TAIL. 205 



decided manner, we might reasonably conclude that the 

 defective carriage of the tail was due to faulty conformation, 

 and not to a sulky disposition, which would be the greater 

 of the two evils. In making these remarks, I am, of course, 

 alluding to horses that have not been docked. 



Any unnecessary whisking of the tail when the animal 

 is in motion is objectionable; as it is often a sign of "jadi- 

 ness " and bad temper. We may not unfrequently remark 

 that the fact of an animal being beaten in a race or steeplechase 

 is often first made manifest by its tail beginning to go round 

 and round. The swishing of the tail may here, however, 

 be due rather to the application of the spurs or whip, than 

 to any " unkind" running on the part of the horse. On the 

 other hand, we may observe instances of thoroughly game 

 race-horses, when " finishing," being so engaged in the keen 

 struggle for victory, that they will keep the tail without move- 

 ment, even under severe "punishment." Mares, as a rule, 

 undoubtedly whisk their tails about more than horses and 

 geldings. Some of them, which are in a state of continual 

 irritation from sexual causes, do so to an extent that is very 

 unpleasant to their riders or drivers. Such animals are, 

 generally, of but little use. Almost all Arab horses, and 

 certain horses in all countries, keep the tail rigidly fixed to 

 one particular side, near or off, when walking, unless, indeed, 

 to use it when occasion demands. English thoroughbreds, 

 however, at the same pace, generally swing it from side to 

 side in an easy, free manner, somewhat similar to that in 

 which a fast and fair walker uses his arms when Pfoing- alongf 

 at, say, the rate of six miles an hour. The difference, here, 

 seems to be due to the thoroughbred's longer stride and 

 greater freedom of action. 



