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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 19, 6 May 1908, Page 16

Regimental horses in Germany have been the subjects of musical tests, and nearly all enjoyed the experience, only a very small percentage of the animals remaining indifferent to sweet harmonies, while equally few showed active dislike. The great majority were soothed, inspirited, or excited by music. Most of the horses, like the war chargers one may suppose them to be, enjoyed the bugle above any other instrument, and neighed gallantly when it was sounded, hut thoroughbreds and colts generally were found to prefer the shrill treble of the fife, which roused them to great, and sometimes unmanageable, enthusiasm. This was the more significant because the fife was an unfamiliar instrument to them, not being generally used as is the bugle in the French army. Finally, all the musical horses particularly appreciated sweet sounds after a meal of oats, and before breakfast they showed restiveness when played to.