What sweeter sound on winter morn Than music of the hounds and horn? What prettier sight could e'er be seen Than hounds and horses on the green? See winding down this country way An eager throng one winter day. Keen are the men for sport of course, But just as keen each hound and horse. DUTY. The troop-horse, like all soldiers, has to learn his drill till he becomes as efficient as his rider. In war he will take his place in his squadron should his rider have been killed or wounded. In one instance, several guns of the Royal Horse Artillery were saved by the teams galloping back to their lines after all the gunners and drivers had been shot down. [Illustration] [Illustration] REARING. Rearing is an awkward vice, No rider ever thinks it nice. When the horse prances on two feet It's difficult to keep one's seat. This lady riding in the Row Is a good rider, you must know. When on two legs her horse would soar She quickly brings him down to four. SAGACITY. There is danger at this place which the horse can see, but which the rider fails to detect. They are in the midst of a swamp where one false step would mean a horrible death in the quagmire on the verge of which the horse has pulled up. The man uses whip and spur, but the horse refuses to move. Finally the rider leaves the horse to himself to find a way round which brings them both to safety. [Illustration] [Illustration] BOLTING. See this runaway flecked with foam Galloping fast as he can for home, Caring nought for the shouting man Running also as fast as he can. Flung by the bolter on the roadside Small is his chance of a pleasant ride. Two legs matched in a race with four-- Perhaps they'll meet at the stable door. PATIENCE. The cab horse is a useful steed, Ever handy, good at need-- A patient uncomplaining jade, What should we do without his aid? By day, by night he may be had, Be the weather good or be it bad. Many a knock and many a fall He gets, and yet survives them all. [Illustration] [Illustration] BUCKING. When horses buck they take a bound With all their four feet off the ground. Unless they know just what to do And how to keep their seats all through. The riders come off fast and thick When horses start this Yankee trick. But with the cowboys of the West The horses come off second best. PERSEVERANCE.