IS THE HORSE A COWARD?

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8725, 28 January 1907, Page 1

IS THE HORSE A COWARD?

Let us say it bluntly, the horse is a coward —nature made him so—an unreasoning coward, who fear everything with which he is unfamiliar; nothing, however horrible, to which association has accustomed him; a creature given over to sudden and uncontrollable panics, and, in their paroxysms, stopping at no injury to self or to those who cherish him. His overpowering instinct in such cases is flight; frequently, but not always, associated with a determination to clear himself from any hampering surroundings. Cowardise manifests itself in equine connection in many ways—with one it is terror of the dark, which will make him kick his stall all night, doing himself possibly serious injury ; yet in nine cases out of ten a light left: in the stable will so completely reassure him that he will not lift a foot. Another is alarmed at blowing paper, yet stands yawning while cannon are fired in his face. It is this very attribute of cowardise which enables us to handle the animal as we do ; to train him to our will and for our purpose, which makes him, once he is thoroughly intimidated, the useful servant we find him; not a willing slave, but one wo fears again to tempt reprisals which have always proved effective, and who labours for us because he has been made to do so and fears to rebel. Give to the most docile horse the idea that ho may successfully disobey, and presto ! you shali discover another attribute of the coward I for your steed forthwith becomes a 'i bully! j