THE ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 47 



a willingness to move steadily, and without fear or nervous- 

 ness when spoken to, are all features of good tempera- 

 ment. 



The disposition of the horse more specifically refers to 

 his spirit of mind, whether good or bad, etc. A kicker or 

 biter, or a balky horse, would be considered as having a 

 bad disposition, a quality as likely to occur with one tem- 

 perament as another. The disposition, as expressed in 

 obedience, is of great importance, for the usefulness of the 

 horse may quite depend on this quality of character. 

 "Among the good mental qualities of the horse," says 

 Count Cesaresco, ^ ' ' the most important is a good disposi- 

 tion, as by means of this the horse gives in to us immediate- 

 ly, resigns himself to obedience forthwith, and is controlled 

 by the aid of this feeling of obedience. The body or 

 mechanism of the horse renders us service if the horse's 

 mind directs it to do so. It is impossible to obtain service 

 from the body if the mind is unwilling to command it. A 

 good will or a good disposition is the first quality required 

 to obtain useful service from the horse, as in order to 

 render this service, he must be allowed freedom ; he cannot 

 do it like a galley slave, with the hands, whilst his feet are 

 fettered." 



8 The Psychology and Training of the Horse, 1906, p. 64. 



