THE WHISPERER 217 



horse to render him thus quiet and tractable, not even 

 strapping his leg up for a moment. Confirmed vicious 

 horses may be quickly and easily subdued by two or 

 three plans with which I am acquainted, but their 

 disposition is not thus readily altered. They are cowed 

 and frightened, and will acknowledge the power of their 

 conqueror, but of their conqueror only ; and when placed 

 in other hands, which have not the strength or resolution 

 to enforce obedience, the evil spirit will return. The same, 

 perhaps, will occur in Cruiser's case, which a friend of 

 mine told me happened to a savage Irish thorough-bred 

 horse, some years ago, subdued by " The Whisperer." 

 The name of the horse I forget, but it was well known. 

 He was, however, at that time in training at the Curragh, 

 but became so vicious that no one could manage him. 

 '' The Whisperer " was called in, and within a very short 

 period this violent brute became as quiet as a dog, and 

 appeared to be thoroughly cured of his vicious habits ; 

 but the spirit within him was not broken, but subdued 

 only for a time : for when placed in other hands, ignorant 

 of the secret of mastering him, he spumed their authority, 

 broke loose, and killed his groom. 



Qf 



