CHAPTER XXXII 



THE DEFENSES OF THE HORSE AND 

 THEIR CORRECTION 



EVEN the masters of equitation have to admit that 

 it is very nearly impossible to complete the educa- 

 tion of any horse without having the animal show 

 some tendency to lack of obedience, some trace of 

 hesitation, refusal, or revolt. The experienced mas- 

 ter senses this condition at its beginning; and with- 

 out losing any time he discovers the reason for it, 

 and corrects the trouble forthwith. At the early 

 stage, correction is comparatively easy. But when 

 the animal has once formed the habit of rebellion, 

 correction is very difficult, indeed. The result is 

 sometimes a downright fight between rider and 

 horse. 



The problem is, therefore, to discover the reason 

 for the horse's defense, and then to remove the 

 cause before the horse gets the idea that disobedi- 

 ence is possible. Experience shows, moreover, that 

 these causes are generally physical. The only men- 

 tal factor is the fear of injury from some object 

 heard, seen, or smelled. This mental state is to be 

 remedied only by persuasion, patience, and good 

 treatment. 



The physical causes of defense are bodily pains 

 and the consequent memory of them. A horse will, 



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