The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1888-07-20
Balky Horses.

When horse balks for the first time, il
you will let him stand few minutes until
! quoted down, then speak to him firmly but
kindly, at the same time turning little to
the right or left, he will usually start as if
nothing had happened.
A simple method for more confirmed or
double baker Is quietly to tie the reins to the
dash board Get down from the wagon and
pretend TO fix the harness, work around his
head, uncheck and pet MIN, and give him an
apple or handful of grass or oats if at hand.
Having gained the confidence of the team in
this way, take them by the heads and turn
them towards the side on which the balky
horse stands, but stop them without moving
the wagon; after minute or two turn them
the other way, but do not be in hurry. Now
turn them in the first direction and at the
same time start them ahead a few steps. Re
peat the operation two or three times, if
necessary, or until they start and stop at
command. Finally mount the wagon and
start them of as before, turning either to the
right or left.
Another very simple method is to blind.
fold the horse, and allow him to stand quiet.
ly for few minutes. Then, after moving
him from him from side TO side few times,
he will usually move off without trouble.
Placing the hand over both noslrils SO as to
close them and prevent his breathing, and
! holding on until he struggles to relieve
himself, then, just as you are forced to release
him, start him off to the right or left, and he
will usually move along with you. Tying
up foreleg, and forcing the horse to stand
on three legs until tired. will often induce
baker TO start when released.
A more effectual method for all classes of
bakers, when you can allow the horse 10 he
idle few days is TO tie him wherever he
ba1ly lriy; do an oh
this purpose, and cause him to stand there
without food or water until he is glad to go.
Visit him at intervals of eight or ten hours,
and when he is ready to go, drive him around
little while; and then take HIM to the
stable and fctd him his regular ration as if
nothing had happened, Now put him to
work, and if he balks again give him another
fast OF twenty-four or thirty-six hours. A
few trials will satisfy the worst of bakers If
one of team, remove the other horse and
let the balky horse stand hitched to the
wagon as if driving single, and when you
wish to try to start him take the other horse
back and hook in again. as you wish to break
the balky horse TO pull double and not sim
gle.
A very successful method for single balk-
ers, but not applicable to horse in a team,
unless the animal is removed from the wagon,
is frequently employed by trainers. Choose
your time, and when ready drive your horse
to some field or yard where you have ample
room and provoke him to balk. If single,
simply tic the reins to the dash but if one of
team, first separate them but leave on the
harness. Take a-half inch rope, ten or twelve
feet in length tie one end around the neck,
and then loop forward with a-half hitch into
his mouth, as you would to lead with rope
tie. With the rope in hand, stand to one
side, speak to him sharply, and give him a
sudden pull TO make him move towards you
step or two stop and pass to the other
side and pull him in that direction. Work
slowly and repeat the operation several
times, or until he will follow you at COM
mand. Lead and then drive him about, stop
ping frequently, still keeping the rope in
your hand. If he balks again, repeat the
first treatment Finally, when well under
control, hang the rope on the hame and drive
with the reins. When you think he has
been conquered, remove the rope, but carry
it with you for few weeks to repeat the
lesson if necessary. This is one of the best
methods for vicious bakers, while very
bad case may require a course of training
with the ropes before attempting treatment
for baking.