Black Beauty (2)

(2) My Breaking in

As I grew older, I grew handsome.

I had one white foot and a pretty white star on my forehead.
My black coat grew fine and soft.



When I was four years old, Squire Gordon came to look at me.
He seemed to like me, and said, " When he has been broken in he will do very well. "

My master said he would break me in himself so that I would not be frightened or hurt.

Breaking in means to teach a horse to wear a saddle and bridle and to carry someone safely on his back. 

He must also learn to pull a carriage or cart, going fast or slow, just as his driver wishes.

He has to learn never to bite or kick, nor to jump at anything he sees.

Even with a good master like mine it was slow work, but at last it was done.

Next came iron shoes.
That was frightening, but the blacksmith did not hurt me, even when he drove nails through the shoe right into my foot.
My feet seemed stiff and heavy afterwards、but in time I got used to that.

Now that I was ready to leave home, my mother said to me,
" I hope you will fall into good hands, but a horse never know who may buy him, or who may drive him.
Some men are kind and thoughtful, like our master.
Others can be cruel.
Remember, do your best whatever happens and keep up your good name. "

(2/25)
(注：馬の蹄を保護するための蹄鉄(リンク)は蹄に直に釘止めしますが、馬に痛みはありません)  

タグ：Black Beauty