and managing horses as I found to be most simple and practical. I claimed and adver- tised a NEW SYSTEM from the start. In the winter of 1863-4 I wrote and published in Utica, N. Y., at the Herald office, an exposition of my treatment called "The New System," copyrighting the same under that title. Sometime afterwards I sold to Mr. A. H. Rockwell, for three hundred dollars, the right to republish this work under his own name, a copy of the contract of sale of which I have still in my possession. Mr. R. very unjustly, in the revision of this book, implies having taught me, of having trained the horse Turco I then- owned, etc.; when the fact was, I was over a year on the road before I met or heard of him, I had trained and exhibited this horse nearly two years before he saw him. To Mr. Rockwell undoubtedly belongs the merit of giving pub- lic exhibitions of the feature of driving a horse in the street without reins with a whip. But Mr. Bunnell, of Wellsboro, Tioga county, Pa., emphatically claims that his wife trained this horse to be guided and controlled by motions of a whip, and repeatedly exhibited him at County Fairs before selling him, and before being purchased by Mr. R. This is not, however, any discredit to Mr. Rockv/ell, being too simple a feature of training to be regarded as much of an achieve- ment; and besides, he has proved himself a gentleman of NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 11 too much skill and merit to have the admission now of this fact injure his standing or character. I also gave a gentleman named R. P. Hamilton, the privilege of republishing one of the earlier editions of my book, which he did under his own name, a copy of which edition I have in my possession. [I met and cultivated the acquaintance of Prof. Hamilton in Ohio, in the winter of 1 866, Between this gentleman and myself, there had during our acquaintance been maintained the warmest feelings of friendship, contributing to a more than ordinary interest in each other's success and welfare.] In March, 1868, I started a resident of Batavia, N. Y., named O. S. Pratt, in the business, selling him two trained horses, one of them a gray trick pony called Billy, and a fancy advertising wagon. At the same time I sold another gray trick pony, named Tommy, to a gentle- man named Graves, a resident of Lockport, N. Y. This pony was afterwards purchased of Mr. Graves by the said Pratt, and are the same he still uses in his business. Mr, Pratt, who makes some pretentions to character, I learn, advertises himself as author of the New System, etc. He certainly v/as not identified as a horse man before the above date, having kept a grocery in Batavia previous to the above time, which he sold for the express purpose of buying his outfit, as stated, and engaged in the business as a mere matter of speculation. I am known in the principal portions of twenty-three states, extending from Maine to Mississippi, including New Brunswick. I am the author of my own work, have TRAINED AND OWNED, AND DO OWN THE FINEST AND MOST VALUABLE StUD OF HORSES IN AMERICA. To illustrate and prove the interest I excited by my suc- cess in this field, years ago, I will insert here a few sam- ples of the many flattering notices I received from the people and press of that period : Prom the Utica Morning Herald, Jan. 23, 1863. Horse Training. — In the afternoon Mr. Magner gave a few persons an opportunity to witness his process of training horses, at the barn of Mr, Roberts, near the cemetery. Mr. R.'s stallion, Ethan Allen, which is known as the most vicious horse, in this part of the State, was taken in hand, and in 20 minutes, Mr. M. had him completely under control so that he could handle him precisely where and as he pleased, and mannge him without bridle or halter. Among other apparently very 12 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. hazardous things, he passed beneath the horse between both fore and hind legs. An unbroken colt was also operated with, and was brought under complete subjection in considerably less time than the stallion. A committee of competent judges present, expressed great satisfaction with the result. Mr. Magner has a system of his own, which he con- fidently thinks to be superior to any other known. He guarantees that he will subdue any horse, however vicious, and break them of all such bad tricks as balkiness, kicking, biting and running away. He is quite a young man, has a good address, and seems to possess much more than ordinary intelligence. We think he is likely to become famous in his profession. Of course we would not be justified in giving the details of his system. The above mentioned horse had bit and struck Mr. Roberts six months before, so severely and so desperate was his fury, that it was with the greatest difficulty two men drove him off with rails, but not until Mr. Roberts had an arm lacerated and oroken, and was insensible from his injuries, from which he had not yet recovered. The horse ran loose in a building, being fed and watered through a window, and so vicious that he had not been taken out or handled, nor could his owner or any one go into his room with safety. Indeed I was entreated by the committee comprising Mr. Butterfield, (now Genl. Butterfield or his brother,) Mr. Golden, (Merchant,) Editor of Herald and others, not to go near him — that they would do all they could, to interest the public in my favor, if I would not. But the success above stated, will show with what ease and quickness I made him obedient to my will. He was used and driven afterwards perfectly gentle, by his owner. The Utica Herald, Mr. Roberts, or other gentlemen named, can be referred to, for proof of this statement. From the Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Me,, Feb., 1864. Mr. Magner, the author of this philosophy, and who proves himself to be one of the most expert and scientific horse tamers and trainers in the world, has, during the past week, delighted and astonished the good people of Augusta and vicinity by the admirable and perfectly successful demonstration of his system in subduing and controlling some of the most vicious and ungovernable specimens of the horse fraternity that could be found among us. The manifest and acknowledged im- portance of this art, and the desire of the public to understand and witness the results of its application, induced a crowded attendance of all classes on Mr. Magner's practical illustrations of his theory. All who attended came away fully convinced of, and perfectly satisfied with the correctness of the principles and workings of this new system. Even the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the mem- bers of the Executive Council took a leisure hour, laid hy the affairs of State, forgot their parliamentary squabbles, and found both amusement and instruction in witnessing the skill and consummate tact with which Mr. Magner handled the hitherto incorrigible subjects brought forward tp test his new doctrine. Crowds of our most intelligent citizens were al^g jn attendance, and became decidedly and thorougly satisfied that NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 13 Mr. Magner's system is all that he claims for it, and when applied, will be effectual in bringing the wildest and most stubborn horse into com- plete subjection and docility. A large class of pupils united in order to profit by Mr. Magner's instruction, and learn the best modes of applying his theory to practice, and as a matter of course, the hardest and most vicious horses that could be found in the neighborhood were brought in for him to subdue; all of which were completely tamed and brought into such a state of docility as to astonish those who saw it. So satisfactory and perfectly successful were his instructions and experi- ments to every one who attended, and so efficient and useful did his principles and modes of procedure prove themselves to be in training and subduing horses, that the officers of the Second Alaine Cavalry were influced to invite him to give a course of instruction to those of the regiment who could be spared from duty to attend. In this, too, he v/as perfectly successful, as in all other instances. The most dangerous of vicious horses are those frisky, nervous, touchy kickers, whose heels are always ready to greet you whenever you approach or attempt to harness them. One of this class was brought forward, of so desperate a character that her owner cautioned Mr. Magner that he would expose himself to danger and probable injuiy if he was too familiar with her. In a very short time he had her so effectually subdued and conquered that he could do anything he pleased with her — jump upon her back, slide off behind her heels, handle her feet, and place himself in any position he pleased around her without her offering the least opposition or showing the least disposition to bite or practice her old tricks. It may be thought that the practice of this mode would require great strength and size of body. On the contraiy, Mr. Magner is a young man hardly of medium size, and of a very modest demeanor. But he is compact of form and muscle, resolute, prompt and decided, though kind and patient in action — requisites more essential in dealing with the many crabbed and cross-grained brutes that are often brought for him to tame, than herculean strength or size of limb and body. He was strongly urged to stay longer in the city and repeat his course to another and larger class, but his prior engagements prevented a com- pliance with the request. In his tours through the country in the fulfillment of his mis- sion of good to so useful an animal, we commend him to the friendly attention of farmers and horsemxen, who will find his principles of great value, in this necessary art. We look upon this mode of horse training as an art wonderful for the sure and infallible results which follows its appliance. Maine Farmer, Feb. 24, 1864. His practice is guided and aided by common sense applications of most simple mechanical means and new principle of control, as will convince the most stubborn and willful horse that there is a power above him to which he is soon glad to submit. It is all done quietly, no whipping nor thrashing; no mauling, bawling nor swearing, as has too often heretofore been the custom in such cases. Herein is one of the great and invaluable improvements which Mr. Magner introduces 14 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. , in the art of bringing the horse under complete control of man. We make the remarks for the purpose of calling the attention j of our farmers and owners of horses of Maine, to these new improvements of such vital importance to their interests. We have taken pains to give them a personal investigation. You will find Mr. Magner a modest, unassuming young man, and no humbug, and we cordially advise every one who can, to obtain his lectures. Portland (Me.) Transcript— 1864. Mr. Magner, the Horse Tamer and Trainer, has been in Portland during the past week, and has created a great stir among our horsemen. So great was the interest excited, that Mr. Magner form.ed a school, which was largely attended by those interested in such matters, includ- ing many of our best citizens who have fine horses, and seems to have been altogether satisfactory. Such success in so brief a period is quite unusual. His exhibitions have been very interesting and have satisfac- torily demonstrated his ability to bring the most unmanageable horses entirely under his control. An innocent colt, fresh from the countiy, was introduced, and in a few minutes acted the part of a well trained horse; then came a spirited mare, whose stubbornness was not so readily but no less surely overcome; an old stager, which had for years defied every farrier in the county, but after five minutes training stood quietly as a lamb while his feet were handled and hammered in true black- smith style; a splendid animal, whose principal fault seemed to be unusual fright at the sight of an umbrella, in a very short space of time stood unmoved as one of those articles was placed before him and moved about his body, and when at last it was held above and dropped upon his head, he appeared to regard it with far more of complacency than fear; a puller on the bit was beaten at his own game and yielded handsomely. Whatever the tricks and eccentricities of which the ani- mals brought forward were guilty, they found more than their match in the horse tamer, who did not in a single instance let a horse pass out of his hands till he could truthfully say, "I have you, sir." He was asked to test his skill still further on a vicious mule which was brought in and turned loose in the ring; he was indeed a villainous fellow, and not at all agreeable in his manners, refusing to be bridled or handled, and meeting every one who approached him with an undesirable display of his heels — but in less than fifteen minutes his whole demeanor was changed, and he remained perfectly quiet while he was again and again haltered, mounted on all sides, and handled from head to foot, and finally was led out perfectly submissive. The change was wonderful and called forth great applause. — These exhibitions are, as we learn, foreign to Mr. Magner's custom and general purpose, which is, not to exhibit feats in horsesmanship, but to make the people practically acquainted with his system, and thereby create increased interest in raising and managing horses. He is soon to start out into the towns of this State, and we hope farmers and horsemen will give him all the attention which his theory and his success merit. NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 15 Mr. Magner is about thirty years of age, is rather below the ordinary height, has a stout, muscular body, a sprightly piercing eye, and speaks with a clear voice and convincing manner, and in deportment and ap- pearance is altogether a gentleman; and it is only just to say in his behalf, that