84 
BUCKING. 
to Eastern intellects that this accomplishment 
consists in arching the back somewhat after the 
manner of an angry cat, and jumping up, coming 
down stiff-legged on the fore-feet while throwing 
up the hind ones. 
No matter how scientific and “Rareyfied” (!) 
the treatment he may have received, it is impossi- 
ble ever to be certain, that a horse of this lineage 
is broken or so thoroughly trained, that a week’s 
rest and liberty will not render him next to un- 
manageable. 
Mabel’s pony had had quite a taste of freedom, 
and had no idea of tamely submitting to subjec- 
tion again. She had ridden only a little way 
before he began a series of antics, annoying not 
only to his rider, but to both of the horses com- 
pelled to be in his company. If near them, he 
kept them in commotion by viciously biting 
whatever portion: of their bodies came within his 
reach. If prevented from indulging in this pastime 
he would “ buck,” in a mild manner to be sure, 
but still in a way calculated to shake the con- 
stitution as well as the courage of his little rider. 
To obviate this difficulty, Mrs. Maxwell tried 
putting Mabel behind her on her horse and 
leading the brute, while the child led the pack- 
animal. 
“ Now you must be sure and keep hold of him, 
May,” was her injunction, as she placed the halter 
