The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-08-11
Gre Sarmer.
Balky Horses.

When horse balks for the first time, if
YOU will let him stand few minutes until
quoted down, then speak to him firmly
but kindly, at the same time turning a
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 tic the reins to
the dashboard. Get down from the wagon
and pretend to fix the harness, work around
his head, uncheck and pet him, 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 a
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 few steps. Repeat the
operation two or three times, if necessary,
or until they start and stop at command
Finally mount the wagon and start them
off as before, turning either to the right or
left
Another simple method is to blindfold
the horse, and allow him to stand quietly
fora few minutes. Then, after moving
him from side to side few times, he will
usually move off without trouble. Placing
the hand over both nostrils so as to close
them and prevent his breathing, and hold
ing 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
a baker to start when released.
A more effectual method for all classes
of bakers, when you can allow the horse
to be idle few days, is to tic him wherever
he balks, driving down stake if necessary
for this purpose, and cause him to stand
there without food or water until he is glad
to 90. Visit him at intervals of eight or
ten hours, and when he is ready to go,
drive him around a little while, and then
take him to the stable and feed 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 a 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 single.
A very successful method for single balk-
ers, but 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 tie the rains 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 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 command.
Lead and then drive him about, stopping
frequently, still keeping the rope in your
hand. If he balks again, repeat the first
treatment. Finally, when well under con-
troll, 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 a
very bad case may require course of train
ing with the ropes before attempting treat
ment for baking.