VICES 67 



man who is in sympathy with his horse will be quick 

 to note a peculiar pricking of the ears, and will feel 

 a sudden tremor pass through the limbs, as though 

 every nerve is quivering. Then sit tight, and pat 

 the horse on the side from which he shies, if it is 

 only a ' glancing aside,' pat and encourage him when 

 the object is passed ; but if he shies in the worst 

 form, planting his feet well in front and refusing to 

 approach the object that frightens him, still refrain 

 from punishing him, exercise your patience to the 

 utmost, coax him to approach it, ride him round 

 and round it, gradually narrowing the circle, let him 

 sniff at it, and then, still encouraging him with hand 

 and voice, let him walk quietly away as if nothing 

 unusual had happened. If it is possible, try to take 

 him a round that will oblige you to pass the same 

 spot again ; the animal may feel a little quivery, but 

 don't make a fuss cr elaborate preparations for 

 passing, just give him a small pat or two and a 

 ' Come on, old man !' and I do not think there will 

 be much trouble. 



In harness, I believe that most of the shying may 

 be put down to the use of blinkers. But a great 

 deal of the trouble really lies in the driver and rider 

 himself. Notice timid people out with horses. How 

 often have I heard them say, all the while being 

 in a fever of fright, ' Here comes a bicycle (or a 

 motor, or a steam-roller) ! What shall I do ? Does 

 this horse mind them ?' Well, you all know what 

 effect this kind of thing has. Every movement 

 of rider or driver, every quiver of the hands on the 

 reins, every sudden and fearsome grip, is instantly 

 felt on the horse's mouth and duly interpreted by 

 him. ' What's up now ? Something awful coming ; 

 it must be dangerous, or my rider would not be so 

 frightened!' Some such thought must go through 

 his brain, and, of course, he, too, is frightened. And 



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