179But if your desire is rather for war and fierce squadrons, or to glide on wheels by Alpheus, river of Pisa, and drive flying chariots in the grove of Jupiter: the horse's first task is to see the spirit and arms of warriors, to endure trumpets, to bear the wheel groaning as it is dragged, and to hear bridles jingling in the stable; 185then more and more to delight in the coaxing praises of its trainer and to love the sound of its neck being patted. 187And let him dare these things as soon as he is weaned from his mother's udder, and offer his mouth in turn to soft halters, while still weak and even trembling, even ignorant of life.
190But when three summers are past and the fourth has come, let him soon begin to run the ring and make his paces ring in measured time, and bend his legs in alternate curves, and look like one labouring; 193then let him challenge the breezes to a race, and flying over the open plains as if free of reins, scarcely set his footprints on the surface of the sand; 196as when the north wind swoops down in strength from Hyperborean shores, and scatters the Scythian storms and dry clouds: then the deep corn and the waving plains shiver under gentle gusts, the tops of the forests give out a sound, and long waves press towards the shores; 201he flies, sweeping fields and seas alike in his flight. Such a horse will either sweat at the turning-posts and vast course of the Elean plain and fling bloody foam from his mouth, or better draw the Belgic war-chariot with his gentle neck.
205Only then, when they are broken, allow their great body to grow with thick mash: for before taming they will rear up in high spirits, and when caught will refuse to endure the pliant lash and to obey the hard curb.