“Note also that Tar Heel will be driven without even so much as a strap to keep the wagon from striking his heels. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Professor has completely gentled this wonderful horse, making him safe for your crowded streets.”
Finn got into the rear of the wagon where he hadHank holding a large American flag. He waved his stovepipe hat to the crowd and Bill took up the reins, clucking to Tar Heel. It was in this spectacular manner that they drove through the main streets of Reading.
During the week that followed, Bill made other concessions to Finn’s persistent demands for more showmanship in conducting their classes. He was willing to oblige so long as they were honest demands. He bought Tar Heel from Dr. Harrison at Finn’s urging, knowing that the doctor could never keep the black horse gentle anyway. He taught Tar Heel to go without reins and drove him at the beginning of each class. Up to a point, he admitted, Finn was right. More and more people came to see Tar Heel, and as a result he was able to help more of them with their own horses.
At the end of his stay in Reading, the
Tribune
carried the following story:
Professor Dailey’s treatment of horses is entirely new and reliable as well as humane and practical. Without the use of club or any cruelty whatsoever Professor Dailey is a worthy missionary bringing a glorious reign of peace to the long-abused horses of our land. His knowledge is indispensable, particularly to those who raise colts. He has given honest study to his art. He regards the horse not as dull and stupid but as an animal able to draw deductions and to be molded by firmness and kindness. He appeals to the understanding of his subjects, endeavors to make an impression on the brain, and to show cause for everyeffect. We honestly believe he is the most skillful and successful horse-tamer who has ever visited this city. We urge all residents throughout the state to take advantage of Professor Dailey’s remarkable skill.
“We’ve done it,” Finn said, putting down the paper.
“Done what?” Bill wanted to know.
“Made ourselves famous, boy. Your services are going to be in demand from now on!”
Finn was right. Bill Dailey’s reputation for handling fractious horses spread quickly throughout the state and invitations to exhibit his skill came from everywhere. The three traveled from town to town, taming horses, educating owners and, even though Bill charged only a small fee for his services and sometimes nothing at all, making more money than any of them had ever seen before.
Finn Caspersen bought a new suit. It was bottle green and had gilt buttons. With it he wore a yellow-striped waistcoat, a silk topper, white gloves and a flower in his buttonhole.
“It’s just for the show,” he said offhandedly.
Finn insisted, too, that they buy a new coach for their transportation from engagement to engagement. It was a Tallyho drawn by four white horses whom Bill taught to caper and rear at will. Seldom was so fashionable a sight seen outside New York City and people lined the roads to look in astonishment as Bill Dailey’s sensational four-in-hand passed by. Only young Hank was unhappy, for Finn insisted that he sit high up on the back seat, waving a large American flag.
Their first big-city engagement was held in Pittsburgh, which had a population of more than a hundred thousand. Finn hired the largest carriage house in the city and went to work to fill it.
First he wrote the copy of the most sensational circular he had ever attempted. He proclaimed Professor William Dailey the “Greatest Horse-Tamer in the World,” able to make any wild, unbroken colt so gentle within twenty minutes that he could be taken into the street and without bridle or halter ridden in any way the owner pleased! As an extra inducement, Finn Caspersen offered five hundred dollars if Professor Dailey couldn’t accomplish this remarkable feat!
He did not consult Bill about any of this, nor
Finn got into the rear of the wagon where he hadHank holding a large American flag. He waved his stovepipe hat to the crowd and Bill took up the reins, clucking to Tar Heel. It was in this spectacular manner that they drove through the main streets of Reading.
During the week that followed, Bill made other concessions to Finn’s persistent demands for more showmanship in conducting their classes. He was willing to oblige so long as they were honest demands. He bought Tar Heel from Dr. Harrison at Finn’s urging, knowing that the doctor could never keep the black horse gentle anyway. He taught Tar Heel to go without reins and drove him at the beginning of each class. Up to a point, he admitted, Finn was right. More and more people came to see Tar Heel, and as a result he was able to help more of them with their own horses.
At the end of his stay in Reading, the
Tribune
carried the following story:
Professor Dailey’s treatment of horses is entirely new and reliable as well as humane and practical. Without the use of club or any cruelty whatsoever Professor Dailey is a worthy missionary bringing a glorious reign of peace to the long-abused horses of our land. His knowledge is indispensable, particularly to those who raise colts. He has given honest study to his art. He regards the horse not as dull and stupid but as an animal able to draw deductions and to be molded by firmness and kindness. He appeals to the understanding of his subjects, endeavors to make an impression on the brain, and to show cause for everyeffect. We honestly believe he is the most skillful and successful horse-tamer who has ever visited this city. We urge all residents throughout the state to take advantage of Professor Dailey’s remarkable skill.
“We’ve done it,” Finn said, putting down the paper.
“Done what?” Bill wanted to know.
“Made ourselves famous, boy. Your services are going to be in demand from now on!”
Finn was right. Bill Dailey’s reputation for handling fractious horses spread quickly throughout the state and invitations to exhibit his skill came from everywhere. The three traveled from town to town, taming horses, educating owners and, even though Bill charged only a small fee for his services and sometimes nothing at all, making more money than any of them had ever seen before.
Finn Caspersen bought a new suit. It was bottle green and had gilt buttons. With it he wore a yellow-striped waistcoat, a silk topper, white gloves and a flower in his buttonhole.
“It’s just for the show,” he said offhandedly.
Finn insisted, too, that they buy a new coach for their transportation from engagement to engagement. It was a Tallyho drawn by four white horses whom Bill taught to caper and rear at will. Seldom was so fashionable a sight seen outside New York City and people lined the roads to look in astonishment as Bill Dailey’s sensational four-in-hand passed by. Only young Hank was unhappy, for Finn insisted that he sit high up on the back seat, waving a large American flag.
Their first big-city engagement was held in Pittsburgh, which had a population of more than a hundred thousand. Finn hired the largest carriage house in the city and went to work to fill it.
First he wrote the copy of the most sensational circular he had ever attempted. He proclaimed Professor William Dailey the “Greatest Horse-Tamer in the World,” able to make any wild, unbroken colt so gentle within twenty minutes that he could be taken into the street and without bridle or halter ridden in any way the owner pleased! As an extra inducement, Finn Caspersen offered five hundred dollars if Professor Dailey couldn’t accomplish this remarkable feat!
He did not consult Bill about any of this, nor
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