No one deserves to have a horse
Who takes delight to beat him:
The wise will choose a better course,
And very kindly treat him.
If ever it should be my lot--
To have, for use or pleasure,
One who could safely walk or trot
The horse would be a treasure.
He soon would learn my voice to know
And I would gladly lead him;
And should he to the stable go,
I'd keep him clean and feed him.
I'd teach my horse a steady pace.
Because, if he should stumble
Upon a rough or stony place,
We might both have a tumble.
Should he grow aged, I would still
My poor old servant cherish;
I could not see him weak or ill,
And leave my horse to perish.
For should he get too weak to be
My servant any longer,
I'll send him out to grass quite free,
And get another stronger.