Another Method of Educating a Horse Not to Kick
I design to make this chapter as plain as possible, so that no man need fail to break up this worst of habits, and in order so to do, I will commence at the beginning. With the previously-described rig, lay the horse down, and commence to handle him. Take a stick or a piece of board and ply it on his hinder parts, then thrust it between his legs. Should he kick, punish in the mouth with Camanche bridle, but if he offers no resistance, caress. When you have secured submission allow your horse to rise to his feet, then put on him a head-stall and lines and commence driving him on the walk; every three or four rods pull sharply on the reins and at the same instant say “Whoa,” walk up and caress; start him off again, and repeat the “Whoa,” say ten times, by that time you have so educated him to the word that he will scarcely forget it for years. Take your stick and ply it on his hind parts again; if he resists, jerk suddenly on the reins and say “Whoa.” Ply the stick until all fear is removed. You can now safely hitch your animal to a cart, as seen in engraving, using no breeching. Drive him a short time, simultaneously pull on the reins and say “Whoa,” at the same time allowing the cart to come against his heels. Push the cart sharply against him, saying “Whoa,” each time, speaking with considerable force, that he may understand you design to conquer. Don’t forget to caress when the horse obeys. Should he kick the cart and try to rid himself of it, pull with your might quickly on the reins and repeat the word “whoa” again; so soon as he shall desist take him from the cart and lay him down again as soon as possible, and, if need be, summon one of your neighbors to assist you, to prevent being foiled, for be assured, if you allow him to conquer once you have lost much and really accomplished nothing. Give the animal another strong lesson while down, afterwards repeat it when on his feet, when by this time you will have taken the conceit completely out of him. In all your attempts to handle a vicious horse be resolute and determined and you will soon give him to understand that you are master, and that his duty is to yield a cheerful obedience to your command.
I would enjoin upon the reader to practice the same method when educating colts, but not so severely, because by so doing you may make them stubborn; great patience must be exercised while handling colts, as the faults of one misplaced lesson will be visible. Therefore one cannot be too careful, particularly if the animal is nervous and excitable.