I HAVE only casually adverted to the tricks and 

 vices of horses. They are so frequently occasioned 

 by the tricks and vices of the owner or his groom, 

 that a chapter on humanity and good sense would 

 be most appropriate to the subject. It may be 

 taken as a sound principle that vice may be easily 

 prevented, but rarely can be cured. Rearing, 

 plunging, kicking in the stall, bolting, biting, and 

 all the black catalogue of equestrian vexation, are 

 tricks never forgotten when once acquired. A bold 

 and clever rider will often subdue a restive horse 

 into temporary docility ; indeed, when once the 

 mastery of a horse is effectually attained, he will 

 be very cautious of entering into any personal dis- 

 cussion, but he will make up for his self-command 

 the instant a new rider is on his back. The mill 

 or the stage is the only place for such an animal. 



i 