in Portland, as well as in several towns which he has visited, he has won for himself and his method of managing horses great favor, and many are now carrying out successfuly the instructions which they have received from him. Portland ( Me.) Advertiser— 1864. Rarey Nowhere. — Mr. Magner, whose equestrian feats have excited the wonder of our citizens, has left the city in order to fulfill numerous engagements in the country. It is yery fortunate for him that this is not an age when men are executed for witchcraft. Had he lived in Salem in 1692, and exhibited, as he has here, his power over refractory horses, he would have been hung, as sure as fate, for a wizard. In- deed, we are not certain that he does not practice some sort of witchery in his management of horses. No one can form an idea of his won- derful power over them until he witnesses proof of it. To see a horse furious, stubborn, defiant, with a very devil in his eye, in a few moments, by some mysterious power, calmed down, rendered docile, patiently submissive, and allowing every liberty to be taken with him — in a word, the evil spirit which had possessed the animal, completely exorcised — you can hardly credit, although the marvelous transforma- tion takes place under your naked eye. A knowledge of Mr. Magner's theory of subduing the horse must be invaluable to all owners of the animal. The horse has been the gentleman's special study. He has made himself acquainted with all his characteristics. He has but to look upon the animal to discover his faults, and straightway, by a miracle, as it were, he corrects them. It seems almost too much to believe, and people will not believe it until they see for themselves proof of the gentleman's success. I WOULD MOST RESPECTFULLY REMIND, that whatever my success a few years ago, I have since then introduced new principles, and made improvements which enable me to produce results now in the education and reformation of horses, in many instances in a few minutes, which it would have been most difficult, if not wholly impossible for me to have done a year or two ago, the proper application of which will enable results in the reformation of vicious hor- ses, that is even now wonderful and almost beyond belief. I have, during the past summer and fall, taken horses in hand, in Ohio and Michigan, that had resisted all efforts of the best horsemen, who practiced the treatment of all oth- ers who have traveled in the business, as well as that I used 16 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. years ago, and in every case controlled and drove them easily and safely in less than an hour. I have now a conception of this great and important science, which long experience and careful study only will enable, the value of which I prove by the successful results exhibited, and the high appreciation of my instructions by all giving me attention. I have devoted the best part of my life exclusively to the development of this science, besides expending a large amount of money in the study of veterinary practice, under one of the ablest Veterinary Surgeons in America, Dr. ■Wm. Somerville, of Buffalo, N. Y., whose certificate will be found below ; thus insuring the undisputed reliability of my efforts and of making my work of great practical value for reference. From Dr. "Wm. Somerville, Proprietor of the Buffalo, N. Y„ Horse Inlirmary. *'This is to certify, that D. Magner, Esq., served un- der me nearly two years, during 1868 and 1869, as an apprentice to learn and be instructed in the Veterinary Profession. I consider him well qualified to treat success- fully all Diseases in Horses, and able to practice as a skill- ful and competent Veterinary Surgeon. WM. SOMERVILLE, Vef. Surgeon, Member of two Veterinary Colleges, and of 2^6 years practice. Buffalo Horse Infirmary, 127 Erie St., Aug. i, 1869." No one desires more earnestly than I do, the success and encouragement of any one who may prove, even to a limited degree competent to teach reform in the treatment and care of horses. There is need enough of v/holesome practical effort in this direction, and after the prolonged and arduous struggle which I have maintained during the best part of my life, in this trying field of professional enter- prise, I feel more like retiring to the quietness and pleasure of private life than continuing in it longer. Hence I am above any feelings of envy. I have felt compelled, in this edition of my book, to make these explanations, but _ NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 17 more for the satisfaction of those who have and may give me attention, than for the gratification of my feelings. The few following notices from a large number of a recent date, will show the appreciation of my system of treatment by the most critical horsemen in the country. From people too, who have given attention to all those who have traveled in the business, from Mr. Rarey, down to the present time, showing the great appreciation of my ef- forts over that of all others, proving that my principles of treatment are most effective and practical yet brought into use. From the MicJiigan Horse Breeders' Association of Jackson, Mich., May 6, 1871. We, the undersigned officers and members of the Michigan Horse Breeders' Association, and citizens of Jackson, have attended Prof. Magner's lectures on the education of horses while in this city, and endorse him to the people of the State as a reformer of great merit. His treatment reduces the education of horses to a definite and fixed science, ensuring not only the most humane, but the most wonderful results in the control of wild and vicious horses. We have witnessed the effect of his treatment in the control of a large number of vicious horses, and have no hesitation in saying his system is the best in the world. S. S. VAUGHN, President. J. A. ROEINSON, Secretary. GEO. SHERWOOD, Treasurer, DAN. B. HIBBERD, C. C. TURNER. Endorsed by the following eminent citizens of Jackson. A.' J^'pInTUNE, } P^°Pnetars of Hibbard House. M. KNAPP, Livery and Horse Dealer, B. J. JOHNSON, Member of City Council. CHAS. MESEROLL, City Marshal. W. L. SEATON, Postmaster and Member of City Council. ROBT. KNOWLES, County Clerk. JESSE HURD, Proprietor of Track. JOHN GOODYEAR, Livery and Sale Stable. C. C. POND, Broker, and 50 others. From the Jackson, Mich., Patriot. Prof. Magner gave his last exhibition and lecture in this city on Saturday afternoon last, and as usual, a large number were in attendance 18 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. at the opening exhibition, and at least two hundred members of his class were present to listen to the closing lecture, and witness some of his wonderful feats of subduing and managing horses. At the close of the lecture, one of the members of the class offered the following reso- lution, which was received with applause, and adopted without a dissenting voice : Resolved, That we, the members of Prof. Magner's class, hereby ex- press to him our high appreciation of his instructions in his system for the reform and elevation of horses, which, in our estimation, is incom- parably superior to any system ever brought before the public. By this system, the management of the horse is reduced to a definite and exact science, and we desire most heailily to commend Prof. Magner to the confidence of the public, and to express to him personally our thanks for his patience, his thoroughness, and his gentlemanly bearing, while engaged in his profession in this city. From the Adrian 'Weekly Times, April 13, 1871. During the present week. Prof. Magner, the celebrated horse tamer and educator, has conducted his classes in this city. He has created a genuine ftirore among all interested in horses in this city, and his reputation has extended to a circuit of country, and persons have attended his classes from over twenty miles distant. He has succeeded in subduing and rendering perfectly tractable some horses who have resisted all previous efforts of horse-breakers and others to reduce them to submission, and his wonderful power over horses excites the most astonishment from those best posted in equine care and treatment, and the exhibitions of the trained stud of horses which he owns and carries with him, are superior in interest to the choicest features of the best circus traveling. In every place he has been, the professor has received the most emphatic and cordial endorsements. From the Toledo Blade. As a practitioner and teacher of the science and art of training horses, the professor is without a rival, and has won the confidence and admiration of the public wherever he has been. No one can understand the seemingly magical power which this man seems to pos- sess over the horse kingdom, until he witnesses one of his exhibitions, and we are free to say that a knowledge of Mr. Magner's theory of training horses will be invaluable to every owner of the animal. Wherever he goes, his lectures should be heard and his experiments seen. While in Toledo he had for his classes many of our best citi- zens, and all feel not only fully satisfied, but endorsed him, as will be seen, in the strongest manner. Happening into the tent one day, we saw the Professor training a noble, but desperately stubborn horse, owned by Mr. R. Mott. After operating with the animal but a brief time, his very nature seemed NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 19 changed, and on being driven by his master, was kind and obedient as the best of horses. The readers of the Blade can rely upon the fact that the Professor is an upright, honorable gentleman, possessing all the wonderful skill he claims. From the Toledo Commercial. Monday, the last lesson of Prof. Magner to his class in Toledo, was given. His success here has been unprecedented, and his teachings unparalleled in their line. What the members of the class have learned could not be bought of them for ten times the sum paid by them for the instruction. He goes to Adrian, Michigan, from here, and we bespeak for him there a hearty welcome and the usual success attending his efforts. The professor is a man of his word, professing no more than he performs, and doing good wherever he goes. In his teachings he not only learns his scholars, but benefits the horses, by introducing a more humane and gentle course of treatment, and therefore merits the name of benefactor to the brute race, or a niche beside the renowned Bergh. We congratulate the Adrianites on their acquisition. From the Cleveland Leader, Feb., 1870. After the exhibition, the regular lesson and illustrations began by a lecture of about twenty minutes duration, wherein the professor explained the cause, symptoms and cure of many of the diseases to which the horse is peculiarly liable, and set forth the matter in so clear, forcible and simple a manner as to disarm any prejudice or want of confidence in the man, if any such prejudices had been previously formed. But the great sensation of the evening was yet to come, for which all were anxious, as many present knew the vicious nature of the beast to be subdued — in fact there were one or two present who had had good cause to ever remember the great runaway and kicker known as the "Malone Horse." He is a gray gelding, perhaps sixteen hands high, of great beauty and strength, and a will and determination rarely found in the purely American breed of horses. The horse was brought into the enclosure, and caused general comment by his magnificent style and grace of movement. His owner was present, and after look- ing at the animal for a few moments, and dreading to see him pass into other hands to manage, hesitated at the last moment to give his consent to the application of the system. Mr. Magner, determined to have a subject for his class, asked the price of the horse, which was announced to be ^500. " I'll take him," said the professor, and at once handed over the amount. This movement on the part of Mr. Magner was un- expected, as most "horsemen" who have visited us generally preferred to "work up" other people's horses, rather than their own. But Mr. Magner knew the value of the animal before him, and knew the value of his system, and was further aware that ^1,000 was ready for the horse the moment that he could be driven safely before a trotting wagon. 