32 THE MIND OF THE HORSE 



prompted by sensations experienced from the actions 

 of ourselves or others — by his eyes, his ears, by 

 neighing, by the movements he makes with his 

 body and with one or another of liis limbs and by 

 his assuming certain preparatory positions suited to 

 carry out the intended movements. These signs, or 

 some of them, precede his actions. 



In the horse the eyes are the mirror of the mind. 

 Horses able to simulate are but rarely met with, 

 in conti'ast to man in whom sincerity is an exception. 



Qtiiet eyes indicate quietness and sincerity; quick 

 and lively eyes, vivacity; restless eyes turning in 

 all directions, indicate suspicion and show that the 

 animal is studying those around him in order to 

 prepare some freak of self-will. A proverb tells us 

 not to trust to the horse who shows the white of 

 the eye. The reason is that he shows the white of 

 the eye when looking sideways, and he is intent 

 on seizing the moment when no attention is being 

 paid to him, for escape or attack. 



Looking or bending the head round towards 

 the stable denotes an idea, desire, or intention of 

 going there; swinging the croup round signifies 



