VICE
.—The imperfections so called in a horse, are the distinguishing traits of an innate bad temper, or a habit mischievously inclined: these are very different from the little airs of skittishness, and proofs of playful spirit, which are displayed by many horses, when brought from confinement to enjoy the comforts and healthy advantages of air and exercise; or others who afford the same indications of pleasure during the ceremony of dressing in the stable. Horses naturally vicious and untractable, seldom keep that propensity long concealed; it generally begins to appear early, and in most cases, with colts, even before they are taken in hand to break. This tendency in some is soon obliterated by gentle treatment, and frequent attentions of tenderness; but with others it continues invincible, and occasionally shews itself during the whole period of their existence. Some are constantly disposed to kick or bite in the stable, who have no one imperfection without; on the contrary, others, who are most incorrigibly restive and unruly without, shall be incredibly calm and quiet within.
Opinions opposite to each other have always prevailed upon the treatment necessary and proper with horses of this description. That authority must be enforced, fortitude exerted, patience persevered in, and submission obtained, are all positions too firmly admitted, and acquiesced in, to admit of contrariety; but experience has fully demonstrated, that great points are sometimes effected by the salutary interposition of equanimity and moderation, that never could be accomplished by the frequently destructive gusts of inconsiderate passion and unmanly violence. If a horse, disposed to be restive, is addicted to running backwards, the best and only remedy is to continue backing him (if there is room for the experiment) till he becomes completely averse to his own undertaking; or procuring a person to come suddenly upon him behind, during his retrograde motion, with a complete flagellation from a cart or hunting whip, which seldom or ever fails to set such a one running from the effect of fear, and to produce a complete eradication.
Horses rearing up on end, so as to stand nearly perpendicular upon their hind legs, is the most dangerous of any description, even to the most judicious, expert, and experienced horseman; who has, in such aukward predicament, (particularly when a horse most viciously repeats it,) no alternative, but to slacken his reins, and lean his body close to the neck, the better to expedite so critical a preponderation. Horses inclined to run away, from an impetuosity of temper, and an eagerness to get forward, frequently alarm their riders, if they are exceedingly irritable upon the score of timidity, or terrified upon the principle of inexperience; but sportsmen mostly prefer horses who require the curb, to those who want a spur, well knowing the utility of moderately dropping the hand, and indulging the loose occasionally; as a dead pull at a hard-mouthed run-away horse, is the sure means of making him endeavour to continue his career the longer.