462 



BREAKING AND TRAINING. 



whip of spur distracts the attention. The body is not disabled by the 

 imposition of a heavy load before its powers are taxed to the uttermost. 

 The quadruped has all its capabilities unfettered, and, in such a state, 

 leaping speedily becomes as easy of performance as any other motion 



CLEAUING THE FENCE. 



Irish horses, all being excellent jumpers, are much esteemed in Eng- 

 land. In Ireland, however, the fields are of small dimensions, and gates 

 leading to them are uncommon. It is not unusual for a quadruped to be 

 obliged to clear numerous walls before a certain pasture can be gained. 

 Thus, to leap is rendered a prominent necessity of equine existence, for 

 the steed must either jump or starve. By such a condition of their resi- 

 dence is the Irish breed made conspicuous for that activity which espe- 

 cially excites the admiration of Englishmen. Hunting, moreover, is a 

 favorite pastime with the natives of the sister isle ; therefore, while most 

 Irish horses become admirable English hunters, the best of the English 

 breed would be sadly thrown out by a short run in the adjacent king- 

 dom. There can be, however, no reason why an English colt, if prop- 

 erly trained, should not become as fine a performer as the most expert 

 or celebrated of those animals which are generally supposed to be born 

 "fencers." 



The seventh year should witness the horse taken into the active service 

 of its master. Too early work, certainly, cripples the majority of ani- 



