42 THE MIND OF THE HOUSE 



dog keeps his eye fixed upon tlie eyes of tlie game 

 and we must do tlie same as regards the horse. So 

 long as our eyes are fixed on him he generally 

 does not seek to attack, if he is not exceptionally 

 vicious. Looking fixedly at an unknown dog or at 

 bulls and wild beasts j)roduces the contrary effect, 

 acting as provocation and arousing them to anger. 

 For this reason they must not be looked at but must 

 be passed as far as j)ossible without attention, and 

 without running or making unexpected conspicuous 

 movements which might call their attention to us. 



The horse understands the quieting and the 

 threatening gesture. After having lost the fear of 

 man he becomes sensitive to caresses ; they form a 

 l^leasure for him and he allows himself to be 

 reassured by them; they have great effect in sooth- 

 ing him. Caresses above the eyes and on the top 

 of the head in particular, have a conciliative and 

 as it were a magnetic influence. They quiet the 

 animal, induce in him a state of pleasant drowsiness 

 and inspire him with affection for us. 



Tlie companionship of another horse, or the sight 

 of anotlier horse going into the water or passing 



