INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A cowboy's horse is often trained to stand still when the cowboy dismounts and puts one of the reins on the ground. This is called being "ground-tied." Experienced cowboys develop their own rapport with their horse, and may alter the reins or other elements of the tack. Generally, a cowboy performing ranch work will hold the reins in the left hand and allow them to hang somewhat loosely. This leaves the right hand free for roping cows or other work performed from horseback. Jockeys use the long, looped rein typical in English riding, with rubber grips for increased hold. In a horse race, the jockey pulls low and tight, so that the horse tucks his chin to his chest, in order to collect the horses gait and slow its gallop. This gives both horse and rider balance and allows the jockey a bit of leverage and control.

SUMMARY: Train your horse to obey ground-tying. Adapt your style for ranch work. Use reins in horse racing.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There's a thin line between hobby and vice. Maybe your grades are slipping, your relationships are deteriorating, or your health has begun to suffer from spending too many hours plastered to the couch. Whatever it is, taking stock of the ways that your compulsion has done more harm than good can give you the motivation you need to leave it behind. Freeing yourself from the grip of video games will help you overcome your depressive or isolationist tendencies, get more enjoyment out of real-world experiences, and make time for the people and things that truly matter to you. If you've tried weaning yourself off video games in the past and it hasn't worked, cutting the cord may be your best course of action. This is probably the simplest and most effective way to break a destructive gaming addiction. Just put down the controller and don't look back. It will require tremendous willpower, no doubt. Over time, however, it will get easier, to the point where video games no longer have the same hold over you that they once did. Anytime you're tempted to sit down and play, take it as a challenge to get stronger. Consciously saying no to unhealthy desires conditions the part of your brain that's responsible for regulating self-control. This approach may be simple, but it's not easy. It all goes back to making a purposeful commitment to not be a slave to your urges. Box up your console and games and stow them in the attic or basement, on a high shelf in your closet, or in another spot that's not readily accessible. It's much easier to give something up for good if it's not staring you in the face all the time. Actually make it hard for yourself. Bury your console under a pile of boxes in the garage, put it in the trunk of your car, or take it apart and hide each component in a different place. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself away. If you do most of your gaming on the computer, uninstall addictive programs from your hard drive and delete any accounts you have for online games. Then, make an effort to police yourself when using your computer in the future. Hand your gear down to a younger sibling, or donate them to a thrift store or charitable organization so that someone less fortunate can have a chance to enjoy them. Not only is this a generous act, it also helps you meet your goals. You can't spend too much time playing a game that you don't own! You can also sell newer systems and titles back to stores that accept used games and put the money you get towards other hobbies or pastimes. Delete downloaded games from your console or device to reduce the temptation that you might feel to play them if they're just sitting there.

SUMMARY: Think about the toll that gaming is taking on your life. Summon the resolve to walk away once and for all. Put your gaming equipment away where you can't easily get to it. Consider giving away your games and gaming systems.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Your cat will understandably be nervous when you take it home, and a secure carrier can offer an enclosed space to offer comfort and keep your cat safe. Some cats vomit or urinate while nervous, so a well-made carrier can protect your car's interior. Your shelter or breeder may be able to lend you a carrier for your first trip home. Ask your shelter or breeder for a blanket or towel that your cat has been sleeping with to put in the carrier. The familiar smell will be comforting to your cat on its trip to your home. Your cat or kitten will obviously need to eat and eliminate waste the day you bring it home, so be prepared by having all of the essentials you will need. These include food and water dishes, a litter box, and a supply of kitty litter. Kittens grow a lot in their first year, and they have specific dietary and nutritional needs. If you're adopting a kitten, be sure to buy specially formulated kitten food. You may want to talk with your shelter or breeder and select the same type of food and litter your cat or kitten is already used to, at least for the first few weeks. You can gradually add in different types so your cat doesn't face too many changes at once. While some cats may be happy to sleep on other furniture in the house, they will feel more secure and comfortable if they have their own bed. You can choose a bed as simple as a cat-sized pillow, blanket, or mat or a nest-type bed that will help keep your cat warm while sleeping. Cats like to sleep off of the floor, so place your cat's bed on top of a chair or table. Be cautious about this with very young kittens or elderly cats. This may increase their risk for injury. If you have more than one cat, providing a bed for each of them will help ease territorial issues. You may need to move the location of the cat's bed a few times before you find a place that your cat prefers. It can be easy to forget about these if you haven't had a cat before, but they are important for making your new pet feel at home. Make sure any cat toys you buy don't have small pieces that can be easily eaten by your cats. Similarly, steer clear of toys with strings or ribbon on them. If these become loose, your cat can swallow them. Keep rubber bands and elastic away from your cats as well because they can swallow these and choke on them or sustain intestinal injuries from them. You will want to make sure your new cat or kitten is in good health as soon as it becomes yours, so find and schedule a visit with a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is best if you can take your cat to the veterinarian before you even bring it home. Your veterinarian will check for pests like ear mites, fleas, and worms. Your cat or kitten will also receive any vaccinations it needs. Keep in mind that kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks, but ideally before 6 months of age. However, spaying or neutering is a wise idea at any age after eight weeks.

SUMMARY:
Purchase a sturdy pet carrier to take your cat home. Buy feeding and litter box supplies. Purchase bedding for your new pet. Remember to get toys and scratching posts for your cat. Find a veterinarian.