THE OVER-CHECK. 149 



make me wear the over-check and blinders, and then 

 it seems as if I would lose my wits entirely. Little 

 then can I see but the sky and the tops of people's 

 heads; and if I stumble or run away, when I am afraid 

 of something I can't see, the driver whips me where 

 my hair has been clipped, and I can't say a word back." 



'^0, well, you don't have much hard work to do," 

 said the rich poor horse, "you ought to appreciate that 

 and make the best of your condition." 



"I'll change places with you at any time," replied 

 the poor rich horse. "My load becomes heavier than 

 yours commonly is, because I am so tied back and curb- 

 ed and reined, that half my strength is spent trying 

 to relieve my aching muscles and neck. When I don't 

 have to wear the over check, then they put on the bear- 

 ing, (check-rein) rein, which is no better. And then 

 when we fashionable horses grow old, and lose our style 

 and spirit, we are sold to somebody who forgets we are 

 not used to labor which develops the muscles, and we 

 are whipped when we can't pull heavy loads, and have 

 to endure exposure and all. sorts of other hardships 

 when the least prepared for them." 



"Poor rich horse," said the compassionate attache 

 of the dray, "I think I will try and be content with 

 my lot afte/ this." 



Just then the drayman came around with some 

 nubbins of corn. The gay coachman mounted his box 

 and with a crack of his whip sent the poor rich horse 

 flying down the street. The rich poor horse rubbed 

 his nose on his master's shoulder and to!d him what he 