20 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING KORSES. At this stage of the proceedings the excitement was intense, and many speculations were indulged in as to who would prove the victor, the man or the horse. In less than twenty minutes from the time that Professor Magner laid his hands upon his subject, the horse was as gen- tle as a lamb, and as easily controlled as the most reliable family horse. Among other efforts to prove that the gray gelding was completely broken, the professor, without reins in hand, mounted the wagon, and catching the animal by the tail drove him around the ring at a fearful pace, drawing the wagon upon the heels of the horse in such a way as to strike them with a force that could be heard at the farthest end of the room. The class was astonished, declaring that they had already received more than the value in useful knowledge of the price of their admission. From the Cleveland Herald of Feb. 26, 1870. Professor Magner last night gave an exhibition at his hippotheatron, which was in every respect a success. A success in giving complete satisfaction to the large audience attracted, and in realizing a good sum for the Dorcas Society, a benevolent institution for the benefit of which the entertainment was given. This is the second donation the profes- sor has made to charitable institutions of our city. When he leaves us his visit will not only be remembered on account of the skillful methods of training horses, which he has imparted to a large class of students, but also for deeds of charity done in our midst, which will make his name ever associated with pleasant recollections. At the close of the last lecture of his coui-se in Cleveland, the following resolution was moved by Hon, Silas Merchant, (President of City Council,) which was carried by acclamation of the entire class : Resolved, That we, as members of Prof. Magner's class in this city, deem it but a just recognition of his skill and success in teaching us his system of educating horses, which we regard as the best ever shown us; and for his gentlemanly demeanor, that we are fully satisfied with his instructions, hereby endorse him and his system of educating and treat- ing horses, to our friends and the public. The following well known gentlemen and citizens of Cleveland, endorse Prof. Magner and his system, and can be referred to : J. P. ROSS, Proprietor of American House. H. NOTTINGI-IAM, Esq. W. W. CRAWFORD, 51 Euclid Avenue. GEN. J. W. FITCH, Kennard House. J. D. KEEGAN, Druggist, 3 Euclid Avenue. R. P. WATERBURY, Akron Stove Co. H. W. LUETKEMEYER, 150 Superior street. J. SCHRIBER, Tobaaionist, 113 Water street. GEO. E. ARMSTRONG, of Alcott & Horton, Wholesale Dry Goods, 149 Water street. E. N. KEYES, Real Estate Agent, i Rouse's Block. NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 21 SILAS MERCHANT, Iron Founder, River street. L. B. FRENCH, of French & Keith, Wholesale Dry Goods, Water st. S. S. COE, Secretary of Cleveland Insurance Co., corner Water and Superior streets. W. P. HORTON, of Alcott & Horton, Wholesale Dry Goods, Water st. A. S. ROBBINS, Wholesale dealer in Photographic Stock, corner Su- perior and Seneca streets. GEO. H. BURRITT, Collector of Customs, Custom House. E. THOMPSON, Wholesale Grocer, Bank street. JAS. BENNETT, Livery and Boarding Stable, Champlain street. W. D. GUSHING, Agt. Erie R. R., 131 Superior street. WM. EDWARDS, Wholesale Grocer, Water street. AMOS TOWNSEND, Wholesale Grocer and President of City Council, City Hall. H. COLLINS, Proprietor of Weddell House. H. HURD, Wholesale Grocer, Water street. GEN. D. T. CASEMENT. O. STONE, Esq., Scovill Avenue. F. W. BELL, Wholesale Lumber Merchant. C. W. COE, Proprietor of Cleveland Mills, 268 Scovill Avenue. T. ELWOOD, Livery Stable, St. Clair street. H. P. WEDDELL, Esq. , Banker, Bank street, and 500 others. Buffalo Commercial Advertiser. Horse that Kii.led OxNte Man and Injured Several Others. — We yesterday afternoon visited the amphitheatre of Prof. Magner, the noted horse tamer, on Carroll street. We found there a large number of our most prominent citizens and horse owners, and all manifested the greatest interest in the doings of the professor. By way of blending amusement with instruction. Prof. Magner exhibits before his class and visitors, his educated horses and ponies, who seem to possess a degree of intelligence absolutely marvelous. After the exhibition of these animals, interpersed with remarks oi an instructive character from the professor, a horse belonging to the Omni- bus Company — a most vicious brute, with a disagreeable habit of biting, and striking with his fore feet; from which those in charge have not been able to remove the collar or bridle for over three months — was brought for treatment. We understand, by the way, that this horse (a large and powerful bay) once killed a man, by biting and trampling him under foot, and recently bit the hand almost off the person having him in charge. In twenty minutes, in the presence of between two and three hundred persons, Prof. Magner reduced this brute to perfect sub- jection, so that the groom and himself harnessed and unharnessed him, put their hands in his mouth, and handled him in every shape with perfect impunity, the formerly furious beast being as docile as a kitten. It was a wonderful exhibition, as we can bear testimony. We can have no hesitation in recommending Prof. Magner and his mode of treatment to all interested in horses, as one who can and docs perform all that he promises. 22 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. The above horse is now gentle, as shown by the following letter : Buffalo, Dec. 21, 1869. Prof. Magner : Dear Sir: — I consider myself in duty bound to drop you a few lines respecting our once vicious horse, "Man Eater," as we called him. I have often said what a good thing it was we did not shoot him. He was taken out of the stable twice for that purpose, when I, on both oc- casions, interceded in his behalf. He is now one of our best horses, as docile as a lamb, and the drivers all like him. We work him double and single, as required. All this was caused from your few minutes tuition. You are aware of his past history. For weeks previous to making your acquaintance we could not get a man to harness him, and two of our drivers were disabled by him. When you visit the city, please give us a call. Believe me, yours very truly, M. FORDE, Agent, Buffalo Omnibus Company. At the close of Prof. Magner's lesson on Thursday last, all present, (nearly fifty,) among whom were the following well known gentlemen : RICHARD BULLYMORE, Esq., C. L. WHITING, Esq., Z. BONNEY, Proprietor of Bonney's Hotel. H. COURTER, Courter House, '' W. C. SHERWOOD, Esq., E. UPSON, Carriage Manufacturer. DR. GEORGE S. EVARTS, J. O. ROBSON, Esq., it was unanimously resolved, that " we commend Prof. Magner to our friends as a reformer of more than ordinary usefulness; that his theory of governing and educating horses is the most practical, humane and valuable in its results we have ever witnessed; can be learned and practiced by any one of ordinary intelligence. He tamed a wild mare in our presence in ten minutes, and, among other feats, he made her sit down twice and lie down four times in a minute without touchinp- her." In his class on Monday, August 9th, comprising nearly one hundred, among whom were the following well-known citizens : GEORGE W. TIFFT, Esq., JUDGE MASTEN, MAJOR DICKEY, C. J. HAMLIN, Esq., F. W.TRACY, Esq., It was resolved by acclamation, that " we fully endorse Prof. Magner and his system, and believe every one owning or interested in horses NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 23 will find it to their advantage to learn his system of treatment. In our presence he put a halter on the most vicious horse in the city without touching him, and, by its use and that of a whip, made the horse lie down and get up three times, then stood off ten feet, and, with his hands in his pockets, laid the same horse down ten times in a minute. In less than twenty minutes from the time he commenced his treatment with his horse, he took off and put on repeatedly the collar and bridle, without exciting resistance or any indication of viciousness from the horse. The same was done by the driver, to do which before would have been at the hazard of his life. PRELIMINARY HINTS-CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS, ETC. If horses could be guided and controlled in their educa- tion by the use of a bit and reins, it would not be necessary to resort to any other treatment. But as this cannot be done excepting in the training of those of the mildest and most docile disposition, it be- comes essential to success to know what to do to insure the perfect docility and obedience of any and all horses of any extremes of viciousness, in harness or not. We see, too, that horses of energy and pluck are often easily spoiled by the most trifling causes exciting their fear and resistance, and that unless subjected to proper treat- ment, they are liable to become unpleasant, dangerous or worthless thereafter, for use. Overcoming all those possible difficulties with ease and certainty implies a knowledge of those conditions and prin- ciples of education and subjection by which the horse can be easily taught and guided into perfect docility and obedi- ence at will. This, it is seen, by the principles taught, and herein explained, can be easily done, and it is for the purpose of directing special attention to some of the more important conditions influencing the application of my treatment that I am induced to write out such preliminary hints, forming this chapter, as my experience suggests, the careful perusal of which I would urge. The Horse by nature is averse to the control of man, and as he cannot know the various ways it is intended he is to serve the wants of man, he must be taught, and to success- fully teach him implies making him passive to control without exposing him to injury or abuse, requiring — First, That the nervous system is not so disturbed and perverted by fear and excitement as to rouse the fears and vicious part of the nature into controlling action. EXCESSIVE FEAR MUST BE PREVENTED. 25 Second. That there is a clear understanding of such principles of addressing the reason as will convey to it most clearly the idea of what is required to be done. Third. That there is a knowledge of such principles of subjection as will enable guiding and controlling the ani- mal in such ways and to such extremes as may be desired in his education. In a word, the superior strength of the horse must be fully and unconditionally held or made passive to control, any excessiveness of the fears and passions prevented, while the reason is addressed and won to a perfect understand- - ing of what is required to be done. Experience proves that horses resist control to the degree they learn it possible to do so. EXCESSIVE FEAR MUST BE PREVENTED. That excessive fear, even, of a few moments' time, from any cause, may so derange and excite the mind as to spoil and pervert the character for life. That the excitement of the passions only stimulates resistance and confuses the un- derstanding. That almost any horse can be taught and made to do anything of which he is capable, if properly shown and treated kindly and patiently. On the contrary, if excited and abused, his whole nature is stimulated to resistance. Hence, if we would not excite resistance or excessive fear, of objects or other causes, we must bring them to notice in such a manner as to both prevent excit- ing the fears and convince the horse of their harmless character until fully reconciled to their presence. Fourth. The inability of the horse to understand articu- lated language, implies the necessity of conveying to the mind clearly the idea of what is required to be done. Fifth. That the great strength of the horse is so neutral- ized and controlled at will, as to make prompt submission to man a necessity. Now while my principles as I have illustrated and proved will enable avoiding all those supposed great difficulties in training and handling horses, and cause results that in many instances appear wonderful, it must be evident they are, as well as all other principles, only rules, by the use of which certain results are to be secured, and their chief value in practice must depend upon the judgment used in 26 FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE STRONGEST. applying them. But if as I have shown, and as the ordi- nary observation of daily experience clearly proves, fear is excited and the will aroused in securing obedience, the resistance of the animal is stimulated, the legitimate authority and control of the trainer or driver weakened or neutralized, and the necessity for force greatly increased, to a degree very often that wholly spoils the animal. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE STRONGEST. The first impressions made upon the mind or nervous system of the colt, are the strongest and most lasting. A colt or horse of even a good disposition, it is seen, may be made a reckless, foolish, kicking maniac, by being greatly frightened, from some cause in itself, perhaps trifling, but forced to notice in such a way as to excite and derange the nervous system. And when it is seen that even the life of a sensitive horse may be destroyed by being greatly fright- ened, we can see to what a degree the nervous system can be deranged at times by causes which, if the animal were subjected to the precautionary treatment shown, would excite no fear, and hence no resistance, thereby preventing as well as overcoming easily, what would appear to be an almost insurmountable difficulty. Equine nature is so constituted that it will submit pas- sively to conditions of resistance or restraint, it cannot suc- cessfully resist or overcome, or by producing such impres- sions upon the mind as will prevent an inclination to resist. This is the law of natural government or supremacy to which all the lower animals yield, the smaller and weaker submitting to the stronger, and indeed, this is the funda- mental basis of successful human government. Hence, the resorts of military power or studied scientific application of destructive force as shown in war and its penalties, and hence the effort to attain a knowledge of more destructive means to repel or overcome resistance. HORSES SHOULD BE EDUCATED— NOT BROKEN. But we see, as in the successful education of the horse, this principle must be so modified, that he will not be inju- red or abused, not even excited to any extreme, as this HORSES SHOULD BE EDUCATED — NOT BROKEN. 