Year: 1876

WASHINGTON, ID. e., Jan. II, 1873.
To the Editor Of the National Republican:


SIR: world is familiar with the philosophy
of Mr.. Rarey in regard to the management
of horses, especially Of horses possessed of
high blood and metal. The Rarey philosophy
consisted in gradual approaches upon the ami
NAL combined with unceasing kindness and
uninterrupted display of solicitude for his
comfort and happiness. In the exercise of
force Mr.. Rarey put forth as little of his own
as possible. He relied chiefly on the horses
own strength to effect his own conquest. In
doing this, however, he made the horse believe
that it was his (Rarey's) power which he (the
horse) was struggling against. Finally, after
q long tussle, the hsrse would yield the con
test, sink to the earth covered with foam,
satisfied that Rarey had oyer-matched him
physically. Rarey would complete his victory
by renewed manifestations of kindness and
good will. The horse once broken by this sys-
tenn never attempted to set its will against
that OF its conqueror.


We once witnessed an exhibition of Mr..
Rarey's skill in this system of horse-tamtng,
which reminds one SO strongly of the Confed-
crate political tactics that we are induced to
describe it and give it proper application to
politics in America at this day. The scene we
propose to describe occurred in Brussels, Bel
gium, in the presence Of the Court and lead
ing Representatives of the aristocracy Of that
kingdom. The horse furnished with which to
test the skill and nerve Of the American horse
tanner was a stud, upon whose back saddle
had never yet been placed. The bit of bri-
die had never been inserted between his teeth.
When he was shod it was necessary to throw
him, and even then 1t required 3 half dozen
strong men with ropes and chains to hold the
legs Of the furious beast until the iron could
be nailed to his hoofs. Such was the horse
turned loose within narrow enclosure to be
'tamed" and demonstrated" by Mr.. Rarey.
Mr.. Rarcy was warned that the animal would
use its heels and teeth if provoked, and that it
would even assume the offensive and attack
its enemy. The fearless horse-tamer quickly
replied that he was willing 10 undertake the
case.


Mr.. Rarey's first step in the encounter with
this fierce war-horsc was "no STEP" That is,
Rarey remained motionless, holding book or
tablet in his hands, upon which his attention
appeared to be studiously fixed. The horse
paved the ground. He reared in the air. He
snufied the air with a loud snort, and with up
lifted tail and ruffied name made the building
ring with his trumpet-like neigh. All this
failed to attract the curiosity of the motion
less and absorbed Rarey. Finally the horse
advanced toward Rarey, who deliberately
turned his back on him. A cry of terror arose
among the spectators. If the horse should
seize the helpless figure with his teeth! If he
should beat him to the earth with his hoofs
The horse tanner remained moti0nless. The
horse advanced, closer and yet closer, until he
could apply his nostrils to the shoulders and
back and legs of Rarey, and which he did.
After a complete smell his horseship arrived
at the conclusion that the man was quite
harmless. He then placed his head delibe-
rately over Rarey's shoulder, as il to see what
there was so deeply interesting in the book or
tablet which the motionless man was perus-
ing. And so the matter went on until the
breathless audience beheId the horse advance
and take up his position by the side of Rarey.
Looking the spectators in the face, his horse
ship seemed to say, "What do you think of US
this man here and myselfW


This was the opportunity for which the
horse-tamer was waiting. Quick as lightning
and avoiding the observation of the horse,
Mr.. Rarey passed strap around one of the
fore-legs of the horse Immediately above the
hoof. The surprised animal made plunge,
but his friend Rarey was at his side, close to
his shoulder, holding on to the strap which he
had passed over the horses neck. After 8
half hours struggle the horse arrived at the
conclusion that he had in some mysterious
way tangled his own foot, and that his friend
Rarey was doing all he could to help him out
of his difficulty. Rarey confirmed this illusion
BY pressing close to the horses side and pat
ting him kindly on the neck. At the proper
time another strap was passed around the
other "fore" foot of the horse. Then came
another plunge, followed by another struggle,
ending as did the first. And so the process
went on until the horse was conquered. "Now,
gentlemen" said Mr.. Rarey, "bring me the
necessary shoeing implements, also drum,
also a saddle and bride; propose to place
fresh shoes on this fine animal and take ride
upon his back around your beautiful city,"
As good as his word, Mr.. Rarey shod the horse,