CHAPTER XIX. 



TESTING A HORSE'S MANNERS, MOUTH, AND TEMPER. 



IF we circle a horse with the long reins (see 

 page 1 68), turn, jump, and rein him back, we shall 

 be able to form a good idea of his manners, 

 mouth, and temper, by the way in which he 

 goes through his " facings." We may, further, 

 test him, by cracking a whip near him, touching 

 him all over with a long pole, and gently 

 prodding him in the ribs. As a final proof, we 

 may make him lie down, in the manner described 

 on page 153 ; when it will be easy to see whether 

 he be actuated by a plucky spirit, or by a sullen 

 disposition, which will, always, cause him to adopt 

 a policy of passive resistance. The methods I 

 have here, briefly described, are of great practical 

 value. 



