72The same selection applies to the breed of horses as well. 73Only, on those you intend to rear for the hope of the breed, spend special labour right from their earliest youth. 75From the first the foal of a noble breed steps higher in the fields and sets down its legs lightly; 77it is the first to dare to lead the way and to try threatening rivers, and to entrust itself to an unknown bridge, nor does it shy at empty noises. 79Its neck is high, its head clean-cut, its belly short and its back broad, and its spirited chest swells with muscles. 81Bay and grey are good; the worst colour is white and dun.
83Then, if arms have given out a sound far off, it cannot stand still; it pricks its ears and trembles in its limbs, and, snorting, rolls the gathered fire beneath its nostrils. 86Its mane is thick, and when tossed lies back on its right shoulder; 87but a double spine runs along its loins, and its hoof hollows the ground and rings heavily with solid horn. 89Such was Cyllarus, tamed by the reins of Amyclaean Pollux, and those of whom Greek poets have told, the paired horses of Mars and the team of great Achilles. 92Such too was Saturn himself, as he swiftly spread a mane over a horse's neck at his wife's coming, and in flight filled high Pelion with shrill neighing.