The horse becomes the willing servant of man, and when kindly treated
looks upon him as a friend and protector.
I have an interesting story to tell you of a mare which belonged to
Captain I--, an old settler in New Zealand. She and her foal had been
placed in a paddock, between which and her master's residence, three or
four miles away, several high fences intervened. The paddock itself was
surrounded by a still higher fence.
One day, however, as Captain I--was standing with a friend in front of
his house, he was surprised to see the mare come galloping up.
Supposing that the fence of her paddock had been broken down, and that,
pleased at finding herself at liberty, she had leaped the others, he
ordered a servant to take her back. The mare willingly followed the
man; but in a short time was seen galloping up towards the house in as
great a hurry as before. The servant, who arrived some time afterwards,
assured his master that he had put the mare safely into the paddock.
Captain I--told him again to take back the animal, and to examine the
fence more thoroughly, still believing that it must have been broken
down in some part or other, though the gate might be secure.
Captain I--and his friend then retired into the house, and were seated
at dinner, when the sound of horse's hoofs reached their ears. The
friend, who had on this got up to look out of the window, saw that it
was the mare come back for the third time; and observing the remarkable
manner in which she was running up and down, apparently trying even to
get into the house, exclaimed, "What can that mare want? I am sure that
there is something the matter." Captain I--on hearing this hurried out
to ascertain the state of the case. No sooner did the mare see him than
she began to frisk about and exhibit the most lively satisfaction; but
instead of stopping to receive the accustomed caress, off she set again
of her own accord towards the paddock, looking back to ascertain whether
her master was following. His friend now joined him, and the mare,
finding that they were keeping close behind her, trotted on till the
gate of the paddock was reached, where she waited for them. On its
being opened, she led them across the field to a deep ditch on the
farther side, when, what was their surprise to find that her colt had
fallen into it, and was struggling on its back with its legs in the air,
utterly unable to extricate itself. In a few minutes more probably it
would have been dead. The mare, it was evident, finding that the
servant did not comprehend her wishes, had again and again sought her
master, in whom she had learned from past experience to confide. Here
was an example of strong maternal affection eliciting a faculty superior
to instinct, which fully merits the name of reason. The aid of a kind
master will always be sought in time of need. The conduct of the mare
speaks much in favour of her owner. It is evident that he treated her
well. Had such not been the case, it is not at all likely that the
animal would have persisted in coming direct to him in her time of need.
Be ready, then, to fly for succour to those about you whom you may have
found willing to help and serve you.