THE HORSE. 137 



subdued, such submission ought never to be impli- 

 citly relied on, as a boon from nature and fortune in 

 this case ; on the other hand, a horse, which is by 

 nature kind and tractable, and has been duly edu- 

 cated, may be depended on throughout life, and a 

 case of accident will seldom by skittishness, never 

 from vice, have its ill consequences increased through 

 him. This point well merits the consideration of the 

 drivers in single harness, especially those who do 

 not profess to be crack ivhips. 



» 



SECTION XXII. 



These various examinations of the intended bargain 

 may probably give satisfaction, as far as the judg- 

 ment of the eye can go, but there are yet very solid 

 allegations to be adduced against their being made 

 final ; and more especially, by a purchaser who has 

 not already i earned vert adeptus' in the noble science 

 of jockeyship. During the show he views the horse 

 under every circumstance of advantage to the seller, 

 ridden by one whose able hands and habitual use of 

 the spurs, do not fail to command the animal's im- 

 plicit obedience and the putting his best foot forward. 

 But a buyer, expecting to find the accomplishment 

 of all this under his own management of the horse, 

 may find himself unpleasantly deceived. A horse 

 may be cunningly and occasionally restive, as the 

 opportunity shall occur, and from the natural skill 

 that such a one has in the ability of the rider who 

 bestrides him. I have seen numerous instances of 

 this equine intuition. A horse shall go quietly with 

 a good rider, even if no particular traits of horseman- 



