124 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 



these objects of public animosity, who may be seen 

 with a small troop of mares grazing apart from the 

 main body of the herd. 



The most tremendous battles are fought when 

 two taboons happen to meet. In general, the tabun- 

 shicks are careful to keep at a respectful distance from 

 each other ; but sometimes they are away from their 

 duty, and sometimes, when a right of pasturage is 

 disputed, they bring their herds together out of sheer 

 malice. The mares and foals on such occasions keep 

 aloof, but their furious lords rush to battle with an 

 impetuosity, of which those who are accustomed to 

 see the horse only in a domesticated state, can form 

 but a poor conception. The enraged animals ' lash 

 their tails, and erect their manes like angry lions ; their 

 hoofs rattle against each other with such violence, that 

 the noise can be heard at a considerable distance ; they 

 fasten on one another with their teeth like tigers ; and 

 their screamings and howlings are more like those of 

 the wild beasts of the forests, than like any sounds 

 ever heard from a tame horse. The victorious party 

 is always sure to carry away a number of captive mares 

 in triumph ; and the exchange of prisoners is an affair 

 certain to bring the tabunshicks and their men by the 

 ears, if they have been able to keep themselves out of 

 the battle till then. 



