In 1589, Leonard Mascall explained his method of training oxen by yoking them together with others in his book the 'Government of Cattel' (extract abridged by m

In 1589, Leonard Mascall explained his method of training oxen by yoking them together with others in his book the 'Government of Cattel' (extract abridged by me): "Some doe yoke them together... ye shal likewise take good heede that one oxe touch not another with their hornes, so within two or three dayes that yee see them waxe more tame... to frame a young oxe to the plough or carte, yée shall matche him best with an olde oxe that is tame, very strong and gentle, which will holde the young oxe backe if he be too hastie, or plucke him forward, if he be too slowe, or if ye will ye may make a yoke for three oxen, and put the young oxe in the middes, and by that meanes ye shall make the most hardiest oxe to be tame, and refuse no labour at the length. For the young oxe (being neuer so stubborne) in remaining betweene the two olde oxen, they will if he be too flacke, constrayne him to drawe, or if he would shoote forwarde, they will holde him backe and stay him, or if he would draw backe, they will holde him forwarde. Also if he would lye downe, the other wil hold him vp. Thus by pollicie he may be let of his stubborne frowardnes. Also yoke him to wilde bullockes that haue not laboured before, and so let them gee yoked lose together for two or three daies, and so they will waxe tame. And a little chastening after willmake him endure to labour wel..." Link to the book's text[1] if you would like to read it in full. For a book which predates copyright it took me far too long to find an openly accessible version! Similarly, horses have traditionally been broken into harness by having at first the foal run alongside the vehicle, which is pulled by older horses (I have heard that the foal's mother is ideal). When the horse is old enough, it can be harnessed itself, again next to experienced draught horses. Essentially this is exploiting the animals' instinct to follow the example of their elders. I think it sounds like a rather humane method of horse training, but I don't think it's as common as other methods these days. [1]: https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A07176.0001.001/1:1?rgn=div1;view=toc https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A07176.0001.001/1:1?rgn=di...