VICES. 27 



those persons, by whom her horse is selected, may 

 be, and however long a trial she may have had of 

 his temper, and merits, she cannot be sure, even 

 with the best tempered horse, that she may not 

 have to exercise her skill, to save herself from 

 danger ; she should therefore, be prepared against 

 frailty, or accident. 



When a horse resists, or suddenly becomes un- 

 easy in his gait, instead of punishing the animal ; 

 the bridle, saddle, girths, &c., should be examined, 

 to ascertain the cause, and remedy it. For want 

 of this necessary precaution, the poor animal is 

 often used ill, without reason, and being forced 

 into despair, is in a manner obliged to act accord, 

 ingly, be his temper and inclination ever so good. 



Weakness frequently drives horses into being 

 vicious, when any thing beyond their strength is 

 required of them : great care should therefore be 

 taken, to ascertain from what cause the opposition 

 arises. 



Resistance in horses, is often a mark of strength 

 and vigour, and proceeds from high spirits, but 

 punishment would turn it into vice ; a timorous 

 rider, or a passionate person, would alike spoil the 

 horse ; the former, by suffering him to have his 

 own will, establishes bad habits, and creates new 

 ones ; for horses find out many ways^ and means of 

 opposing what is demanded to them ; many will 



