CHAPTER XIV. 



I HAVE only casually adverted to the tricks and 

 vices of horses. They are so frequently occasioned 

 by the tricks and vices of the owner or his groom, 

 that a chapter on humanity and good sense would be 

 most appropriate to the subject. It may be taken 

 as a sound principle that vice may be easily prevent- 

 ed, but rarely can be cured. Rearing, plunging, 

 kicking in the stall, bolting, biting, and all the black 

 catalogue of equestrian vexation, are tricks never 

 forgotten when once acquired. A bold and clever 

 rider will often subdue a restive horse into tempo- 

 rary docility ; indeed, when once the mastery of a 

 horse is effectually attained, he will be very cautious 

 of entering into any personal discussion, but he will 

 make up for his self-command the instant a new rider 

 is on his back. The mill or stage is the only place 

 for such an animal. I have occasionally met with 



