To Educate a Horse to Take a Handkerchief From His Side
The reader must understand that it is necessary first to educate your animal to obey the words “come here” and “whoa,” before he can be taught tricks successfully.
There must be great caution used in teaching the above trick. First stand on the nigh-side and prick the animal lightly on the shoulder; he will reach round and bite near where the punishment is inflicted. After you have repeated this a few times, hold a handkerchief in hand with the pin and he will soon catch hold of it with his teeth; as you use the pin, say “Take it from the nigh-side.” Next prick him with a pin on the off-shoulder, handkerchief accompanying, and say “Take it from the off-side.” When you have given him five or six lessons, you may hold the handkerchief on his side and touch him with your finger, repeating the words above directed. The instructor must be cautious when using the pin in educating, not to provoke so as to make the animal cross.