The Somerset reporter., 1891-10-22
FARM. GARDEN AND
HOUSEHOLD.
How to Drive a Horse.

Wallace Hpldbrook of San Jose, Cal
gives n the Mirror aud Farmer. his ideas
uf how a horse should be driven Rs follows
think the horses lot hard enough at
best, and might be IA good deal better.
All people owning horses should have
a know ledge Of diving. Even If they do
not drive themselves they should know
that their animals are properly driven, for
their own benefit as well Ms that of the
horse. Being IL noble animal, he should
he treated as such, and not be handled or
driven by merciless, Ignorant wretches
who can't feel little for the dumb animal
The horse is na'urally refined in taste and
feeling and does not solicit harshness or
violence, AID In many par lcnlais can b.
paralle,ed with man. lac drivers voice
should never be an angry one Though
firm, I should never be ioui, for thu horse
does not HE to b. yelled at more t1au
does a uuli, and l. makes him just MS re-
hucta t. The driver should not get ex-
citei, for the quiet, controlled wits are
better III managing. especi'lly high spirit
ed horses; snd We know the horse will do
more for tine sober, methoiical man than
for the boi~tcrous inehrinte. Boys should
no. drive horses until they ARE properly
mlht. Mauy horses have been spuilt by
boys driving.
owners should know their drivers quail
tiles, and if they have faults, irrcct them.
If they continue stnbbornly III error, there
are plenty of good drivers to be had
Keep e Oh driver always if yon would
have good horses The utmost care should
be taken in driving young horses. 70. n
trick nee learned is more easily remem
bered by them than forgot en- Don't hold
the reins extremely tight or Slack, tut jus
dra aSn firm enough to M k the mouth
amply feel them. 81 the hors, knows you
ARE prepared for any new prank If he
sh} :, do not punish him Wlth whip or
rein, neither jtck or Aauk his mouth;
simply Ike no notice of II, but guide him
You ARE holding the rcius for this purpose
He then sees that the object OF fright was
harmless, and S guided hy you. Let him
wslk down l !; let him have Hn easy, slack
iein going up with unbuc led check
but hold HIM firm gong down hill.
If horse balks, do not a low him or
yonrself 10 get excited. Per.evere in tr}
ing kindness, and 40 not leave your snt
unless obliged to. A good way to stlrt
stu born horse is for t%o men 10 stand 10y
his shoulders, one ON each side with
"A light rope passed under his body behind
the KIN, Us of lhe front legs, each man
hold ng an end; then let them wax fD1-
ward. gently saving it back and forth,
1t is invariably successful. Always hitch
II young horse when left standing; if sweat
lag, blanket hun. DO not start with II
jump or slow suddenly; let each be grab
ual or strains and lamaness will be the re
snlt Exam ne his feet when you com
nence your drive, and watch continually
bat he does not pick up stone or nail.
10 dive straight docs not tire him AZ
much a. continual turning II he loses
his head and bolts, do not ut fitst jerk and
lug ut his mouth, for the mouth is easily
spoiled, and once spoiled, the horse is
greatly disiigurcd. Commence by gently
saving SO that he knows that you mean
business and increase rs is needed, but
guard against sudden wiiful yanks. IL
you can't stop him, don't leave your seat
to let him run, but rather brace yourself
we'll, put all your strength on one rein
quickly relaxing the other, and throw him
then quickly jump for his head and sit on
it, or hold it down till he is quieted or you
get help. But remember that kindne =
and not the whip afterward is best. Never
drive with weak spot i'll any part of tho
harness, if you know 1t, for a stitch III
time may save nine and prevent serious
calamity. Don't drive hard Just before
or directly after his meal nor let him
drink too much at time, if you are max
ing hard drive. In all things treat h III
fairly, and you will he amply repaid, for
horse appreciates good will and recipro-