Training hy Means of the Special Senses 9 



Train the sight to objects of fear. — While the sense 

 of sight is of great importance in training horses, it 

 is second to that of feehng. The horse must be 

 taught to recognize his master and to allow him to 

 approach from either side without resentment. 

 With respect to sight, there are two factors that must 

 be kept in mind. First, train the horse to watch 

 where he is going so that he will not stumble over 

 objects in his path. Second, train the sight so that he 

 will not fear objects likely to make him start with 

 terror, such as robes, umbrellas, cars and the like. 

 The horse has a great aversion to robes and it is of 

 importance that he be taught, very early in his life, 

 that such objects are harmless, and thus avoid much 

 confusion later. The horse's range of vision is much 

 more limited than that of man. While there is 

 much discussion as to the advisability of using blinds 

 in training, yet it seems very unwise still further to 

 restrict the sight of the animal. This is especially 

 true while he is being trained, as it is the business of 

 the master to famiharize the animal with all objects 

 he is likely to see later in life. Because of the great 

 importance of having the horse view objects from 

 either side and at all angles, the training should be 

 accomplished with an open bridle. 



Do not confuse the horse through the hearing. — • 

 The sense of hearing is often called into use in train- 

 ing horses. While the horse hears readily, it must 

 be borne in mind that too many commands only serve 