27 would neutralise and destroy the very object of our efforts to make a strong, gentle, submissive servant to our wants, which is our real object to attain. But the common plan of doing this by attempting to hold and force a horse in harness, and whipping if there is re- sistance, is from the nature of things, inadequate, defective and cruel, since there is not necessary physical power to do this with any degree of certainty, and the aggravation of the whip, in conjunction with the natural fear of the animal, stimulates resistance, and thus without adequate precaution or power, the difficulty to be overcome is so greatly increased as to cause failure and trouble, the cause of which is usually attributed to a bad disposition. But if the animal is first made passive to restraint by proper treat- ment, control becomes simple and ea.sy, since the mind can now be easily won and guided without fear or resistance into such habits as may be desired without exciting resist- ance or subjecting the animal to injury. Now this is exactly what my system enables doing, de- veloping to a practical basis those principles of necessary power, while there is a clear understanding of what is re- quired to be done impressed upon the mind, which is at the same time aided and encouraged by the most powerful appeals to the better part of the nature, until prompt will- ing obedience is secured and fully established. This has been the object of Schristian, Offutt, Rarey, and others, to accomplish, but in vain, as shown by the simple method of throwing shown by all those including Rarey, by redu- cing vitality, as shown by South Americans, the Indians on our western plains, and the Chilians. Of course, very remarkable and satisfactory results were and can be often shown by these methods of subjection, but from necessity, coming far short of those essential points aimed at, and so necessary to that perfect success, which we are able to do by my treatment, which enable results in many cases in less than an hour, entirely impossible to accomplish by such or any other treatment heretofore in use. SUBJECTION-OLD METHODS OF. The rudest and most injurious methods of subduing hor- ses are those which tend directly to lower the strength or 28 SUBJECTION — OLD METHODS OF. destroy life. Hence the different methods of taming or breaking horses in general use from time immemorial. The first account we have of any horse being subdued was that of Bucephalus, in the time of Alexander the Great, about 300 years before Christ. A subject, we are told, presented this horse to the Emperor as a gift, but he (the horse) show- ing a very vicious disposition, Alexander ordered him to be taken away, when young Alexander stated what a pity to lose so fine an animal for the want of a little address, adroitly mounted him and rode him off at the top of his speed. The greatest alarm was manifested for the safety of the Prince, and the joy of all was great when he returned, the horse perfectly gentle, and he safe. This horse became famous for his wonderful sagacity. We are told that when he died he was buried with honors, and a city was given his name. The same principle of subjection, with slight variations, is still practiced on the pampas of South Amer- ica, and on our western plains. They catch the horse with a lasso, throw him to the ground, saddle and bridle him, and ride him with whip and spur, until completely ex- hausted and perfectly submissive. South America.ns square off the ends of the hair of the tail, after the horse submits, to indicate that he is broken and again turn him loose. The same principle is in use among the Indians on our western plains, and with equal success. The Chilians tie a refractory horse in the stable and whip him until he lies down or falls down, usually requiring about forty-eight hours. He is then tried, and if refractory the process is continued until he becomes gentle. Bleeding, physicking, want of sleep, starving, want of water, intense pain, choking, &c., &c., will enable this end; but, as will be seen, this treatment is not only dan- gerous but injurious, often breaking down the animal to such a degree as to become comparatively worthless, or made so treacherous as to require being broken over again almost every time used. There is a belief among many, even of intelligence, that a certain peculiar something in the way of medicine, will make a horse gentle, following a man anywhere. Catlin, an Indian traveler, states with gravity, in his account of Indian customs, Szc, that after an Indian breathes into the nostrils of a horse, he becomes his slave, following him like a dog, &c. I have handled KINDNESS — ITS IMPORTANCE. 29 all sorts of horses, and have shown results in the way of successful control of mustangs, mules and vicious horses, which I defy the ability in any one to produce by any such treatment. My experience tells me that breathing into the nostrils or giving any medicine of which we have any knowledge, will fail to make the mind of a wild or vicious horse passive to control, to any marked degree. The oslets which grow upon the inside of horses' legs, ground and blown into the nostrils in connection with oil of Cumin, Rhodium, Anise, either or all, constitute this great secret ; but as good an effect can be produced by giving apples, sugar and salt in equal proportions, oats, or in fact anything of which the horse is fond. This is however only in part an illustration of the value of some of our most essential treatment in the successful management of certain peculiari- ties of disposition. KINDNESS— ITS IMPORTANCE. • I will call more special attention in another part of this chapter, to the importance of kindness as an essential to true success in making horses of a natuia.lly wild and ner- vous disposition safe and gentle. We see that a horse of a sensitive, plucky nature, may be excited and roused into the most determined resistance or viciousness by a little exciting abusive treatment. That the more the bad part of the nature is excited, the more determined and reckless the resistance. Excitement heats the blood, blunts the under- standing and stimulates the passions, and as a consequence, increased nervousness and resistance is the result. Under such circumstances a horse will go beyond his natural strength in resistance. Hence, the mustang, or other horse, broken by exciting, exhausting force, such as running, extreme whipping, &c., is not only liable to be seriously injured constitutionally, but soured in temper. Good illustrations of this are shown in high strung mares and horses, which may be whipped severely for kicking. Though perhaps weak and broken down from abuse, they will squeal and kick with the true recklessness of malignant hate. The very expression of the eyes shows kick. So with the balker ; the whole nature is intensified in rebellion. But how different if the better part of the nature is won by 30 PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. kindness. The expression is softened, there is a natural willingness excited to do whatever is properly and carefully shown ; but if in addition to this the mind can be held and controlled at will, thus lessening the confidence and pow- ers of resistance, obedience can be secured and won with a quickness and ease that is surprising. This is the true principle, as I have shown, as it enables addressing and winning the full cooperation of the under- standing and better nature, without exciting resistance, or to so limited a degree as to be easily overcome, and really implies teaching the horse in a reasonable practicable man- ner in accordance with the laws of his nature. PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OP DISPOSITION. The extremes of intelligence, temper, size and texture of body demands attention, v/hen attempting to train or sub- due a horse. And here this apparently threadbare subject reveals an apparently new and most interesting field for the careful student. We are told in Genesis, that after all the lower animals were created they were brought before Adam to receive their names; and whatsoever he called any animal, whether beast, bird, fish or reptile, that was the name thereof. In a vv^ord, all representing the different stratas or modifications and extremes of his own higher or lower nature. Hence, in understanding his own nature, he could readily comprehend that of theirs. There are not only classes but modifications in each family, each representing some type or modification of others becoming clearer to the observation in the do- mestic animals. For though each family, in a general sense, preserves its own peculiarity of identity in size, color, disposition, &c., yet no two of anyfamxily are exactly alike, each showing som^e peculiar phase of distinction. Hence, one ox, cow, dog, or other animal, is seen to be more vicious, wild, or difficult to manage than others of the same family, and vice versa. The horse shov/s these peculi- arities of extreme sometimes to a most marked degree. Hence we see there are horses so docile, fearless and man- ageable that they can hardly be made to do anything mean, submitting to being handled or driven in harness from the start without trouble, while others are so flighty, foolish or PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. 31 vicious as to be scarcely manageable by the most skillful prudence and effort. Now if you will look closely, for example, at the head and eyes of any horse showing a marked trait, you will find, confining your observation to even the eye alone, a corresponding peculiarity of it to that of the animal the horse most similates in character or disposition. To illus- trate — a large brown eye rather flat set well out in the head, eyelids thin, ex- pression mild, but sensitive, which is peculiar only to the naturally gentle horse, you have the counterpart of the sheep or gazelle, the most innocent and gentle of all the domestic animals. The same is noticeable in the dog of mild, gentle character, as well as other animals. A small, round, clear eye, set well into the head, or eyelids heavy, ex- pression stolid or learish, you have indicated a sulky, g disposition. Notice the head of such. You will usually find it rather narrow between the eyes, long from eyes to ears, ears inclining to lop back, head rather low between the ears, and nose rounding. Rouse this temper and the sulky unrelent- ing pluck of the bull-dog, hog or bear is shown, which they most similate in form and expression. The first, though greatly excited, remains plastic, yielding readily to control, hardly resisting the most severe abuse by attempting to do more than try to get away. Whereas the second becomes so stubborn, as the blood becomes warmed, as to stand sto- lidly in defiance of the most severe whipping, or plunges madly forward, regardless of consequences. As kickers or balkers they will contest every point stubbornly if warmed up and excited, though submitting readily to restraint if the blood is permitted to become cool, and the better part of the nature is appealed to. Naturally Intelligent and Gentle. unreliable, mulish or bull-do 32 PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. Dull and Treaclierous. When the eye is large, even, full, but clear or dark in color, restless and sensitive in action, a flighty unreliable character will be exhibited — Is a free driver if a bright bay or sorrel, liable to pull hard on the bit as the blood becomes warmed by exercise and excitement. If the eye is good, round and clear, scin- tillating as if it were fire, the eyelids drawn down, or the eyes partly closed, a kind of listless expression of the head, you have the unusual but possible ternper of the tiger or feline character, the temper of which if you rouse and excite, above all others, will be the one which will almost set at defiance your most persevering efforts. You can throw him a hundred times, he will lie down easily but jump up prompt- ly; he will barely yield to the next principle of subjec- tion, which is by far the most simple and powerful, but in de- fiance of all you can do, when a little rested, he will perhaps kick or run away as recklessly and determined as ever, all the whipping and pounding your temper, if aroused, may cause you to inflict will do no good, and only make the matter worse. I would here say that as soon as you discover this dispo Sensitive and Flighty. PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. 33 sition, stop exciting coercive treatment, subject at once to passive treatment. As soon as there is submission, work slowly and quietly, and the difficulty you were by the pre- vious treatment only intensifying, you will soon find to disappear, and the animal become perfectly gentle, but must not be whipped. [See cuts of illustrating natural extremes of disposition.] Note. — I have had many illustrations of the wonderful resistance that may be excited in horses of this disposition by treatment that will heat the blood and rouse the temper, and showing the value of treatment that is wholly passive in their management. A few of the most marked cases I will refer to in this connection : An eight-year-old bay pony, by bad ' treatment made to kick, resisted all efforts to break, and was an incor- rigible reckless kicker ; was entirely passive, but if touched around the flanks or hind parts, would squeal and kick most desperately. As a means of illustration, subjected to first and second methods of subjec- tion. Quickly throwing would do no good, and as predicted, only roused resistance. She yielded readily to the second method, submit- ting to being touched around with a pole in any manner, and I pro- ceeded at once to carry out control by restraint upon the mouth, and drove her successfully, preventing her kicking. But as soon as she got over the surprise and effect of this treatment, she resented all effort to control her, kicking in the most desperate manner. I knew that while irritated and excited she would resist all effort to subdue, and bought her to make a satisfactory experiment, I subjected her the next day, privately, to the same treatment in the most careful and thorough man- ner, but all to no purpose. She proved incorrigible, the most despe- rate animal I ever saw. I worked this mare with great care and thoroughness, as a matter of trial, but all to no purpose. Never before did I see such reckless de- termined resistance. I carried coercive treatment to its utmost limit, and for the first time in all my experience, found a horse that by sheer pluck would resist it ; yet yielded readily to the milder and more flat- tering course, which though working slow, made a radical reformation. The whole aspect of her nature became changed as the blood became cool, and ulitmately proved one of the most docile, manageable ponies in the country. Second Case. — A four-year-old colt, a natural kicker ; would kick any body or any thing. Had resisted all