The Words to use in Training 99 



CHOOSING A VOCABULARY FOR THE WORK HORSE 



The work horse should be taught few words and 

 each should stand for a definite action. It would 

 be of advantage if a standard vocabulary could be 

 adopted and used all over the land, especially where 

 horses pass from one owner or driver to another. 

 As it is now with each driver using commands and 

 signals of his own, the horse is greatly confused when- 

 ever there is a change of drivers. In fact, if all 

 drivers would agree to use a few of the more common 

 commands for the same actions, the situation would 

 be greatly relieved. Thus far we have suggested 

 six words for general use; they are short, easily taught, 

 and answer most conditions, at least for the work 

 horse. Any teachable horse can be taught to obey 

 all six commands in as many days if a little patient 

 effort is put into the training. 



The six words that have been recommended for 

 general use, and the actions they stand for, are as 

 follows : — 



^^Whoa" means to stop and stand still. This is 

 the most important word of the group and should 

 never be spoken except when the above action is 

 desired, and the horse should understand that he 

 is to remain quiet until commanded to move. Do 

 not use the word to slacken the animal's speed, 

 or to calm him, or when you wish him to move 

 backward. 



