2H2 THE SO-CALLED "INCAPACITATING VICES.' 



present age that, while knowledge has much benefited every sphere of 

 human legislation, the errors, the practices, and the brutalities of the 

 last century should be in full operation, — where the scant necessities of 

 the most gentle, the most submissive, and the most valuable of man's 

 earthly helpmates are concerned. 



Jibbing is most common among harness horses, the faces of which are 

 disguised and partially concealed by the blinkers. Were the countenance 

 exposed, its expression could hardly be misinterpreted by any person 

 who cared to observe its indications. But nothing can obscure the com- 

 prehension of mankind like prejudice. This weapon has been frequently 

 employed against the life of human beings ; but animals, to this hour, 

 are tortured by its operation. Could the countenance of a horse, when 

 in the act of jibbing, be calmly contemplated, all belief in "voluntary 

 vice" would be at once dispelled. The eye is strained inward ; the teeth 



are firmly set; the nostrils are di- 

 lated; the breathing is spasmodic; 

 and the muscles are rfgid. 



There is, however, one symptom 

 which, although expressive of terror, 

 agony, or faintness, all horsemen are 

 agreed in regarding as the declara- 

 tion of a "vicious intention." Such 

 an indication is the backward posi- 

 tion of the ears, or the laying of those 

 organs upon the animal's neck. The 

 forward carriage, or the "pricking" 

 of those members is recognized as 

 expressive of delight, of gayety, or 

 of attention. What, then, should 

 the backward position truthfully sig- 

 nify? What ought sense to imply, 

 from the falling of a part the upright 

 bearing of which is interpreted to be 

 the sign of liveliness ? Yet, how many tender-hearted gentlemen, abused 

 by the prejudices they inherited, will, when they observe the ears laid 

 back, unhesitatingly cause the lash to sting the body which, probably, 

 was far from contemplating mischief I 



When an animal is thus afflicted, never pursue the course which is 

 usually adopted. All noise should be prevented ; no flurry near to or 

 about the creature should be permitted. Do not use the whip or jag 

 the reins : relinquish both. Order those within the vehicle immediately 

 to dismount. Undo the bearing rein : loosen the harness. If possible, 



THE COUNTENANCE OP A HORSE DUEINQ A FIT OP 

 JIBBING. 