efforts to break her, and was worthless ; was brought twenty miles for me to handle ; would kick and balk, and was one of the worst I ever saw — an interesting case. — - She resisted the usual regular treatment, resisting all effort, compelling finally, a resort to the slower and less exciting course, and as she be- came cool grew out of all resistance, becorning a safe and gei>tle mare. Both of these cases resisted so determinedly in illustrating my regu- lar treatment, that I purchased them to enable me to handle them in private, with the results above stated. Have had many cases of this ternperament that were regarded as invincible, having resisted all 2* 34 PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. The milder and more sensitive, the less abuse and excite- ment will be borne. The more stubborn and combative nature, the more force, and even abuse will be borne, but mingled with the wild character, force that will heat the blood, will excite resistance. Hence, a mild, sensitive dog or horse can be managed best by gentle flattering treat- ment. The bull dog, mule or stubborn cart horse will take the whip and care bnt little about it. But a little excite- ment and punishment would only rouse to aggression the bear or hog, and animals showing the intense courage and pluck common to the more untamable nature will resist all but the most intense means of pain. Hence we see that gentleness and kindness is the course, and the only course advisable with the horse, dog, or other sensitive animal. Those of a morcpositive disposition call for both force and encouragement, while the lion, tiger, elephant, &c., must be made to feel the most intense means of pain. Hence, those of the wild class, such as tigers, &c., are subdued by burning and pounding with red hot rods. The elephant is subjected by having spears stuck into his body, and hooks stuck into the ears, &c. But it is seen the effect of care- fully encouraging or kindly treating is, with rare exceptions, very marked, and is only to be superseded v/hen force be- comes necessary. As a rule, the larger and finer the brain is in texture, the more docility and intelligence will be exhibited; and the smaller the brain the less the intelligence, and the more determined the resistance to control. In proportion as there is predominance of the lower and more savage charac- teristics of animal nature, there is more natural resistance and difficulty to subdue, but proportionately more vitality and powers of endurance may be anticipated. To the de- gree that the animal intelligence and sensibility are in excess of the coarse and stubborn traits, there will be propor- tionately more tractableness and docility, though, perhaps, the hardiness and vitality may be somewhat less. The sheep and llama, for example, having but little of this coarse, combative nature, will not bear abuse. We are told the others, but in every instance have succeeded by the usual course of disconcerting or passive treatment. All these bad cases require the most gentle and encouraging after treatment, to fully wear out of the mind all impulse of resentment and enmity previously excited. IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING FEAR. 35 llama, if overloaded, will lie down discouraged and die, not resenting the cruelty in the least. The camel, of a less sensitive nature, will toil patiently under the heaviest bur- then, submitting meekly to almost any extreme of abuse; while the ass, mule and mustang, having a larger share of the combative disposition, are more obstinate and willful, and are usually more difficult to subdue and manage, and always call for more force in their subjection than is called for in the control of those of a mild, sensitive disposition. More vitality and endurance may, however, be always an- ticipated in proportion to the predominance of the wild, combative disposition. They are the horses, above all others, that call for great skill in their early training espe- cially, and any imprudence or abuse by which the fears and passions are much excited, is almost sure to excite a pro- portionate degree of resistance and trouble. IMPOKTAlSrCE OF PEE VENTING FEAR AND RESISTANCE. One of the essentials of true success is that of vigilance in guarding against accidents or preventing resistance. A little carelessness or imprudence under favorable circum- stances is liable to precipitate a degree of resistance, or a calamity it is often difficult if not impossible to prevent or overcome after being excited. The dropping of a lighted match carelessly in a heap of shavings, led to the burning of the city of Portland, a few years ago. The burning of a little straw in a cow stable, caused, it is supposed, by the upsetting of a lamp, led to the burning of Chicago. Nearly every great and lamentable accident involving great destruc- tion of property and loss of life, is usually traceable to some minor defect or carelessness. That delicacy of judgment which detects danger and takes measures to prevent accident, gives a great advantage in attaining success, but when this is combined with skill which enables overcoming the difficulty easily and effect- ually, the most perfect success must result with anything like ordinary effort. 36 HORSES SHOULD BE PROVED BEFORE USING. HOKSES SHOULD BE PKOVBD BEFORE USING, Hence, if a colt is wild or vicious, or learned to run away and kick, making control hazardous and doubtful, it is essential to true success to subject him to such necessary- treatment as will assure of his perfect docility and safety in handling or driving under the most exciting and dangerous circumstances, as it is then that perfect docility becomes most valuable, and is as much a true necessity in guarding against accident, as the making of steam boilers so strong and testing them by such increased pressure as will insure against the possibility of exploding under the pressure ne- cessary in use. It is no excuse to claim that the horse got suddenly frightened, kicked, and ran away, making control impossible. Such a possibility should be guarded against by subjecting the horse to treatment which will both pre- vent and overcome such a possibility, which can be easily done by the ordinary course of subjection. Hence, when a horse is impulsive and dangerous, liable to kick or run away, or is at all doubtful, he should not be driven until subjected to this necessary precautionary treatment, and is not to be hazarded until made thus safe. There is no more necessity or sense in hazarding an accident by the use of horses that are so unsafe that they will not submit to the most ordinary causes of excitement, such, for example, as being touched by the wagon or cross-piece of shafts, fear of top umbrella, refusing to be obedient to the most ordinary restraint and guidance of the bit when pulled upon, no matter how excited, than there is in hazarding a boiler known to be so weak as to give way under any greater pres- sure than is barely necessary for ordinary use. But in tracing back causes of unusual derangement, we should look back, too, to those of a constitutional charac- ter, inherited from the sire or sires by causes which excite or derange the mind or nervous system, as the condition of the mind at the time the sires were brought together, must largely influence in forming the character of the colt. Hence the stallion, though of a gentle character, if excited and maddened at the time of so using, will almost with certainty cause the colt to be naturally vicious. So in rela- tion to the mare; if subjected to exciting, abusive treatment, the disposition of the colt must be affected by it. Many REMARKABLE ADAPTATION OF HORSES. 37 interesting Statements of facts, proving the truth of these assertions, have been made to me by farmers and breeders at different times, after attending my lectures, to such causes of possible derangement, and which it is essential to guard against. KEMAEKABLE ADAPTATION OP HOKSES FOR DIFFERENT USES. Marked extremes and modifications of size, disposition and character, show fixed laws of adaptation. We see this is not only true in the adaptation of different classes of domestic animals for special uses, but even in those of the same family. Thus THE ESQUIMAUX have not only a dog, but a dog of peculiar nature, exactly adapted to their wants. No other domestic animal could endure the intense cold of that region, or could live so far North with man, and this dog must and does perform the different duties of guard, assistant, hunter, fisherman, etc., and, in extremity, supplies, both by his body and his skin, both food and raiment for his master. THE LAPLANDERS have the reindeer, which is also singularly adapted to their wants, the most reliable and only beast of burthen capable of enduring the rigors of so cold a latitude, supplying them with milk, butter and cheese, their flesh making the best of food, and their skin the best of clothing. THE PERUVIANS have the llama, or alpaca, which is accustomed to climb the mountains, carries heavy burthens over the Andes, and fur- nishes them with milk for their children, wool for clothing, but best of all, meat for food. The INHABITANTS OF THE DESERT have the camel, or dromedary, for crossing the arid, sandy plains, carrying heavy burthens, and bearing within them- selves a supply of water to last them for a week. They have also the horse, lithe, active and enduring, capable of traveling with great fleetness for days, on the most scanty fare. 38 NATURAL ADAPTATION REGARDED. NATURAL ADAPTATION EBGAKDED. This remarkable adaptation to climate and condition, as seen not only in the animals named, to the wants of the people among whom we find them, is also wonderfully exemplified in the horse, showing great size, weight and strength, mild, docile and patient disposition, exactly adapted for the slow, slavish drudgery of the plow or cart. His anatomical structure and coarse, heavy muscle show him to be fitted for and adapted only for strong but slow action. The fiery, quick, active horse, on the contrary, has not only a form adapted for speed and great endurance ; he has a more oblique and thinner shoulder, longer arm and hip, and more lung power. His whole structure is of a finer, lighter and stronger character. He does not put on fat easily, and is more sensitive, intelligent and active, simu- lating the grey-hound in appearance and action, compared to the heavy, slow Newfoundland dog of an entirely con- trary conformation. From these extremes there is an endless variety of modifications, showing not Only marked traces of distinction of family, for strength, activity, endurance and action, but in disposition, ranging from the smallest Shetlander to the large Norman or Flemish horses, in size, intelligence, temper and density of texture from that of the quick, fiery barb, to the slow, dull, sluggish cart horse. Hence the necessity of selecting the larger, slower and more patient character for slow, heavy, slavish work, and the light, active, hardy, enduring character for great fleetness and endurance, as, for example, shown in the use of light, hardy, lithe, active horses used on the desert or plains of our own country, for speed and endurance, and the large, slow, Norman or Flemish horse for slow, heavy work. In a word, anything of an ordinary discrimination should designate the necessity of selecting horses for the work they are by nature best adapted. Want of regard to this law is the cause of not only much annoyance, but of great loss to. farmers and others. This is not only true in the selection and use of light- boned, sensitive, delicate constitutioned horses for slow, heavy work, or subjecting high-strung, nervous-tempered ones for such a purpose, when slower, stronger and more patient animals should be used. So, in relation to using NOT BEING AFRAID OF HORSES. 39 slow, heavy horses for fast driving or riding, and so, also, the greatest and most unpardonable want of judgment and prudence is shown by gentlemen in the selection of horses of the most unreliable character, for a purpose requiring the greatest docility and perfection of character. The most lamentable and common causes of accident and loss, result from the want of exercising proper descrimina- tion and judgment in the selection of horses more especially adapted by nature for their use. Thus, if a horse is not or cannot be made perfectly reli- able for carriage or family use, or for any purpose involving much danger to life and property, he should be discarded or changed for one that is safe and reliable. But as these naturally excitable, hardy, plucky horses are really the best and most valuable horses when properly educated, the great value of my treatment can be appreciated, as I conclusively prove. I can even reform and make perfectly gentle the wildest and most vicious horses that can be found ; and that it must be the fault of the reader if he cannot be equally successful. I see and handle horses almost daily, that are used for carriage driving, so unreliable and dangerous in character, that it would be true economy to shoot or give them away, rather than hazard accident by their use. NOT BEING AFRAID OF HOKSES. This is a common expression, and is most always prompted by fool hardy ignorance. A wild mustang or mule would strike or kick without regard to being firm and courageous in manner or not. A determined horse that has learned to kick and run away, can do so in defiance of any control that can be exerted upon the mouth by the strongest of men with reins. If there is danger of a horse kicking or resisting control from excessive fear or other cause of resistance, being recklessly venturesome, without having taken adequate precautionary measures to prevent or overcome such viciousness, is only incurring risk; it is the part of true success to guard against or break up, before taking any doubtful chances which can be easily done by my treatment. It is assuming too much for any man to attempt driving and controlling a wild, reckless, kicking, runaway horse, by the control of reins and bit, as a strong. 