Whip and Spur

"Whip and Spur" by George E. Waring is a reflective look back at the author's life with horses, particularly those he rode during the Civil War where he was a colonel. It tells of the unique relation between people and horses by vividly describing them and what roles they played in the author's life. The story begins with Waring thinking about his search for the right horse while working on Central Park. He explains how hard it was to find a horse that he liked and could afford, which led him to a tired mare called Vixen. The story teases Vixen's past and their bond, putting importance on how much friendship and care can change things. It shows his decision to help her get better, hinting at themes of strength, connection, and why horses were so important to him, promising an interesting look at his adventures with these great animals.