BREAKING AND TRAINING. 458 



It is good enough in its natural state. It was sent upon earth with a 

 disposition which adapted it for that position it was destined to occupy. 

 It was created with a spirit that yearned to love, that was happy to 

 serve, and that was proud to obey. Must it not be the fatuity of weak- 

 ness which tempts mankind to waste the strength, to distort the limbs, 

 and to hazard the sight of their most precious possession, by a senseless 

 adherence to an antiquated form ? 



Every gentleman was intended to be his own horse-breaker, in the 

 same manner as it is now acknowledged that all men should exercise 

 authority over those families at the heads of which they are placed. 

 The qualifications for such an office many gentlemen may be inclined to 

 dispute ; at their investment with such a novel duty many individuals 

 may express unqualified surprise. This, however, is only the announce- 

 ment of man's want of appreciation for the blessings which surround 

 him. Could humanity exalt its vision, it would perceive in its increased 

 duties the boundless mercies which have fitted it to rule on earth I 



The horse is, essentially, the servant of man. The greatest indul- 

 gence cannot elevate the quadruped out of its real position. The foal is 

 born to its fetters, happy in the bravery of perfect inexperience. Doubt- 

 ing nothing, but too timid to display much trustfulness. Gracefully 

 pliant in its nature, therefore prepared for subjugation; but soon won to 

 love, thereby fitted for domestication. In fact, the horse is the slave of 

 its reverence and its affection. The breaker injures the quadruped by 

 operating only upon its fears, and by not appealing to its higher or its 

 better qualities. The horse, when not guided by its attachments, is a 

 ferocious savage. It is not prudent in man to treat such a gifted creat- 

 ure as though it were a piece of crude metal, which will bend only to the 

 employment of force ; but it would be wiser, did he receive and shelter 

 the youthful spirit prepared by its Maker to appreciate the rule dic- 

 tated by a milder impulse than one of brutal severity. 



The equine race are rendered capricious or obstinate by injudicious 

 petting; but they are made dangerous and ferocious by the opposite 

 kind of treatment. The animals which are most valuable, or those 

 with feelings most readily kindled, are the quadrupeds which the breaker 

 quickly and irremediably spoils. Thus was poor Cruiser rendered dis- 

 trustful, and taught to regard all mankind as enemies. The breaking 

 and training inflicted upon the thorough-bred made an impression which 

 no time could obliterate. The animal became dangerous, and continued 

 80 till it encountered Mr. Rarey. His gentleness, blended with an ability 

 to instruct, conquered and subdued the rebellious spirit. In its surprise, 

 the creature rose from its bonds to worship and to love forever the being 

 who had overpowered, but had not pained the "man hater," To him it 



