130 



the greater is his courage, and he is less liable 

 to take fright : stallions are less fearful than 

 either mares or geldings. 



When a horse becomes restive, the conduct 

 of the rider should be very different from that 

 which is generally adopted; for it must be 

 evident to those v^^ho are accustomed to the 

 tempers of horses, that gentle treatment 

 will generally have a better effect than either 

 harshness or coercion; and it were to be 

 wished, though the most provoking stubborn- 

 ness is sometimes exhibited by these animals, 

 that gentle remedies were always applied ; for 

 though contrary means may be resorted to, 

 under the influence of anger, the result is too 

 often attended with serious injury to the horse, 

 and disappointment to his rider. 



High spirited horses, and those that have a 

 good deal of blood, will very rarely take fright, 

 or be restive or unruly, after they are once 

 properly broke in. It is those of a sluggish 

 and stupid nature that are most vicious and vin- 

 dictive against the rider, and they are scarcely 

 worth the trouble of breaking for the saddle. 

 Almost all horses are at first shy of taking the 

 water, they must therefore be led to a place 