40 NOT BEING AFRAID OF HORSES. determined, runaway horse can run away in defiance of the power of several men by pulling on reins with any bit in use. I could refer, if necessary, to hundreds of horses of so bad a character as to resist all control in double or single harness, by any means that could be used, to two of the worst cases of which I will refer to here, out of a large number I have handled, even during the past season. An eight year old bay horse, owned by Mr. Gates, a livery keeper of Garrettsville, Ohio. This horse was raised by Mr. Gates, had a right to trot fast, but in defiance of all that he could do up to the time handled by me, he could no be controlled in harness. The united strength of ten men, the owner stated, could not hold him if in the least excited or touched with a whip; yet in twenty minutes was driven by me gently, and so thoroughly gentle and man- ageable as to stand by word of command, regardless of any excitement, even whipping, and has been driven in double and single harness by Mr. Gates and others for nearly a year, (Nov., 1871,) and drives safe and gentle. One of the most remarkable however, was a six year old colt, owned by J. P. Collins, Esq., proprietor of track in Toledo, Ohio. This colt resisted all control in harness; pulling so recklessly against the bit, that control was out of the question; yet was driven perfectly gentle by me in forty minutes, and remains so. These horses could run away with any horse hitched with them in double harness; it was considered as impossible by any means to drive them in single or double harness without running away; yet the once handling to which each was subjected by me, proved sufficient to make them quiet in single or double harness. I stand ready to handle and drive horses of the wildest and most desperate character, and take such in hand almost daily in illustrating my lectures, yet I never have an acci- dent or get run away with. Now, although I do this as a matter of business in the pursuit of which I take in hand some of the most desperately reckless horses in the country, I would not think of hitching up and driving a horse of even ordinary bad character as is usually done, knowing my control to be too doubtful and limited to do so safely. This is the prudence I would urge upon you to exercise when necessary, as it is one of the essential points of true suc- cess as well as in guarding against and preventing accident. GREAT THOROUGHNESS NECESSARY. 41 Of course there are circumstances, and they are ahiiost of constant occurrence, that call for courage and firmness of the highest order, to divert the attention, and hold a dis- position to aggression in check. Horses of courage and intelligence are sometimes wonderfully acute in their per- ceptions, and the least expression of weakness or want of confidence would encourage them to resistance if not dangerous aggression. This is seen most clearly in stallions. The horse always reveals his intentions by the actions of the ears and muzzle, and the expression of the eyes, as plainly as could be done by words. If they are thrown back, the lips curl, eye half closes and glistening with an expression of defiance, there is danger. In approaching such a horse, the better way is to stand still just beyond the reach of the animal, looking straight at the eye, show- ing undoubted confidence and power in the actions and expression of the features and language, authoritatively commanding to get round or take care. The degree of attention and submission to command, will enable deter- mining with great certainty, how far it is safe to venture, but under any circumstances is the eye, in such a case, to be taken off that of the horse. The firmness and delicacy of judgment often necessary in approaching and handling some horses, must necessarily be of a high order to prevent resist- ance, if not aggression and injury. GBEAT THOBOUGHNESS JSTECESSAKY. An important requisition is being thorough in what is attempted to be done, and never to feel that there cannot be success. The worse the horse, the more careful and thorough must be the efforts. Want of reasonable perse- verance will, I imagine, be the principle cause of failure it there is failure. Fifteen out of every twenty men, who may attend my lectures, would toil arduously and patiently for days and even weeks for the pittance of a dollar or two a day, who would scarcely submit to the patience and effort necessary to break or reform a valuable horse, for example, of balking or kicking, if it required a half day's continuous effort, though the effort would enable increasing value of the ani- mal from one-fourth to one-half. 42 GREAT THOROUGHNESS NECESSARY. There are also many who are disposed to sneer and find fault with the writer, should they fail to even a limited degree in accomplishing those marked results illustrated, and which have been shown to be so easily accomxplished by his treatment as to be beyond comparison with any other treatment in simplicity and effectiveness. The consideration of an hour or two's time and a few dollars' cost, seems to be an equivalent that demands such effectiveness in the treatment given, as to scarcely require an effort to reform horses of the most vicious character. Like the conceited, ignorant, la^boring Irishman, who man- aged by years of the most severe labor and rigid economy to save enough to take him to America, had such a hallu- cination impressed upon his mind of the ease and luxurious plenty to be found in this great, free country, that after landing in New York he would not deign to pick up a five dollar gold piece which happened in his way in the street. It was not worth stooping for. Be Gorra, he would go to the whole heap which he imagined somewhere beyond, and when he found it necessary to work at fourteen shillings a day, which was just twelve times more than he ever received for a day's labor in Ireland, he cursed the freedom and sneered at the privation, suffering and loss by which this grand, free country, with its illimitable resources, were won and given for the use and benefit of the poor and industrious of all nations, for little more than the cost of coming to it. So many ignorant, conceited men who have not the expe- rience, discrimination or judgment to appreciate and use with becoming patience and effort, the knowledge which I have made available to them for virtually almost nothing, which has cost me the best part of my life to develope, at a cost of labor, anxiety, danger and money, that with rea- son would appal those of the most stern resolution, energy and strength, and but few, indeed, w^io would have the courage even to attempt, would succeed in passing through without failing. The truth is, more or less failure and dif- ficulty is necessary to become skilled and successful in the performance of any important duty, and the same is, to some extent, true in the application of my system. When I tell the reader that the ability to write these pages, and whatever of skill and success I have attained, has been grown into me by the hard, stern attrition of an unaided MORAL BEARING. 43 floating life among strangers, almost continually subject to those perverting influences which are its natural concomi- tants. And yet I am made only the more mindful by ex- perience that I am wholly indebted to those necessities of my condition, which seemed to call continually for the exercise of my greatest energies, not so much to attain suc- ces as to prevent and overcome the trials and failures to which I was almost constantly liable. This is the lesson which true success in any channel must teach, and in no direction is it taught more forcibly than in the proper exer- cise of this great and important duty. Human nature is so constituted that it calls for great trials to develope its great and profound resources. Every difficulty, rightly considered, only stirs into still greater action its latent powers. Every act of dissimulation and dishonesty discovered leads to a closer perception of the actions and intentions animating others under like circum- stances, but they are rightly considered only the elements necessary to brighten and strengthen the mind to steadier, stronger, more uniform and successful action. As the steady wielding of the hammer by the blacksmith developes more size and strength in his arm, and proportionately more strength and powers of endurance. MOBAL BEAKING. In its true significance, this duty is really one of the most interesting and instructive we are called upon to perform, constantly revealing to the mind the true latitude of its powers and responsibility. In studying the instincts and habits of the horse, we are reminded of many of the laws, aptitudes and peculiarities of our own nature; for, while we are trying to control and regulate the actions of the horse, we are bringing into play certain principles of order, command and control in our own minds. The more we observe this the more true and important it will be made to appear to us. We soon find that we first need to control ourselves to be able to control the horse, and we see, too, that the more perfect and reasonable the control which we are capable of exercising over ourselves is, the more perfect and reasonable the control we are capa- ble of exercising over the horse. Hence we see that the 44 MORAL BEARING. scientific study and training of the horse is ahiiost continu- ally leading the mind to an insight of the most striking laws of our own minds. Now, when we proceed on fixed laws, this exercise begins, and the more we see and understand that skill is involved, the more we feel that real responsibility and skill are de- manded to insure success. We see that certain elements are necessary: coolness, firmness, steadiness of purpose, energy, perseverance. We have brought all these qualities into exercise; we have cultivated and strengthened them in ourselves; we have seen the importance of not showing fear, the impropriety of exhibiting anger, hastiness, re- venge, etc., and the importance of keeping uppermost feelings of kindness, forbearance, etc. Thus, when we proceed on right principles and according to the real laws of the case, we are all the time cultivating the better side, and restraining the worst side of our own nature. View the subject as we will, it excites strong incentives to self-improvement, offering the most frequent suggestions, and presenting a repetition of motives for the cultivation of all our highest and best powers. THE WILD COLT. When we remember that the first impressions on the mind of the colt are the strongest and most lasting; that his resistance is prompted by fear and an ignorance of what he is required to do, we see that the first point to be ac- complished, is to make him so gentle that he will not try to resist being handled without frightening or abusing him. Imagine yourself in place of the colt ; a timid, innocent, sus- picious child, and realize what the treatment of any one should be to enlist your confidence and obedience, and you will see that gentleness, kindness and prudence in not exciting the fears are paramount considerations. If the colt is afraid of you and resists your control, it is because he apprehends danger from you. Now the quicker you force him the more you must abuse and excite him, hence you must make up your mind to be patient — take your time, following up carefully, one point after another, until there is entire docility, allowing being touched or handled behind as may be desired without exciting fear or resistance. If possible, have a room or yard, about twenty-five or thirty feet square, or even larger. See that all causes of in- jury are removed, and get the colt into this enclosure very quietly; if he is wild and nervous, see that no hens, dogs, etc., are in the room. Say to your friends, it is necessary to your success, and is a condition of your instruction, that you must be alone. Of course the colt must first be haltered. If not very wild, this will not be difficult to do. But if very wild or vicious, this may be difficult and perhaps dangerous, and you should always carefully guard against injury to yourself as well as your horse, and at the same time you may accomplish your object just as surely, if not as easily. Take a light pole ten or twelve feet in length, or as much longer as you can use to advantage, if the colt is very wild or 46 HALTERING THE COLT. dangerous, and drive two nails into it, about eight inches apart, the first about an inch from the end, with the heads bent a little outward from each other. Take a common Haltering the Colt. rope halter with a running noose, pull the part which slips through the noose back about two feet, and hang the part that goes over the head upon the nails on the end of your pole nicely, keeping hold of the hitching part, which must be as long as your pole. Your halter is now so spread and hung upon the stick as to be easily put on to the head. If the colt is not excited or frightened, as you extend the hal- ter towards him he will reach out his nose to smell and examine it, and while he is gratifying his curiosity in this way, you can bring the slack part under his jaw and raise the pole high enough to bring the halter over and back of the ears, when, by turning the stick half way round, the halter will drop from it upon the head. This will frighten the colt a little and cause him to run from you, but this will only cause the slack part passing back of the jaw to be pulled up, and the halter will be securely adjusted. Being haltered, the colt must be taught to submit to its restraints and control. Take a position at the side on a line with the shoulder, and give a quick, strong pull towards you, instantly letting loose on the halter until you get the same position again. You have the greatest advantage from HITCHING. 