INFLUENCE OF THE HUMAN VOICE. 7 



I have scores of times tried the eftect of giving a horse an 

 angry look and of smiling on him without any result 

 whatsoever. If you make the most horrible grimaces at }"our 

 horses or stick your tongue out at them, }-ou will find that 

 they will take absolutely no notice of such a proceeding, but 

 they will be quick to perceive any movement of the body, and 

 especially of the hand. 



INFLUENCE OF THE PIUMAN VOICE ON A HORSE. 



The human voice has a great influence on a horse, but of 

 course it is only the tone which he remembers. The sweetest 

 words, repeated in a short, high tone, will frighten him, and the 

 most horrible threats, uttered in a soft voice, will soothe him. The 

 voice is the most useful help for breaking a horse " at liberty," 

 in which case he is turned loose in a riding school, circus, or 

 other suitable enclosure. Thus, to teach a horse at liberty to 

 move forward at a walk, trot or canter, one says : " walk," in a 

 comparatively weak voice ; " trot," in a higher voice ; and 

 " canter ! " in a tone of command. You may say " canter " 

 in a soft voice, and the horse will remain at the walk ; but if 

 you say " walk ! " in a high tone, the animal will immediately 

 strike off into the canter. 



The voice is also of great use when breaking a horse which 

 one is riding. For instance, if my mount kicks, rears, or plays up 

 in any other way, I correct him with whip or spurs, and speak to 

 him, at the same time, in a tone of reproof, and he thus soon 

 becomes attentive to my voice. If he makes a mistake, or 

 tries on a " defence," it will generally be enough for me to 

 raise my voice, which, by reminding him of the previous 

 punishment, will make him quiet. B}- acting in this manner, 

 I save him from fresh punishment. 



The voice can be used not only for correction, but also 

 to encourage and quieten a horse, in which case a pat 

 on the neck of the horse will help to aid its good effect. 



