108 Vices. 



ing or stumbling, before she dismounts. The 

 quietest horse may exhibit symptoms of vice, even 

 without any apparent cause, after many years of 

 good behavior ; the best-tempered, are not im- 

 maculate, nor the surest-footed infallible : it is 

 wise, therefore, to be prepared. 



Stumbling is not merely unpleasant, but danger- 

 ous. To ride a horse that is apt to trip, is like 

 dwelling in a ruin : we cannot be comfortable if 

 we feel that we are unsafe ; and, truly, there is 

 no safety on the back of a stumbling nag. The 

 best advice we can offer our reader, as to such an 

 animal, is never to ride him after his demerits are 

 discovered : although the best horse in the world, 

 may, we must confess, make a false step, and even 

 break his knees. 



When a horse trips, his head should be raised 

 and supported, by elevating the hand; and the 

 lady should instantly throw herself back, so as to 

 relieve his shoulders from her weight. It is use- 

 less to whip a horse after stumbling (as it is, also, 

 after shying;) for, it is clear, he would not run 

 the risk of breaking his knees, or his nose, if he 

 could help it. If a horse be constantly punished 

 for stumbling, the moment he has recovered from 

 a false step, he will start forward, flurried and dis- 