47 this position, and by adroitly repeating the pulls as he will bear, until he will come without being pulled upon. Should you pull slow and steady, he will resist and pull against you, and may even attempt to throw himself down; this you will avoid by giving a quick pull, and letting loose in- stantly. As soon as he will yield and come round promptly, get on the other side and repeat in the same manner, until he will follow you readily on either side without pulling. Be careful not to pull ahead until there is prompt submis- sion sidewise. You can then gradually pull a little more on a line with the body until the colt will come promptly in any direction, to the slightest pull upon the halter. If the colt is of a quick, gentle disposition, he will soon learn this lesson thoroughly; but if very young, or of a slow, sulky disposition, great resistance is likely to be shown for some time. If the resistance is very obstinate or reckless in character, you may resort to the simple course of sttbjection, which will soon compel obedience. This you have been taught how to do ; if there is not prompt obedience to the second method, (being careful not to tie too short,) resort to the fii'st, then again to the second, until submissive. When there is submission you should encourage by ap- pealing to the affections. Rub the head and neck, and give presents of something of which fond, until all excitement and irritation subside. The eye will gradually grow mild in expression, and there will be an apparent indifference to being handled. A coarse, harsh or loud voice is terribly irritating to a sensitive or spirited horse or colt, and must by all means be held in check. Speak in a gentle natural tone, softened by kind expression, which will do much toward securing the confidence of the animal and repressing his fear. With some colts it will be necessary to repeat the lesson in leading two or three times, to ensure prompt obedience. HITCHING. When the colt will lead kindly and promptly, he may Qext be taught to stand hitched. To prevent his learning to pull at the halter, take a piece of strong cord, about a third of an inch in diameter, twenty-two feet long; double it, and place the centre under the tail; bring both ends 48 BITTING. forward, cross and twist them three or four times over the back, knot them in front of the breast, and pass them Hitching. through the ring of the halter and tie to the manger or post. Hitch in this way until the colt refuses to pull back, even if frightened a little ; after learning to submit in this manner, which he will soon learn to do, he will stand hitched by the common form of halter. BITTING Is the next step in educating the colt, and implies teaching the colt to submit to the restraint and control of the bit, giving as much style to the carriage of the head and neck as the form and temper of the animal will bear. Put on a common bridle with a smooth snaffle bit, without reins, and allow him to go as he pleases, in a yard or field, for half an hour or more, which may be repea,ted once or twice, to make the mouth accustomed to and hardened to the bit. Next put on a surcingle with check and side reins, buckling the reins at first so long as to bring but little restraint upon the mouth. After being on thirty or forty minutes, take it off. At each repetition buckle the reins a little shorter, until the head is submitted up and back freely to the check. It seems needless to introduce details of a bitting harness. Any simple construction of the ordinary kind will answer very well, and the style is so generallv understood that a BITTING THE COLT. 49 description here is unnecessary. The object being to bring such restraint upon the bit that the head will be held up and back most natural and easily, without giving freedom to the head except in the direction of the reins. Care should be taken to have the throat latch so loose, that there will be no pressure of it upon the throat when checked up. Bitting the Colt. The gag-runners should be well up near the ears. Care must be taken not to bring too much restraint upon the bit by buckling the reins so short at first, as to endanger causing the colt to throw himself over backwards and break his neck. It is bad policy to keep a colt checked up too long at a time, as it becomes tiresome, which would cause a resting of the head upon the bit and thus form the disagree- able habit of lugging. If, however, the colt should fight the restraint of the bit or check, it should be left on till the fit exhausts itself and he shows a disposition to submit to its restraint. Short lessons at first, and gradually keeping on longer as the mouth becomes hardened by the bit and the colt will bear it without fatigue, is the best course. After the usual course of checking up in this manner, 3 50 DRIVING IN HARNESS. take a piece of cord about eight or ten feet in length, of the common sash or clothes line size, as strong and pliable as you can find. Tie a large hard knot in one end, and about twenty inches from this knot make another tie, passing the knot end around the neck as near the shoulder as possible. Pass the other end of the cord through both rings of the bit, back of the jaw and back through the loop around the neck, and draw up the slack. Now stand in front of the head, holding the cord tightly with both hands; give a quick, short pull down and back, which will cause the head to be thrown up and back. Repeat, until the head is given up and back freely at the slightest pull. Now, when the reins are attached to the bit and pulled upon^ the restraint is precisely the same as before; and after repeating this lesson a few times, the head will be freely submitted to the control of the bit, and a beautiful carriage of the head secured, even without a check. DRIVING- IN HARNESS. I would say here in this connection, that there is an almost unaccountable stupidity exhibited in the usual method of training colts. There is the greatest care taken not to frighten by having the heels touched for fear of ex- citing resistance ; whereas, this is the very point that should be accomplished most thoroughly in the first place. The hinder parts should be broken, as it is term, until there is no fear of being touched by anything. This is the first point I look to and accomplish most perfectly, safely and quickly by my second course of subjection, and which is one of the real secrets of my success in driving wild or kicking colts so quickly to shafts without breeching. Look to this point in the first place, then teach the colt to summit to the gui- dance and control of tbe bit, and you accomplish by two movements, quicker and better, what it takes so long, and is done so unreliable by the usual course of treatment. When the colt is gentle and taught to submit the head to the bit, the next step should be to teach submission to the guidance and control of the bit with reins. I would state here that if the colt is well bitted, submitting the head to being checked high, there will not be much inclination to kick or resist, hence, the custom of putting on a bitting HITCHING THE COLT TO POLES. 51 harness on a wild colt, checking the head up tightly. This treatment will work well in most cases; being a powerful means of subjection, the majority of colts or those not very bad, will work to harness quite well by checking up tightly for a while. Colts of a sulky, plucky nature are liable to resist it, and throw themselves over backwards. If the back part of the head should strike the ground heavy in thus falling, there is great danger of the animal being killed, as the back part of the head under where the bridle and halter comes, is where the first bone of the cervical vertebrae (atlas) unites to the head or oxipital; an appa- rently very slight concussion or injury at this point will break the neck and destroy life. This must not be hazarded, and besides it is needlessly cruel. The course I advise in the first place, enables making the colt perfectly gentle with perfect safety in a few minutes, enabling, if even desired, putting the colt in harness and driving with perfect safety, especially if the precaution is taken of driving around a few minuutes in harness before attaching to wagon; but if the greatest certainty is desired at the expense of a little patient care, subject to the mild course of bitting in addition, but little more is necessary to do than drive him in harness a few minutes, turning right and left, and stopping until obedient, when he can be easily driven to shafts. The proper course is to put on the harness with smooth snafile bit in bridle, tie the tugs into the breeching, run the reins through the shaft lugs instead of the terrets, now get- ting directly behind the colt you can easily rein and keep him before you in driving until obedient and gentle to reins. Of course there must be patience and care in pro- portion to the temper and natural resistance shown until successful. HITCHING THE COLT TO POLES. If the colt is at all uncertain, it will be policy to work slowly and carefully, as one mismove while attached to a wagon might cause damage to wagon and injury to the colt. The simplest, cheapest and surest plan of teaching the colt to become safe in shafts, is to drive first in poles. Get three SLENDER POLES, two of them about twelve feet long each, the third about seven feet in length. Lay down the poles 52 HITCHING THE COLT TO POLES. small ends forward in the form of shafts, about twenty inches spart, the back ends about six feet apart. Lay the short piece across about six feet six inches to seven feet from the forward ends, and tie oh with pieces of cord. Hitch the colt into these poles, attaching the tugs to the cross piece by tying with cord, and drive around until there is perfect submission to them, guiding promptly to the reins and submitting to the poles striking the flanks or heels without exciting the least fear. But in the early driving of colts, great care must be used not to force too freely to back, as this may cause the habit of backing too freely, turning around and running back from the slightest causes of fear of anything in advance, in driving to wagon or sulky,- Great care should be taken not to drive the colt too much at first, and at no time sufficient to produce exhaustion. Neither should his strength be taxed too much by drawing heavy loads, until he ha,s become accustomed to the noise and restraint of the wagon and learned to use his strength as required. Let his drives be moderate at first, both in gait and distance ; gradually increasing the dista.nce as he will bear without fatigue. After learning to walk well, let him trot a little, gradually letting him out faster and a little farther, as smooth pieces of road give opportunity; restrict these little outbursts of speed at first to the limits of a few rods. Let him dash out a short distance, then gradully slacken to a walk, speaking kindly and en- couragingly. After a while, let him out again, pushing, perhaps, a little faster and farther, being careful not to crowd to breaking. It must not be expected because your colt is perhaps a good mover, that he will be a fast trotter. But if he does show a loose open gait, do not by any means spoil him by attempting too much at first. There is usually too much anxiety to try a colt's speed and bottom, and he is often pushed, overdone, and spoiled perhaps, before his powers are half developed. A colt must not be crowded too much in educating to harness. He cannot be expected to submit quietly to the irritation and excitement of harness and wagon, or drive like an old horse, without experience and practice. He must grow into the position as it is were, and a reasonable patience and effort is necessary to ensure this. The great trouble with most people in training colts is, they attempt DOUBLE DRIVING BACKING RIDING. 53 too much, and thus make haste slowly. The quickest and surest course is that I give. It will always enable working a colt safely at most in a few hours. DOUBLE DRIVIJSTG. It is generally the custom to drive the colt at first in double harness by the side of a gentle horse aecustomed to harness ; the colt should be put on the off side. The whip should be held over the old horse, to keep him up to the movements of the colt in starting, but the gait should be kept moderate. After driving well on the off side, he should be reversed to the near side, there being less danger of becoming frightened from getting into or out of the wagon, or of seeing things while being passed to or from the wagon, by being more from view on the off side, therefore to lessen the probabilities of being frightened, it is preferable at first. Let the driving be moderate, and the load light, and, by all means, if the colt is of a sensitive or nervous tempera- ment, the greatest mildness must be observed. Loud ''yelling" or cracking of the whip should not be permitted. A little imprudence of this kind is often the cause of very serious mischief with timid, young horses. BACKING. After learning to drive well, teach the idea of backing by pulling on the reins steadily, and saying ''back." If there is resistance give a quick, sharp, raking pull, which will move the colt by the pain and force of the bit backward, repeat- ing until there is prompt obedience. If there is much resistance put on breaking bit, which will soon secure obedience, but under any curcumstances do not make the colt back too freely, especially if the mouth is sensitive. RIDING-. If the colt is not of a very bad character there will be no resistance to being rode after the first lesson of subjection. If there is, attach a short strap or a piece of rope to the off fore foot, throwing the othet end over the back. Take a 54 RIDING. short hold of this strap with the right hand, while the left grasps the near rein of the bridle firmly. As the head is pulled around, the horse is made to step sidewise, and the instant the foot is relaxed it is held up by the restraint of the right hand on t?ie strap, which