CHAPTER XII. 



CRUELTY OF DOCKING. 



Will you tell me, Count, if there be any conceiv- 

 ably good reason for " docking" a horse, except as it 

 may have captivated the fancy of horse-owners, who 

 regard " style" as the only requisite in their hand- 

 some turnouts? 



" There is but one excuse for the cruel custom, 

 that it is possible to imagine. When a horse is 

 fretted through constant jerking and pulling on the 

 driving-reins, he may have acquired the habit of 

 seeking for them with his tail. Such wonderful 

 strength has he in that member that by holding down 

 close what so torments him, his mouth for the time 

 being is relieved." 



Then inexperienced drivers who tug continually at 

 the reins and saw the mouth intolerably, sometimes 

 teach their horses this bad habit? 



" It is true. Horses are very cunning in their modes 

 of personal defense. If one be viciously disposed, it 

 is when his tail has secured the reins, and he can 

 forcibly hold them down, that he may take the bit 

 between his teeth and show his driver as little mercy 

 as has been vouchsafed himself." 



Ah, yes, then he can run away or kick the carriage 

 71 



