HOW THE HORSE LEARNS 101 



to do it and ivill not do if, but a threat is suffi- 

 cient in most cases. Sucli refusal on the part of the 

 horse is of rare occurrence and does not take place 

 if he has been taught by gradation and preparation. 

 With most horses it is necessary to give them time 

 to understand which action is required and to learn 

 to carry it out in proportion to their intelligence. 

 It must not be demanded that they should learn 

 immedi(de1ii , that they should perform direefJf/ and 

 at tlie very moment when it is sought to make 

 tliem understand the action they are required to 

 go through. 



Conciliatorv words and caresses should on the 



« 



other hand be used without stint almost continuously 

 iu order to keep their mind well disposed to learn 

 and as a sign of approval, as a reward, and to 

 prevent the occurrence of opposition and anger. 

 As was already mentioned caresses on the eyes and 

 on the occiput have a particular effect like ma- 

 gnetism. Tliey have the effect of quieting and of 

 inspiring trust in us. 