is instantly drawn upon. The colt is now on three legs, and unable to resist. Jump lightly on the back, press the feet against the belly and flanks. As there is submission release the foot, taking a firm hold of the reins, which should be held short. Move the colt forward, and as there is an indication of ^^ resistance pull upon the strap and reins, which will disable and disconcert the horse from further (Mounting the Colt.) opposition to being rode. If the colt will not move for- ward, request an assistant to lead him by the head for a short time. So long as there is any indication of resistance, keep on the strap. One thorough lesson is usually suffi- cient, though some colts may require a repetition of the lesson. When it is desired to mount, let the left hand rest lightly on the mane, a little forward of the withers, holding the reins between the thumb and fingers. Throw the right hand lightly on the back, the body close to the horse. Now spring lightly upward and forward. The instant of doing so, let the right hand glide forward until the elbow strikes the back bone, when the weight of the body is to be instantly balanced upon the right arm, which will enable sufficient strength to make the spring continuous, and the body is easily brought into a sitting posture. This is slight undertaking, and a little practice will give the ability to mount the highest horses with apparently wonderful ease. To mount on a saddle, stand by the side, a little back of the stirrup, the face towards the horse's head. Take a short hold of the reins between the fingers, grasping into the mane at the same time, put the left foot into the stirrup, throw the right hand over the saddle and press it against the off side, throwing the weight of the body on the left foot, and you can lift yourself into the saddle easily. HANDLING THE COLT's FEET. 55 HANDLING THE COLT'S FEET. If the colt is of an ordinary good disposition this can be done without resorting to special means. Stand well up to the shoulder, put the left hand on the shoulder, pressing forward gently, which will relax the muscles controlling the leg, with the right hand, instantly grasp the foot below the fetlock and lift it up, removing the left hand and bring under the foot to aid the right hand. To handle the hind feet, let the right hand glide gently from the shoulders back to the hip. At the instant it passes the point of the hip, . bring the left forward upon the hip. While doing this, the right hand is being glided down the leg gently, until it strikes the fetlock, when the left hand should be pressed firmly against the body at the point stated, which will relax the limb, and the foot can be easily brought up by the right, the left is lowered and passed down the limb on the back part of the fetlock. Or the foot can be raised and lowered a few times with the right hand, while the left balances the body by pressing against the hip until there is perfect submission. If there is resistance, take up the fore foot, request an assistant to hold it up for you, while he at the same time holds the colt by the halter or bridle. Tie the end of a rope or strap around the hind foot, above the fetlock, at the instant of doing which let the hand glide along to the oppo- site part, until six or eight feet from the foot. At the same time request the forward foot to be let loose, the assistant holding by the halter. Now pull upon the strap, which will bring the foot forward, and at the instant of attempting to kick, let go, and so repeat until the foot is submitted to the restraint of strap. Then slip behind and pull the foot back, and as before yielding at each effort to kick, let go, until the foot is submitted freely. Now take the foot from the control of the strap to the hand and handle gently. If there is very determined resistance, tie the end of your long strap around the neck, near the shoulders, pass the other end back between the fore legs, around the hind foot, but under the strap around the neck, and draw up on it, at the same time holding him by the bridle or halter. The colt may be frightened and jump to get clear of the res- traint. Should he act very much frightened, slack up on 56 HANDLING THE COLT S FEET. the Strap until the foot is almost back to its natural posi- tion. Then as he will bear, again pull a little shorter, at the same time pulling him round in a circle by the head, until he ceases struggling to get the foot loose. You may now pull the foot farther forward, and hold it as before, until he will stand quietly. Nov/ step back a little and pass the hand down the hind leg. Slap the hand upon the leg a little until there is no resistance, then take it in the hands. If there is no resistance, undo the end of the strap and allow the foot a little more freedom; at the same time while holding the foot by the strap, pass the hand from the hip down the leg quietly, rubbing and caressing imtil able to take it in the hands. Handle the opposite leg in the same manner, until there is perfect submission. Should the colt resist having the feet handled with much determination, or prove very vicious, the regular subjective treatment will be necessary. Those of a wildish mustang disposition are the most obsti- nate; there is once in a while one of this class that will call for pretty thorough and patient treatment to make gentle. They are not only so plucky, but so strong and enduring that they are disposed to resist control of the feet at all hazards. It is of great importance that colts are treated with great kindness; giving apples, a little oats, etc., after submitting the feet or being otherwise handled, as the real cause of trouble is fear, and winning the confidence by a little flattery in this way has a powerful effect in disconcert- ing the attention and winning the confidence, and thus of teaching obedience. All this is now so easily done when necessary by the ordinary subjective course, that it seems needless to dwell on minor conditions and details ; you must bear in mind that bad cases call for a little work and patience, and that you must be not only thorough, but pru- dent, to be successful. EXCESSIVE FEAR-CAUSES AND TREAT- MENT OF. .. ground ginger; ^ lb. powdered gentian; 6 oz. cumin seed, ground; 6 oz. fenugreek, ground; 6 oz. carbonate soda; 6 lbs. common brown sugar; i^ lbs. salt. Put in one hundred pounds of meal. Dose: one pint to be given with the usual food. This is considered one of the best tonic condition pow- ders ever used. It is sold in the eastern cities at a large price, under the name of Condition Food, and is held as a secret of great value. I have known ^50 to be refused for the receipt. CONTENTS. PAGE. Adaptation of Horses for different uses ■ 37 Appliances for Subjection gg Applying War Bridle 99 Applying Bandage 156 Absorbing Blister, Powerful 171 Anodyne Linim'ent 187 Astringent Balls 197 Aromatic Powder 198 Anodyne Ball 199 Anodyne Drenches 200 Bitting 48 Bitting Harness 49 Backing 53 Breaking Horses 72 Breaking Kickers 75 Balking , 83 Biting and Striking 92 Breaking the Halter Puller 92 Breeding 106 Bonner's Plan of Feeding Dexter 116 Bar Shoe for Corns 137 Broken Wind 163 Bone Spavin 168 Blisters for Spavin, etc 170 Blood Spavin 1 74 Bog Spavin 174 Bloody Urine 181 Butter of Antimony 186 Bleeding », 195 Balls for Appetite 199 Balls for Farcy and Glanders 200 Conditions of Success 24 Cause and Treatment of Fear 57 Chilian and South American Methods 66 Cure for Balking 84 Cribbing 94 Cure a Trotter of Breaking 104 Cuts, Showing Formation of Foot 124 Contraction of the Feet 132 204 CONTENTS. PAGE. Convex Shoe for Contracted Feet 135 Corns 136 and 179 Certificate from Dr. William Somerville 143 Colic 146 Colic and Inflammation of Bowels Contrasted. 146 Congestion of the Lungs 149 Catarrh or Cold 155 Cure for Heaves 164 Cure for Roaring or Whistling 165 Cure for Spavin and Ringbone 171 Curbs 175 Coffin Joint Lameness 175 Cuts and Wounds 104 Cooling Liniment for External Inflammation 185 Cracked Heels 189 Cure of Scratches 190 Canker 191 Caustics 192 Condition Powders 193 and 202 Cure of Farcy 193 Cough Powder 194 Cure for Cough, No. 2 and 3 194 Cordial and Anodyne Ball. 198 Cooling and Diuretic Drink 198 Cough Balls 200 Cure for Indolent Ulcers 201 Cure of Grain Founder 201 Disposition, Peculiarities and Extremes of 30 Driving in Harness 50 Double Driving ... 53 Diseases and their Treatment 143 Dr. Burton's Remedy for Colic 147 Distemper 156 Digestive Ointment 1S4 Diuretic Drops 194 Drench for Diarrhoea 197 Drenches to Promote Parturition 19S Diuretic Alterative Balls 19S Diuretic Balls 199 Educated Horses 5 Education of Horses, New System of 10 Excessive Fear must be Prevented 25 Extreme Cases of Fear 57 Excitement not Admissible 65 Effect of Kindness 86 Excessive Rasping Bad . , 130 Eight-tailed Bandage 152 Eye Wash, Excellent 1S3 First Impressions are Strongest 26 Fear, Causes and Treatment of 57 CONTENTS. 205 PAGE. Fear of a Robe 60 Fear of Umbrella, or Sound of Gun 61 Fear of Railroad Cars 61 Fear of Objects while Driving 61 Four Ring Bit 100 Foot Strap 100 Feeding 113 Flatulent Colic 148 For an Attack of Pleurisy. . . .■ 152 Founder 161 Favorite Remedies for Heaves 164 Fistula of the Withers 166 Firing 172 Farcy, Cure of 193 For Diabetes 198 and 200 Fever Balls 199 For Bloody Urine 200 Getting Cast in Stall 95 Grease Heels 153 Grain Founder, Cure of 201 Horses should be Educated, not Broken 26 Horses should be Proved before Using 36 Haltering the Colt 4§ Hitching the Colt 47 Hitching to Wagon Poles 51 Handling the Feet 55 Hints for Watering , . 116 Hints on Shoeing 127 How to Nail a Shoe Properly 131 Heaves 163 Hoof Liniment for Contracted or Sore Feet 179 Hip Lameness iSo Healing Ointment, for Cuts, Galls, etc 185 How to Bleed a Horse 196 Importance of Kindness 29 Importance of Preventing Fear 35 Impression upon the Brain 68 Interfering 138 Interfering Shoe 138 Interfering Pad 139 Inflammation of the Lungs 149 Inflammation of the Bowels 157 Inflammation of the Kidneys 158 Inflammation of the Bladder • 160 Inflammation of the Brain 160 Inflammation of the Eyes 183 Jumping over Fence 96 Kindness, Importance of 29 Kicking in Harness 75 Kicking Straps 78 206 CONTENTS. PAGE. Kicking while Harnessing 8i Kicking while Grooming 8i Kicking while Shoeing 8 1 Kindness, Effect of 86 Kicking while in the Stall 89 Kicking against the Stall 98 Kicking Cows 98 Laminitis 161 Locked Jaw, or Tetanus 165 Lameness 177 Liniment for Open Wounds 185 Liniment for Foul Ulcers 185 Liniment for Galled Shoulders or Back 186 Liniment for Strains, etc 187 Laxative Alterative Balls 198 Moral bearing 43 Mounting the Colt 54 Must See Objects from Different Positions 63 Mare 109 Make Follow with Whip 118 Mad Staggers 160 Magic Liniment 187 Magic Healing Preparation 188 Mange 191 Milder Caustics 193 Miscellaneous Receipts 197 Mercurial Alterative Balls 197 Mixed Balls, Cordial Astringent Balls 199 New System of Educating Horses , 10 Notices of the Press and People 11 Natural Adaptation Regarded 3S Not Being Afraid of Horses 39 Nailing the Shoes 132 Nasal Gleet 192 Old Methods of Subjection 27 Overdraw Check 80 Oats vs. Corn for Feed 114 Opening an Abscess I57 Preface 3 Prof Magner's Educated Horses 5 Preliminary Hints 24 Peculiarities and Extremes of Disposition 30 Pole Applied for Balkers 88 Pulling on the Halter 91 Prevent Getting Cast in Stall 95 Putting Tongue out of Mouth 95 Prevent Jumping Fences 97 Pawing in the Stall 98 Pleurisy I49 Poll Evil and Fistula of the Withers , 166 CONTENTS. 207 PAGE, Powder for Spavin and Ringbone 171 Powerful Absorbing Blister 171 Pricking in Shoeing 177 Profuse staling 181 Preparation to Kill Lice on Horses 192 Pulse 194 Physicing 197 Quarter Crack 138 Quitter 191 Subjection, Old Methods of 27 Subjection 65 Sensitive and Flighty 70 Stabling up Shoeing 123 Structure of the Foot 124 Shoes Made Concave 128 Shoes Concave are Injurious " I33 Shoes 140 Spasmodic Colic 145 Symptoms of Colic 146 Symptoms of Pneumonia 151 Symptoms of Inflammation of Bowels 157 Strangles 156 Staggers 160 Sweeny 167 Spavin 168 Strong Blister for Spavins, Ringbone, etc 170 Sweating Liniment for Windgalls, etc 170 Sweating Blister for Curbs, Splints, etc 171 Splints 1 74 Sprain of the Back Sinews 175 Shoulder Strains . . . ; 178 Shoulder Lameness 178 Stepping on Nails, Glass, etc 180 Scours, or Purging iSi Spasmodic Action of the Diaphragm iSi Symptoms of Worms. 182 Sprains and Bruises 186 Sticking Plaster for Cuts, Wounds, etc 186 Thoroughness Necessary 41 The Wild Colt, Training 45 Treatment of Fear 57 Turning Around 73 Test Kickers Repeatedly 76 To Work a Balker Single 89 The Jumper 97 Treating a Halter Puller 92 Training in the Trot 102 Trotting 102 To Force on the Trot 104 208 CONTENTS. PAGE. The Breeding Mare 109 Teaching Tricks , 118 Teaching to Follow 118 To make Follow with Whip , 118 Teaching to Lie Down 120 Teaching to Sit Up 120 Teaching to Make a Bow . . . , , . . . . 121 Teaching to say Yes and No 121 Teaching to Kiss You 121 Teaching Horse to Dance 122 Teaching Horse to Waltz 122 The Foot = . 123 The Hoofs, Cuts of 124 Tyrrel's Patent Shoe for Contracted Feet 136 Treatment for Corns 137 Testing for Corn 137 Tympanites 148 Typhoid Pneumonia 151 Treatment for Inflammation of the Kidneys . , 159 Treatment for Founder 162 Tetanus, or Locked Jaw 165 Treatment for Bone Spavin 169 Thoroughpin 1 74 Treatment for Ringbone 176 Thumps 181 Tape Worms 182 To Abate Swellings from Injuries .".... 1S7 Thrush , iSS To Recruit a Horse Hide-bound, etc 189 The Pulse .194 Tonic Ball (Vegetable) 19S Tonic Diuretic Ball 199 Using Blinders 62 Valuable Miscellaneous Receipts 107 Worst Horses &9 War Bridle 99 Watering 116 Weak Heels i39 Whistling, Cure of 165 Worms 182 Wash for Fresh Wounds 1S5 Wash for Inflamed Wounds 1S6 Worm Powders 201 •r\r\ OaMMf^rs^f^iM mc^csr^mmn r^iP\\/^ mmf:f^rim:-\ '/^ /^ ^H '^'m. mr% l^iA^ ^^m^H '/->vrN fXSSSSmmk fm^f^ 'rm'H ^%^. ^m rmmw'i ^Hf^ n,<*\ ^mm mm. ^RMR S^,/S. f^^^mm ■^M/r^V'/^>^ fmmr