CHAPTER XVII. 



BLINKERS AND BLINDNESS. 



Do you advocate the use of blinkers? 



*' Many horses are better without them, but it 

 would be not only absurd but dangerous, to drive all 

 horses without blinkers. There is much to be con- 

 sidered in the method used in the early training of a 

 horse; how much intelligence his trainer possessed, 

 and how much he gave the young colt credit for. 

 While some are more knowing than others, all horses 

 have a certain and intimate knowledge of their own 

 power and its limitations, and their inductions are 

 singularly accurate." 



Then you believe in the old sa^T " As the twig is 

 bent the tree's inclined?" 



" It should never be forgotten for a moment in 

 breaking, training, and rearing young horses. They 

 have a surprising memory and often prove the fact 

 to one's consternation. An examination by the 

 optician to test their sight, would also establish the 

 need or abolishment, of blinkers, in each mdividual 

 animal." 



Why do saddle-horses never wear them? 



" For one reason, because custom has established 

 the fashion. It is obvious that a horse carrying his 

 burden, can travel on as narrow a path as the rider 



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