18 1 ON THE EDUCATION OF THE HORSE, 

 natural cruelty. The horse is, by nature, nei- 

 ther vicious nor untractable ; tlie chief source 

 of his opposition arises from fear. On this ac- 

 count, it is not surprising that he sliould resist, 

 at first, the attempts made to subjugate him. 

 But if, by gentle usage, he is convinced that no 

 injury is intended him, he submits, still preserv- 

 ing his natural vivacity, and becomes the plea- 

 sant instrument of most of our comforts and 

 luxuries. Unfortunately, however, violence 

 and privation of rest and food, are generally 

 substituted for the means here recommended. 

 The colt which is naturally dull and sluggish 

 endures this treatment, and surrenders himself 

 to the will of his merciless rider ; but the colt 

 of mettle and spirit defends himself with all his 

 powers, and worked up to desperation, is trans- 

 formed from a generous to a mischievous and 

 dangerous animal. 



As a proof of the force of habit on the 

 horse, we may select the custom of whisding 



to 



