136 SYSTEMS OF HORSE-BREAKING 



among the old horses belonging to the cadres, I found few 

 that were thoroughly reliable. In fact, every one of them 

 'whose steadiness I tested, showed resentment if I tried any- 

 thing unusual with them. For instance, on beino- assured 



o o 



that some ancient steed was absolutely confidential, I have 

 often taken my pocket-handkerchief and waved it close in 

 front of the animal's off shoulder, with generally the result 

 that he has hit out furiously at it with both fore feet ; or, if 

 I gently touched him behind with a stick, he would lash out 

 as viciously as if he had been clawed by a tiger. To my 

 remark that a horse could not be regarded as perfectly quiet, 

 unless when in presence of man he would bear with com- 

 posure all sights, sounds and contacts that did not hurt him, 

 I always received the reply that the elderly party would be 

 absolutely staid if I did not annoy him by flourishing rags in 

 front of him or touching his hind - quarters. I don't like 

 horses with "if's," and I don't think that any of my Russian 

 friends would do so, in the event of being attacked by a 

 hostile soldier whose lance bore a waving pennant, or of 

 being in a crowd during a check on a Quorn Friday. I am 

 a strong advocate for the practice of kindness to animals, and 

 especially to horses, which are even more dependent on our 

 good offices than are dogs and cats ; but in order to be a 

 reliable conveyance, a horse has above all things to be an 

 obedient and well-conducted servant. 



Judiciously meted-out punishment and reward, with 

 sympathy for youthful indiscretions, are the best means for 

 inculcating the necessary discipline ; but the punishment 

 must not be of a nature which the animal can successfully 

 resist, and must be inflicted in a manner which will make 

 him connect it in his mind with the fault he committed. As 

 punishment with whip and spurs does not fulfil these con- 

 ditions, it should not be resorted to, especially as their indica- 

 tions are required for control and guidance. For instance, if 



