CONTROLLING A HORSE BY ELECTRICITY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1785, 4 September 1888, Page 4

CONTROLLING A HORSE BY ELECTRICITY.

Prof. E. H. Harrison of the veterinary school of Harvard College, has, according to the Electrical Eeriew, completed some interesting experiments of the new device for controlling refractory horses. A few days ago a valuable trotting horse, which formerly went under the name ef the Gray Eagle, and which has a record of 2.22, was sent to the school for treatment of a fractured jaw, which had been the result of attempts to control him. The animal had the habit of taking the bit in his teeth and bolting.

Dr Harrison contrived to connect the bit by two small wires along the reins with a small galvano-faradic battery, which was carried in the bnggy. It was so arranged that the driver could give an electric shock of greater or less intensity to the horse, but which would not do the animal any injury.

Dr Harrison took ears to use the contrivance only with the use of the words “ whoa ” and “ steady.” The trial was an immediate success. The horse after two or three shocks, at once became docile, and obeyed bis driver’s commands instantly, A final trial was given the horse under trying circumstances. He came to a halt from a 2.40 gait or to a walk with equal docility on the driver’s order. He was tried under conditions which ordinarily would have frightened him and caused him to bolt, and the result was very satisfactory.