Page:Annals of horsemanship (1792).djvu/74

 An Hostler or (Osteler, for so I believe it is usually written, though I find in the most learned Dictionary in our language, which explains some thousands of words more than Johnson, that it is vulgarly and improperly written Ostteler, for Otsteler, query Oatstealer, and this, it must be allow'd, appears to be the true word), an Otsteler then has informed me, that it is a common trick play'd upon Bagsters, or London Riders, when they are not generous to the servants in the Inn, for a wicked boy or two to watch one of them, as he turns out of the gateway, and to pop a bush or stick under his horse's tail, which he instantly brings down upon the stick, and holds it fast, kicking at the same time at such a rate as to dislodge the Bagman that bestrides him. (The annexed Plate will shew how the stick should be placed). Here, Sir, is a horse that lifts up his hind legs without moving his fore ones; and just the reverse, as I may say, of yours; and, perhaps, the hint may be acceptable. Suppose, then, when your horse has flown over a gate or a stile