BAULKING OR JIBBINQ. 199 



KESTIVENESS. 

 This stands in the front rank of all the Yicious qualities of 

 the horse, being at once the most annoying and the most dan- 

 gerous of all. It is the direct and natural result of bad temper 

 and worse education ; and, like all other habits based upon na- 

 ture and engrained by education, it is inveterate. Whether 

 it develop itself in the form of kicking, rearing, plunging, 

 bolting, or in any way that threatens danger to the rider or 

 horse, it rarely admits of a cure. The animal may, indeed, to 

 a certain extent be subjugated by a determined rider ; or he may 

 have his favorites, or form his attachments, and with some par- 

 ticular person bo comparatively or perfectly manageable ; but 

 others cannot long depend upon hi-m, and even his master is 

 not always sure of him. 



BAULKING OK JIBBING. 



This species of restiveness is one of the most provoking vices 

 of the horse, and it can be successfully combated only by a man 

 of the most imperturbable temper. The slightest sign of vexa- 

 tion only increases the evil, and makes the animal more and more 

 troublesome each time that he refuses his work. Many a thick- 

 headed, quick-tempered driver flies into a passion, and beats or 

 otherwise abuses his horse, on the least symptom of baulking, 

 until the animal becomes utterly worthless from a confirmatioa 

 of the liabit. 



As a rule it may be stated, that horses baulk from nervous- 

 ness, or unsteadiness of disposition ; if not, indeed, from an 

 over-anxiety to perform their work. Nervous, well-bred horses 

 are more suBceplible to the influences which induce baulking, 



