242 HORSE SENSE. 



Slacken. — Indicates what is wanted and tone of voice for degree of mod- 

 ification of speed for special character of animal. 



Whoa. — Is the most important word in the whole catalogue, and 

 should never be spoken except for an immediate stop to a positive stand- 

 still, and the horse should understand that he is to remain stationary 

 until notified that another order is about to be given by Already. 



Back. — Is next in importance, and the horse should fully understand 

 just what this command actually means. One driver will use the word 

 "whoa-back," another "backup," and a third says nothing, but pulls on the 

 lines hard enough to split the horse's mouth, and if the horse goes back 

 too rapidly he will apply the whip vigorously at the rear end of the ani- 

 mal, which virtually puts him between two fires — front and rear — con- 

 fuses or so excites him that it is hard to tell what will happen next. 



Right. — Is just as good as "gee" (of our forefathers), and the horse 

 soon comprehends what is wanted through the same single line or other- 

 wise. 



Left. — Can take the place of "haw" (of our ancesters), and the line 

 or lines used just as they did or otherwise to have the horse understand. 

 These words, "haw" and "gee," in connection with the one-line sys- 

 tem of the South, demonstrates what can be done in the way of educat- 

 ing horses to comply with commands of these words, "haw" and "gee;" 

 by association of a pull on the line and the word "haw" the horse 

 promptly turns to the left, and by a slight jerk of the line in connection 

 with the word "gee," the horse as readily turns to the right. A good, 

 intelligent line or lead horse will soon acquire a knowledge of what is 

 needed of him so that the driver, who usually rides the left wheel horse 

 of the four, six or eight-horse team, can walk beside the team, behind 

 the wagon or ride and drive by the commands of word alone. 



By a careful study of this vocabulary it will be seen that the words are 

 simple, and there is no good reason why this or some better system does 

 not deserve adoption by everybody to save trouble, confusion and mis- 

 understanding of men and horses. 



CONFUSION MUST BE AVOIDED. 



Whatever is done with horses to the best advantage must be done 

 coollv, deliberately, confidingly and with kindness for best results. When- 

 ever the horse becomes confused and excited he seemingly "loses his 

 head," which is then very liable to lead to dangerous results; but just 

 as long as he and his driver are on peaceable terms and understand each 

 other perfectly, there is comparatively little danger even with the high- 

 est order of nervous development. As long as the horse understand that 

 he is not to be hurt, and that directions will come in an intelligent man- 

 ner he can be relied on, but just as soon as he loses confidence in his 

 driver he seems to take the responsibility of the situation upon himself, 

 and then destruction too generally follows. 



The theory practiced by the majority of the (would be) horsemen 

 is to force the animal to do their bidding, whether the horse understands 



