Years of interest in horses; directed observation of other periods.
Presentation:—
1. Stories of horses known to the children—those owned by their parents, fire horses, horses of the mounted police, showing their faithfulness, intelligence, strength, training, treatment.
In the city of Baltimore the old fire horse is practically pensioned when unfit for further service. This is one way in which right-minded people acknowledge their obligations to horses, by providing for their comfort in their old age.
Have stories like the Pacing Mustang read to the class; allow the children to take the storybooks home, and encourage them to bring to the class other stories about horses. Encourage the children to read brief histories of the great breeds of horses—the Norman horses, Clydesdales, etc.—horses that hold the world’s records for speed.
2. Observations to identify horses that show normal blood, and discover their fitness of blood and temperament for the work they are doing.
Are they strong enough for the work they are required to do?
Are they disturbed by passing street cars? If so, how do they show it?
What is the effect upon them of the confusion of other city noises?
Notice that while some horses are evidently distressed by the confusion of city life, others love it and become homesick when sold for use in the country.