RAREY'S SYSTEM OF HORSE TAMING

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume VI, Issue 2, 31 January 1859, Page 1

RAREY'S SYSTEM OF HORSE TAMING

In a previous number we promised our readers further particulars respecting Mr. Rarey's System of Horse Taming. A pamphlet explaining it has been published by himself, from which we shall extract such information on the subject us we think likely to interest our Maori friends. We have-said that the main secret is kindness and gentleness. Mr. Rarey lavs down the principles upon which his theory is founded. Ist. That the horse is naturally obedient, and will not resist any demand made on: him which he understands, if not contrary to- lils nature. 2nd. That heisunconscious of liis strength, except by experience, and may be made to obey the will of his" master without force.

ord. That he may be taught to regard, without fear, any object, however frightful, which does not inflict pain, if allowed to examine and become familiarised with it. In some of his faculties the horse is superior to man; but he has no reason. He has no knowledge of right and wrong, or of whai is just or unjust. When required to do anything, he can neither judge whether it is right for him to do it, nor whether it is just in his master to require it. Were lie able to think, for himself in the matter, he would no longer be man's servant. If liis mind were in proportion to his strength, he would demand liberty, and submit to no restraint. But his nature is so formed by his Creator that his powers may be madecompletely subject to the will of man ; and he obeys, without questioning the-right'to command. Every one must have observed this. Any one cruel enough may mount the trained steed, and ride him till he drops with fatigue, or falls dead under his merciless rider. Did he know or could he reflect on his power, would he not throw his rider or refuse to carry him raiher than be ridden to death by a man, so inferior to himself in strength. Bu the is unconsciousof the wrong, and has no thought of disobedience, except when some thing is done contrary lo his nature; so that, if disobedient at all, * the fault is is wholly tbatofhis master. Did he know his strength, would the harness that fastens him to the cart or plough be sufficient u> hold him, or the slight strip of leather by which he is fastened to tlie stake or gate-post to await the pleasure of his owner? \Ve see his obedience, however, and because the sight is common we fail to think it wonderful, regarding it as the ignorant man does the changes of the moon, without asking the question, " Why is it so?" Thehorse can also be taught to regard without fear any object which does not inflict pain on him. Every impulseorfeeling experienced by, man or beast must have some cause. If the liorse shows fear, there must be a cause for his fear. If it be the etfectof imagination, it n.ay he removed by complying with the laws of his nature, by which he examines every object new to him, and determines on its harmful or harmless character. A log. or stump by the roadside may be, in the imagination of the horse, some great beast about to spring upon him; but after vou lake him up to it, usid let him stand bv it a little while, and

loach it with his nose, and go through Ins ■process of examination, he will not care any vhing more about it. And the same process "will have ihe same effect with any other object, however frightful in appearance, in which there is no harm. Having explained the principles upon which he proceeds, Mr. Rarey goes on to show how they are to be put in practice, commencing with the first steps to be taken with the coit, and giving full directions for the whole process of horse breaking. First he tells us how to bring in the colt from the pasture. Go to ihft pasture, and walk around ihe whole herd quietly, aisucha distance as not lo cause them to scare and run; then approach them very slowly, and if they slick tip their heads and seem to be frightened, hold on until they become quiet, so as not to make them run until you are close-enough to drive them in the direction you wish them to go. And when you begin lo drive, do not flourish your arms or halloo, but gently follow Uiein off, leaving the direction free for them that you wish them lo lake; thus, taking advantage of Iheir ignorance, you will be able to get them into the pound easily. Next we are told how to,get the colt into Ihe stable or shed. This should be done as quietly as possible, so as not to excite any suspicion in the horse of any danger befalling him. The best way to do this is to lead a gentle horse into-the stable first, and hitch him; then quietly walk around the coll and let him go in of his own accord. It is of importance to proceed slowly and considerately. One wrong move may frighten your horse, and make him think it -necessary to escape at all hazartis for the safety of his life, and thus make two hours work of a ten minutes' job; and this will be all your own fault, .ar,d quite unnecessary: for lie will iiot run unless you run after him, and that would not be good policy, unless you knew that you could out-run him, for you will i.a've to let him slop of his own accord alter all. Bat he will not try to break away unless you

attempt to force him into measures. If he does not see the way at once, and is a little fearful about going in, do not undertake to drive him, but give him a liitle less room outside by gently closing in around him. Bo not raise your arms, but let them hang it your side, for you might as well raise a dub; the horse has never studied anatomy, and does not know but that they will unhinge themselves and fly at him. If he attempts to turn back, walk before him, but do not run; and if he gets past you, encircle bim again in the same quiet manner, and he "will soon find that you are not going to hurt bim, and then you can walk so close around him that he will go into the stable to get further from you. As soon as he is in, remove the quiet horse, and shut the door. This will be his first notion of confinement—not knowing how to get into such a place, nor how to get out of it. That he may take it as quietly as possible, see that the shed is entirely free from dogs, chickens, or anything that would annoy him. Then give him a few ears of corn, and let him remain alone fifteen or twenty minutes, until he has examined his apartment, and has become reconciled to his confinement. And now v?hile your horse is eating those few ears of corn is the proper time to see that your baiter is ready andall right,and to reflect on the best mode of operation. You should know before you attempt to do anything, just what you are going to do, and how you are going to do it. Always use a leather halter, and take care to have it made so that it will not draw light round his nose if he pulls on it. It should be of the right size to fit his head easily and nicely, so that the nose band will not be too tight nor too low. Never put a rope halter on an unbroken colt under any circumstances whatever. They have caused more horses to hurt or kill themselves than would pay for twice the cost of all the leather halters that have ever been needed for the purpose of haltering colts. It is almost impossible to break a colt that is very wild with a rope halter without having him pull, rear, and throw himself, and thus endanger bis life. And I will tell yoa why. Uis just as natural for a horse to get his head out of anything that hurts it or feels unpleasant as il would be for you to try. to get your hand tittt of a fire. The cords of the rope are

hard and culling; this makes him raise his head and draw on it; and as soon as he pulls the slip tightens, and pinches bis nose, and then he will struggle for life, until perchance he throws himself: and who would have his horse throw himself, and run the risk of breaking his neck rather than pay the price of a leather halter ? This is not the worsl. A horse that has once pulled on his halter can never be as well broken as one that has never pulled at all. (To be continued.)