FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 241 



THE HORSE AS A FACTOR IN CIVILIZATION. 



A. W. HAYDON, DECATUR. 



The domestication of the horse, whether it occurred in modern or 

 prehistoric times, must have given man a new sense of independence 

 and power, and inspired him with hopes, ambitions, and possibilities of 

 advancement. Until recently there were no societies or laws for the 

 prevention of cruelty to animals. The sufferings and abuse of the horse 

 awakened the sympathies and aroused the indignation of humanity in 

 his behalf, and societies have been formed and laws enacted all over the 

 union. These in turn have been the parent societies to numerous others 

 for the protection and relief of suffering humanity. 



The event of modern times that overshadows all others for the prog- 

 ress of the race was the establishment in this country of a government of 

 the people, and second in importance was the proof of its stability as the 

 outcome of the great war of the rebellion. The armies of horses, like 

 those of men, were part of the engine of war, and together they fought, 

 suffered and died for the triumph of the most sacred rights of man. His 

 horse gave added power to a leader to inspire enthusiasm, courage and 

 patriotism in the hearts of his followers, and they deserve to be grate- 

 fully remembered for their aid in the establishment and preservation of 

 the nation. 



The era of knighthood, the age of chivalry, could not have existed 

 without the horse. The mail-clad knight could not and would not have 

 gone forth on foot to right the wrongs of the world. Whatever may be 

 said against the age of chivalry, it must be credited with having given to 

 the world higher ideals of honor, justice, and the devotion and respect 

 due to woman than it had ever known before.- The age of chivalry, with 

 its armor and lance and battle-ax, long since passed away, but the 

 exalted ideals it set up will never pass away, but in the future, as in the 

 past, will aid in building up the highest, purest and noblest type of 

 manhood. 



Not only has the horse thus contributed to the advancement of woman, 

 but his extended use by her in recent times has developed the health, 

 the strength, the courage and self-possession that better fits her for the 

 higher duties devolving upon her in our advancing civilization, and will 

 hasten the realization of that greatest and most important movement 

 of all time for the elevation and advancement of the human race, the 

 emancipating of woman, and the investing her with every right, privi- 

 lege and opportunity possessed by man anywhere. 



IS MATERIAL CIVILIZATION. 



Thus far I have sought to show the influence of the horse on the char- 

 acter of man in developing the better and nobler sentiments of his 

 nature. Now, as to our industrial and material civilization, the most 

 wonderful ever achieved by mortal man. How far has the horse been a 

 factor in its growth? I must answer by asserting what I have not space 

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