24 



CHECKING AND BLINDERS. 



while not just what I wanted, give a very good idea of the form 

 and position of blinds upon the head, including the opposite 

 of rough specimens to be often seen in the country, which will 

 be noticed with interest. 



In experimenting upon such horses as were brought to me, 

 I always gave the fullest freedom of sight, no matter what the 

 object, and cpuld always soon make the horse entirely indiffer- 

 ent. This is, in fact, one of 

 the most important essentials 

 of success. 



The Danger of Blinders.— 

 A horse can be driven to a 

 top carriage with close blind- 

 ers, when he cannot be with- 

 out ; this is because he was 

 never permitted to see the 

 top while in this position, 

 and if permitted to see it 

 suddenly or unexpectedly, it 

 would be liable to frighten 

 or excite him very seriously, 

 and would be dangerous to 

 have him do so. This is fre- 

 quently illustrated very for- 

 cibly by taking off or changing the bridle on a horse while 

 hitched to a carriage. The horse being thus permitted to 

 suddenly see the top behind him, which is now an entirely new 

 object to him, will often show such violent fear as to resist all 

 restraint and run away. One of two things must be done ; 

 viz., eithc. cover up the eyes so that he cannot see the top, or 

 give him entire freedom in seeing it, when the cause of the 

 trouble will be easily overcome. 



It is true that blinders may be used in certain cases to over- 

 come natural defects, the same as other appliances are used to 

 overcome certain difficulties ; but they are only necessary, 

 when at all, on account of improper or defective education. 



First, a lazy horse will drive steadier and better when he 

 cannot see the motions of the whip, because such will learn to 

 watch the whip when raised for punishment, and jump to avoid 

 it, and then slack up again until the effort is repeated. But it 

 blinders are used upon such horses, they should be so formed 



Fig. 340. — The old farm horse with blinds. 



