HORSE SENSE. 81 



gladly and willingly comply. But if we rely only on the lines and whip 

 then we will have horses that are not to be trusted. 



ONLY A TEN WORD VOCABULARY. 



A uniform vocabulary of only ten words, if universally adopted, would 

 be of inestimable value to both horses and horsemen, and if carefully 

 considered in its true light, it seems there should be no trouble to estab- ^ 

 lish 'it. Others may suggest a better formula, but as these have no 

 similarity in sound and to the human mind have their meaning, as un- 

 derstood or by common usage; it is as good as any other we can think 

 of, and find from long experience, that the horse readily learns what is 

 expressed and does not seem confused in their use. 



In starting the horse, we like to be able to gather up the lines and 

 draw them tight enough to straighten them out, without the horse mak- 

 ing a movement, and then before giving him the word for the forward 

 movement, we want to let him know that we are ready and then tell him 

 to go ahead. Many of the accidents with horses are the result of horses 

 starting before the driver was ready. A large majority of horse hand- 

 lers allow the horses to start as soon as the lines are touched — ready or 

 not— and some drivers encourage the team in starting while the team- 

 ster is climbing into the wagon. This is all wrong, and should be 

 severely condemned. 



SHORT VOCABULARY TO BE USED WITH OUR HARNESS 

 HORSES. 



ALREADY — is a good word to let the horse know that you are about 

 to give him a command, and as soon as he knows what is meant he 

 will fix himself for it, let it be of whatever character desired, and if 

 not repeated in too rapid succession, he will act with precision and 

 human-like. 



START — is an excellent word for the forward movement from a stand 

 still, but should not be used except at the beginning, to start. 



HURRY — will answer to increase the gait at the walk if repeated at long 

 intervals, and will do at the trot or pace, by repeating in rapid suc- 

 cession — hurry, hurry, hurry, etc. 



RUN — cannot be beat when the highest rate of speed is desired, and the 

 horse will comprehend just what is wanted, and by the association of 

 the whip at the same time that the word RUN is used, he will in- 

 stinctively break from any other gait into the run and if repeated with 

 emphasis, he will do his best. 



STEADY — is a very good word to use when the gait is to be main- 

 tained or slightly decreased and must be associated with a very steady 

 pull on the lines, and the word used in a soothing tone, in degree as 

 you desire him to maintain or decrease his speed. 



SLACKEN — indicates just what is wanted and in association with the 

 pressure on the bit, will answer the purposes intended and in a very 

 short time the word alone will answer the purpose. 



WHOA — is about the most important word in the vocabulary, and 

 should never be used except a positive halt is desired, as so much may 



