194 ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 



ject to a change of riders. The greater the intelligence of a 

 horse, the more care must be shown in his training and use. A 

 dull horse becomes sluggish under abuse; an intelligent one 

 becomes vicious. 



The tone of voice used by a rider has great influence on a 

 horse, if not used at inappropriate times. It is of no use to be 

 constantly talking to a horse, but a word spoken in a sharp, 

 high tone will startle him, while one in a softer, lower tone will 

 soothe and steady him. Like all other aids in horsemanship, 

 the voice should be used consistently and at the critical moment. 



The whole education of the horse is based on the principles 

 of reward and punishment. No animal is more sensitive to ap- 

 probation than a normal horse. Observe a young horse, that has 

 not been spoiled in training, when he is learning a new lesson. 

 The attitude of his head and ears, the expression of his eye, show 

 that he is watching the aids closely. After successfully ex- 

 ecuting a command of his rider, if the latter pats his neck and 

 speaks kindly to him — " makes much of him" — he shows his ap- 

 preciation of the attention by his expression. The rider should 

 be careful to give the neck a good, generous slap — not enough 

 to hurt, but sufficient to attract his attention, and positive 

 enough to show no timorousness. Horses quickly learn whether 

 or not their riders are timid, and are veiy quick to take ad- 

 vantage of the occasion and follow their own inclination. It 

 often seems as if an old troop-horse enjoys the fears of the re- 

 cruit. This is also shown in the horses used for the instruction 

 of the cadets of the third class at the Military Academy. Usually 

 only the quietest, steadiest horses are chosen for this work. 

 Some of them plod stoically around the hall, impervious to any- 

 thing the cadet can do. Others take liberties with their riders, 

 in an apparent spirit of play, that they would never think of 

 showing if the rider were a first-class man. For this reason the 

 pat on the neck should be positive, reassuring the horse that the 



