HORSE MASTERSHIP 73 



We have seen that the old range harem 

 adopted miUtary formations, and went into 

 action well organized for defence against 

 wolves. They kicked, but any range cow, 

 addressed on the subject of milking, without 

 hereditary training as a kicker, can give points 

 to the average horse. Yet where the cow is 

 merely obstinate the horse is reasonable. 



He is marvellously swift as a critic of the 

 horseman, ready to kick the same abundantly 

 at the slightest sign of ineptitude or nerves, or 

 to render a cheery obedience to one who under- 

 stands. The man who walks nervously through 

 a stable making abrupt movements to avoid 

 possible heels is sure to be criticised with con- 

 tusions by any horse with a decent sense of 

 humour. Yet if one understands the signs of 

 thrown-back ears and balancing in readiness 

 for the kick, one has only to tell the animal not 

 to play the fool, then watch his shamefaced 

 grin at being found out. It is so easy to charm 

 the most irritable horse with a Httle hay while 

 one is busy with him in the stall. He cannot, 

 like a man, think of two things at once, and in 

 military stables, horse-masters who have their 

 grooming done while the horses feed will find 

 that even dangerous kickers become gentle. 

 That is of course contrary to much theory and 



