Many persons are incredulous in regard to the assertion that horses can be educated; had one lived a hundred years ago he might have been excused for such incredulity, but in this age of knowledge and advancement in all departments of human life, no man should close his eyes to any of the developments wrought by man’s ingenuity. That the horse possesses more intelligence than many are disposed to admit, facts abundantly prove, and that he is quite as susceptible of acquiring evil and vicious habits as is man, the following trick will show.
My horse, Prince Albert, appears to enjoy the subjoined trick greatly, and I regard it as quite a sensational one. To educate a horse to be vicious you have only to attract his attention, and then appear to be afraid of him. For instance, strike him lightly with a whip on the knees, then run away from him, and after you have repeated this a few times he will run after you. You may make the trick more interesting by calling him names, such as “a nigger,” “a mean horse,” and on speaking the words run from him. But be careful to have some place of safety, so that, when he follows, you may get out of his reach, as at some time he may disappoint and overtake you and mete out a punishment that will be anything but pleasing or desirable.
HOW TO TEACH A HORSE TO LAUGH.
Prick him with a pin on the nose till he turns his lip up; then caress him well. He will soon learn that when you point towards him and say, “Laugh,” that it means a prick in the nose, if he does not turn his lip up.
TO EDUCATE A HORSE TO WALK ON HIS KNEES.
TO EDUCATE A HORSE TO WALK ON HIS KNEES.