War Quote by Walter Farley
““There was a lot more to it than he had ever thought. First, he used a rub-rag, cleaning Red’s head gently but not too rapidly. He went behind the ears and under the halter, then moved on to the neck, chest, and shoulders before whisking off the stall dust from the back. Then he went down the thighs to the legs, holding the hind leg a few inches above the hock in order to deflect the leg if the colt tried to kick him. As well as Man o’ War knew him, there was always the possibility of being kicked, for every horse was apt to act on impulse.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Black Stallion Returns by Walter Farley, 1945
The passage describes careful, methodical grooming of a nervous horse, emphasizing patience and safety to prevent kicks.
In simple terms: Gentle grooming prevents a horse from kicking.
Key Takeaway
Handle animals calmly and safely.
Themes
patience
animal handling
trust
safety
Mood
calm
cautious
Type
instructional
practical
When to use this quote
- veterinary care
- horse training
- show preparation
- ranch work
Key Concepts
equine behavior
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess a horse’s mood before grooming?
- What techniques calm a nervous animal?
A Different Perspective
If the horse is already agitated, even careful handling may fail.
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