How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Why don't they cut their own children's ears into points to make them look sharp? […] What right have they to torment and disfigure God's creatures? (10.9)
Here, the old Birtwick horse, Sir Oliver, is describing the abuse many animals suffer in the name of fashion. He's had his own tail docked for fashion, a painful, bloody experience, and here he also describes how he's seen puppies have their ears cut for appearance's sake. He questions what right humans have to abuse animals just for their own whims, and wonders why humans don't do the same to their own kids. Animals and humans are all God's creatures, according to Sir Oliver.
Quote #8
I had never been used to London, and the noise, the hurry, the crowds of horses, carts, and carriages that I had to make my way through made me feel anxious and harassed. But I soon found that I could perfectly trust my driver, and then I made myself easy, and got used to it. (34.12)
Beauty talks a lot about the close relationships he has with some of the humans in his life. One of the people he's closest to is cabbie Jerry Barker, who has an amazing knack for being totally in tune with his horse. The concept of trust is something Beauty wants us to remember: One of the best things in a relationship between human and horse is a profound sense of trust. Here, Beauty learns not to fear the chaotic environment of urban London because he deeply trusts Jerry Barker.
Quote #9
When a good driver and a good horse, who understand each other, are of one mind, it is wonderful what they can do. (35.26)
Another example of the wonderful side of human-animal relations: When people and animals share an understanding, fantastic things can happen. They can both accomplish things that they could never do without the other; it's symbiosis at its best. And notice how Sewell says they're "of one mind." That's an incredibly close relationship—and it's entirely possible, if humans spend time trying to understand their animals.