It has been observed by experienced horse trainers that naturally
vicious horses are rare, and that among those that are properly trained
and kindly treated when colts they are the exception.
It is superfluous to say that a gentle and docile horse is always the
more valuable, other qualities being equal, and it is almost obvious
that gentle treatment tends to develop this admirable quality in the
horse as well as in the human species, while harsh treatment has the
contrary tendency. Horses have been trained so as to be entirely
governed by the words of his driver, and they will obey and perform
their simple but important duties with as much alacrity as the child
obeys the direction of the parent.
It is true that all horses are not equally intelligent and tractable,
but it is probable that there is less difference among them in this
regard than there is among his human masters, since there are many
incitements and ambitions among men that do not affect animals.
The horse learns to know and to have confidence in a gentle driver, and
soon discovers how to secure for himself that which he desires, and
to understand his surroundings and his duties. The tone, volume, and
inflection of his master's voice indicate much, perhaps more than the
words that are spoken. Soothing tones rather than words calm him if
excited by fear or anger, and angry and excited tones tend to excite or
anger him. In short, bad masters make bad horses.
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A catalogue, containing brief notices of many important scientific
papers heretofore published in the SUPPLEMENT, may be had gratis at this
office.
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