All went well till about the third stage, when in harness-
ing in the fresh pony, which objected mightily, I noticed
that its chest was absolutely raw, the breast-band having
literally taken off all the skin, so I naturally told the sais
to take it away and fetch another ; but the man laughed
at me and proceeded to harness it in, and not until I
became militant did he desist and take the pony away.
The driver would not assist me, but instead sided with all
the stable hands, who evidently made jokes at my expense
by their excessive laughing and pointed gestures. They
then one and all sat down and smoked their hookahs,
evidently intending me to understand that the tonga
would remain there ; so I adopted their attitude and sat
down also and lit my pipe and determined to sit them out.
I suppose they saw that I was determined, and no doubt
the Afghan driver had learnt partially the lesson I had
taught him the previous day over the excessive whipping
of the ponies, so they finally bestirred themselves, and a
pony less galled than the one I had refused was put in.
Some of these poor ponies are so galled and raw that
they will not start until a fire of straw has been lit under
them. I only saw them try that trick once.
This galling sometimes sends them mad, and the poor
beasts in order to save their raw chests come broadside
on, going long distances like crabs, and dash themselves
into the rocks.
