RESTIVE
.—A horse is said to be RESTIVE, not merely because he is obstinate and untractable, but because there is a tendency to vice; or he is constitutionally inclined to add mischief to ill-temper. Horses of this disposition are sometimes incorrigible, and are never broken of so dangerous and (frequently) destructive a quality. When young horses first begin to display appearances of RESTIVENESS, in not passing particular objects or places, turning round, running back, or rearing an end, lenient means, and gentle patient methods, are certainly the best and most proper expedients, by which alone many are brought to immediate subjection. On the contrary, a too hasty, violent and imprudent proceeding, has often made that a lasting and invincible, which would only have proved a trifling and temporary inconvenience. Should all gentle and persuasive means fail of the desired effect, and no signs of obedience be produced, more powerful measures should be had recourse to, till the point of victory can be obtained; but they should on no consideration whatever, be tinctured with CRUELTY or INHUMANITY, for they are almost invariably productive of an inveterate spirit of opposition to restraint, which can never be subdued.