INFLUENCE OF THE HUMAN VOICE. 7 



I have scores of times tried the effect of giving a horse 

 an angry look and of smihng on him without any result 

 whatsoever. If you make the most horrible grimaces at your 

 horses or stick your tongue out at them, you will find that 

 they will take absolutely no notice of such a proceeding, but 

 they will be quick to perceive any movement of the body, and 

 especially of the hand. 



INFLUENCE OF THE HUMAN VOICE ON A HORSE. 



The human voice has a great influence on a horse, but of 

 course it is only the tone which he remembers. The sweetest 

 words, repeated in a short, high tone, will frighten him, and 

 the most horrible threats, uttered in a soft voice, will soothe 

 him. The voice is the most useful help for breaking a horse 

 " at liberty,'' in which case he is turned loose in a riding 

 school, circus, or other suitable enclosure. Thus, to teach a 

 horse at liberty to move forward at a walk, trot or canter, one 

 says : " walk," in a comparatively weak voice ; " trot," in a 

 higher voice ; and " canter ! " in a tone of command. You 

 may say " canter " in a soft voice, and the horse will remain 

 at the walk; but if you say "walk!" in a high tone, the 

 animal will immediately .strike off into the canter. 



The voice is also of great use when breaking a horse which 

 one is riding. For instance, if my mount kicks, rears, or plays 

 up in any other way, I correct him with whip or spurs, and 

 speak to him, at the same time, in a tone of reproof, and 

 he thus soon becomes attentive to my voice. If he makes a 

 mistake, or tries on a " defence," it will generally be enough 

 for me to raise my voice, which, by reminding him of the 

 previous punishment, will make him quiet. By acting in this 

 manner, I save him from fresh punishment. 



The voice can be used not only for correction, but also 

 to encourage and quieten a horse, in which case a pat 

 on the neck of the horse will help to aid its good effect. 



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