238 HANDLING AND BREAKING. 



when we have found ourselves in difficulties 

 say on a dark night in a furious storm on 

 the Moor, a cheery word from the familiar 

 voice has kejit them quiet while I have 

 got out to take our bearings. Horses almost 

 rival dogs in their reliance upon their masters, 

 and not only know their voice, but their 

 very footfall. In former days when I used 

 regularly to put up at the old Plough at 

 Cheltenham, Avhere is one of the largest stable 

 yards in England, the ostler said to me, 

 " Wherever she is standing, your mare 

 knows your step, and whinnies the moment 

 you set foot in the yard." It is not from 

 mere sentiment and love for the animal that 

 I would commend the diligent cultivation 

 of these friendly relations, but for jorecautions 

 of safety as well. A horse Avill generally 

 avoid touching a fallen rider, if he can ; 

 probably he Avill be extra careful if that 

 rider is his dearest friend. Only once have 

 I been kicked by a horse in getting up 



