The Horse, as Comrade and Friend 



to me they have given much to ponder over ; 

 and I have unfolded them somewhat at length 

 in order that the precurrent conditions may 

 be understood. 



Shortly after the dispersal of a great racing 

 stud, I had the opportunity in 1911 of pur- 

 chasing a very shapely little thoroughbred 

 bay mare Windermere (1901) 14'2| hds. (by 

 Pride, ex The Lake by Barcaldine) who had 

 been covered by Persimmon's well-known 

 brother Flor-di-Cuba (by Florizel II.). I pro- 

 posed to breed Polo ponies from her. When 

 Windermere first arrived and was turned out 

 into the home field, she was unusually wild, 

 and refused to allow anyone to approach her. 

 Evidently at some time and in some way she 

 had been ill-treated, for she hated the sight 

 of a man; and it was several weeks, although 

 I used my most persuasive efforts, before she 

 would permit me to get anywhere near her. 

 When finally she did surrender to my blandish- 

 ments, it was in the most whole-hearted way ; 

 but she would have nothing to do with anyone 

 else. Probably I was the first man to make 

 a real friend of her. Anyhow, after a little 

 while I could do anything with her, and when- 

 ever I came into the field she raced up to me 

 and refused to leave me while I was there. 



220 



