alike dictate to wheel and charge in the vanguard might and main; but
when he finds himself in close proximity to the foe, he must keep his
horse well in hand. This, in all probability, will enable him to do
the greatest mischief to the enemy, and to receive least damage at his
hands.

[12] See "Hipparch," viii. 23.

The gods have bestowed on man, indeed, the gift of teaching man his
duty by means of speech and reasoning, but the horse, it is obvious,
is not open to instruction by speech and reasoning. If you would have
a horse learn to perform his duty, your best plan will be, whenever he
does as you wish, to show him some kindness in return, and when he is
disobedient to chastise him. This principle, though capable of being
stated in a few words, is one which holds good throughout the whole of
horsemanship. As, for instance, a horse will more readily take the
bit, if each time he accepts it some good befalls him; or, again, he
will leap ditches and spring up embankments and perform all the other
feats incumbent on him, if he be led to associate obedience to the
word of command with relaxation.[13]

[13] Lit. "if every time he performs the word of command he is led to
expect some relaxation."



IX

The topics hitherto considered have been: firstly, how to reduce the
chance of being cheated in the purchase of a colt or full-grown horse;