He is
steadfast before the danger he knows; he is timid as a deer before the
danger he imagines.
It should be the business of any one having the care of a horse to let
him examine everything that may frighten him. If a horse shies, lead him
up gently to see and smell what he is afraid of. He may not dare to go
near it the first time, but patience and kindness will teach him, while
blows and angry words will only frighten him more.
A bit of paper blowing in the wind is enough to frighten many horses.
Their eyes are not like ours, and often on coming out of a dark stable
they are so blinded by the light that familiar things look strange to
them. To pick up flying pieces of paper may prevent a serious accident.
[Illustration: THREE MEMBERS OF A TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. By J. F. Herring.]
If a horse can be used without blinders, he will be more comfortable and
can see better where he is going. He is not so likely to be frightened
if he can see what is on each side of him.
Sometimes a horse will not cross water or bridges. It is of no use to
whip him; he will only grow more frightened. The best plan is to wait
until another horse comes along and goes over the bridge. Then the timid
one sees that nothing dreadful happens, and he follows quietly.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75