CHAPTER IX. 



VICES, TRICKS, AND FAULTS. 



I HAVE been training horses for many years, 

 and I have failed to observe in them any 

 traits of character which might be designated 

 as noble, or which showed anything above a 

 very low order of intelligence. The horse is 

 so nervous and apprehensive that it never com- 

 pletely gives its confidence to man, and it 

 exhibits more of the reasoning powers in its 

 defences and resistances than in the direction of 

 obedience. Fortunately the horse is a creature 

 of one idea, and until we can obtain control 

 over it by discipline, it is possible to thwart its 

 malevolent intentions by a counter-attack. I 

 am far from saying that all horses are naturally 

 vicious ; but I do say that the horse does not 

 voluntarily obey the demands of its master, and 

 that he who depends upon its willing obedience 

 is in a precarious position, unless it be from 

 a heartless drudge that has lost all visions of 



