The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1886-05-27
COACHMEN AND HORSES.
Theory that They Become Of the Same
Disposition.

The white-haired old man sat in his
usual place, with the ever-present pipe
and tobacco within the reach OF his
right hand. after the usual salutations
of the day heS(kent through the preface
of his discourse. which was to fill the
old Turkish pipe and light it. Somehow
or other his tongue seemed more obe-
dient as the blue smoke curled up above
his white hair.
II stood on Summit street the other
day and watched the horses as they were
being driven up in front of the different
establishments. Some were lean. some
were rough. and some were fat and
sleek. Some stood quiet and at ease;
others were nervous, and paved the
pavement Now. al these things are
not without reason. Being naturally
observing, watched and began to look
for the cause. l believe finally arrived
at the proper conclusion rs regards most
of the horses. Now, mind you, l did
not confine myself entirely to study OF
horses, but subjected each iehu or dri-
yer to liberal or close scrutiny, and
watched their influence on their teams.
And there, think lies the secret.
..As the twig is bent, the tree in
clines,' 1 was Taught by my mother
years ago, and l have found the appli-
cation of that old saw very many times
and in very many different cases. In
most cases child partakes of the nat
ure and temperament of those to whose
care he has been intrusted. A young
dog. if properly managed. learns many
cute tricks; if he is treated we'll he is q
good dog, but if he has vicious master
the dog becomes sneaking, viclpus
dog. So in all things. Experience is
everything. and surroundings have con-
siderable to do with the case. So you
will find it in the matter of horses and
drivers.
1.-The coachman in wealthy family
has sole charge of the horses, and tho
greater part of his time is spent with
them. They. in fact, become compan-
ions, and they learn to know their mas
ter and what to expect of him. Now, il
YOU will notice round-faced, round
bellied. jollv-looking coachman. whose
face is red and full of smiles, and then
run Your eye down the ribbons to his
team, will warrant you. you'll see a
pair of fat, sleek. healthy-looking horses
Watch them more and you will see that
no 2:4O gait is theirs. They amble con-
tentedly along. and the driver doesn'i
wa1it them to 60 any faster. He isgood.
natured and easy-going. So are they.
Doubtless those horses were once as
frisky as most colts are, but their dis
position was nodded by their master
and companion.
..Next take look at small and
nervous driver, who is sharp featured,
angular, cross, aggressive, and thin,
Tipped. There you see the embodiment
of seriousness, restlessness, and discon.
tent. He hasn't much control over his
nerves and they lead him wretched
life. When he is with his horses in the
barn he gets rolled easily, and perhaps
now and then hits or kicks them. They
grow nervous when he approaches the
stall because they don't know what to
expect. Like human beings they fret
and worry their flesh off and grow thin
they become nervous, frctful, and full o.
fire; they champ and paw and are al
ways heated up with excitement. Wher
you enter the carriage they want tr
start oil before you are ready. They car
not stand still and be at ease. How diff
ferent from the fat. healthy team? L
not the driver chargeablo with this? Il
it not reasonable to suppose that they
| partake of his character or disposition
think SO, certainly.
'.Now, in many cases. you will fint
nv theory very plainly visible, while ii
others you may have to look some time
before seeing clearly where the rela
tionship has affected the horses.
81 also observe that - white coach
! man has more control over horse thar
a colored man. The horse is not :
dumb beast by any means; it is one o.
the most intelligent Of animals, and a
times the intelligence of horse is akiI
to that Of a human being. 1t takes I
man with good head to know how Il
properly handle them. Toledo Blade