QUOTES BY P. ASTLEY
on the psychological aspects of training the horse's mind

"But the grand error, and which I have occular proof of in the course of my practice in teaching horses, is, the desiring and eagerly expecting too much from them at one time; be it well understood, that they should be completely perfected in one lesson, before you attempt another; this point, I am convinced, is the foundation of the whole art; because, if you are over anxious of teaching them too much on one and the same day, you tire their attention and impede their spirit; thus they are rendered so dull, as to be incapable of perceiving what you are desirous they should learn; and this stupidity being mistaken for obstinacy and perverseness, the instructor has recourse to untimely chastisement, which alienates the affection of the creature, and renders him so indifferent in obeying whatever you desire, that he executes it with the greatest reluctance: but by teaching him one and the same lesson at short intervals, and rewarding his obedience, giving him time to imbibe what your intentions are, before you burthen his faculties with another lesson, he will learn with ease to himself, and, I am confident, with the highest satisfaction to you." (1801)