A knowledge of the general character and disposition of the horse is really and absolutely necessary to his skilful management, from his extremely nervous sensibility, his aptness to take the various impressions of fear, affection, or dislike, to any of which he is naturally very quickly disposed.
“Reas’ning at ev’ry step he treads,
Man yet mistakes his way;
While meaner things by instinct led
Are rarely known to stray.”
Speaking in soothing terms to a horse, so that he may become familiar to the voice, gives him confidence in his rider, which is of the utmost importance. At all times more is to be accomplished with the animal by gentle means than could possibly be done by harsh ones: kindness, or its opposite, is speedily conveyed to and retained in his memory, which is remarkably retentive. This mutual confidence is perfectly appreciated by the Arabs. They invariably treat their horses with the greatest kindness and affection; they are the Bedouins’ beloved and stanch companions, and on them is the Arabs’ sole reliance in their predatory excursions; they inhabit the same tent, and the neck of the horse is not unfrequently the pillow of the Arab and his family; yet no accident ever occurs; the kindness with which he is treated gives him an affection for his master, a desire to please, and a pride in exerting every energy in obedience to his command.
Bad habits are speedily acquired by the horse, and when once learned, are very difficult to break him of.
In nine cases out of ten they arise from the stupidity, joined to the brutality, of an idle, drunken, ill-tempered groom; who, when out of temper, invariably vents his rage upon the unoffending animal, which, at last, to protect (or revenge) itself from the besotted tormentor, acquires a habit of kicking and biting at every person and thing coming within its reach, fearing that they are about to maltreat it.
Many horses are condemned as vicious, and actually are rendered so through timidity on the part of the rider.
The animal may be playful from rest, or a lively temper by nature; the rider, whose judgment may not enable him to discriminate between playfulness, nervousness, or vice, becomes alarmed, and, consequently, loses his self-command; and, perhaps, not having learned the correct mode of using his hands and reins, in his boisterous endeavours to save himself from falling, imparts fear to his horse. The animal naturally imagines he has been guilty of some great fault, and is fearful of punishment; and should he not be familiar with the voice of his rider, then a mutual struggle for safety takes place, and causes an accident. The horse is then condemned as “vicious,” though the rider was alone in fault. The same horse, in the hands of an experienced horseman, would become as QUIET as ever. We often find that really dangerous horses have been reclaimed by ladies riding them! This is entirely owing to their using them gently, but firmly, and speaking to them kindly; by these means confidence is imparted, and makes them
“All that a horse should be, which nought did lack
Save a good rider on so proud a back.”
A few minutes’ riding will be sufficient to discover the nature and temper of a horse, likewise what system of treatment has been pursued towards him (which, in consequence, must be still followed).
There are very many persons who are considered good horsemen, who have no fear, and will ride anything, or at anything, yet have no idea, beyond the mere fact of riding, whether the saddle, bridle, and accoutrements are properly placed. The neglect of attending to these matters has caused many serious accidents.