10 The Horse and his Master 



to confuse him. Further, one command should never 

 be given for two acts. It is a very common thing to 

 hear a driver use the term ^^back" when he wishes 

 the animal to stop and to give the same command 

 when he wishes the horse to move backward. Give 

 few commands and have each stand for a certain act. 

 Do not shout at the horse, as this only serves to con- 

 fuse him. Speak gently but firmly, and if properly 

 trained, he will obey. 



Sense of smell also used in training. — Because the 

 sense of smell is not used in the same manner as 

 feeling, seeing and hearing it is often neglected al- 

 together. In horse training, the sense of smell can 

 be made useful, as is suggested by the readiness with 

 which the young horse will take a bit and permit him- 

 self to be bridled with a bit and bridle formerly worn 

 by an animal with which the young horse is familiar. 

 In view of this it is well, when convenient, to use har- 

 ness previously worn by an animal of the horse's 

 acquaintance. (See Fig. 13.) 



Sense of taste indirectly used in training. — In re- 

 warding the young horse for obeying our commands, 

 the sense of taste is useful. Thus, if convenient, 

 when the horse obeys he should be rewarded by a 

 bite of grass, a carrot or a lump of sugar. It is a 

 rather common practice to use a measure of grain 

 or an ear of corn to catch a horse out at pasture. 

 While this is a reward only for an act completed, it 

 often serves to fix the idea in the horse's mind. 



