288 THE HORSE 



a well-bred horse has a will of his own, it will require 

 more skill to drive him efficiently and safely than to 

 drive the locomotive. 



Horses are usually badly driven and waste much 

 of their power and flesh to little or no purpose. Per- 

 haps some suggestions as to driving may result in 

 easing the burdens of the horse and in making him 

 more efficient. Constant nagging with words or whip 

 soon ruins courage and spirit. The driver is almost 

 certain to get into the habit of nagging when the 

 horse is continuously required to do more than he 

 should. Constant repetition of word and whip, it is 

 true, is the only way 'to get more service out of an 

 animal than it should perform. Even a horse of high 

 courage will at last fail to resent the cruel treatment 

 of its driver. He soou learns that "It is hard to kick 

 against the pricks." 



In ancient times oxen were driven by means of a 

 long stick, or goad, one end of which was provided with 

 a piece of sharpened metal. The animals soon learned 

 that, if they kicked against the pricks it not only 

 increased their punishment but resulted in being 

 pricked again for kicking. Some modern drivers act 

 on the principle of ancient ox-drivers. 



If the horse's spirit has not been broken and his 

 powers have been sustained and he has not been 

 overworked, and yet he is not responsive and obedient, 

 what is to be done I There is no way but to energize 

 him now and then with a sharp switch. If this hurts 

 your feelings more than it does the horse, get clear of 

 him and breed oqe that has more courage and spirit, 



