The Autobiography of a Horse.
Now that I am getting old and stiff in the joints, I like to meditate, while grazing in the pasture, on my foal days. I think that was the happiest part of my life. I had no work to do, and could run about after my mother, who was a fine white Arab mare, without any restraint. Most of my time was spent in the fields, where I nibbled the tender grass and capered about, while my mother was steadily grazing.
But that could not last for ever. When I was old enough, the trainer came and, to my great indignation, fastened a long rope to my head, and then began driving me round and round in circles with his long whip. I was frightened and angry, but he went on till I was so tired that I could scarcely stand. However, my mother told me that it was no use my resisting, and to make a long story short, I was at last thoroughly trained as a riding-horse.
I was bought by a young officer as a polo pony, and I soon got to love the game. He was a kind master, and a good rider; and in the end I would do anything for him, and was quite proud when his side won the game. But he got into debt, and had to sell me; and I was bought by a gentleman and a lady who kept a buggy, and was trained to run in shafts. I hated this work; and I am afraid I gave a lot of trouble, by going as slowly as I could. When my driver gave me the whip, I started shying at any object on the road. And then I found that jibbing was a very good trick, and whenever I was whipped, I simply backed. My owner got disgusted at last, and sold me to a gentleman who was fond of hunting.
I was delighted to get back to saddle-work; and thoroughly enjoyed my gallops with the hounds after the jackal in open country. But an accident put a stop to that jolly life; for one day my master pressed me to a big jump which I knew I could not do. I did my best but fell short, and fell. My master was thrown and broke his arm, and I badly sprained one of my legs.
I was in hospital for weeks, and then was sold to a gentleman who wanted a quiet riding- horse. He was a kind master, and used me well; and I was in his service for a good number of years. Now that I am old, he gives me very little work, and I spend most of my time grazing in the pasture, and leading a quiet, contented life.
Find out a word from the passage which means 'very happy'.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → delighted
Delighted means very happy, greatly pleased. When the horse is sold to a gentleman fond of hunting, he says, "I was delighted to get back to saddle-work".
Example: We were delighted to hear of her success.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: steadily — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: steadily means in a regular, even way; the passage uses it for the mother, who "was steadily grazing".
Example: Prices have risen steadily this year.
Option 2: tired — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: tired means needing rest; the horse was "so tired that I could scarcely stand", which is far from happy.
Example: The players were tired after the long match.
Option 3: disgusted — Incorrect. Wrong meaning: disgusted means feeling strong dislike or annoyance; the owner "got disgusted at last" with the horse's tricks.
Example: She was disgusted by the dirty kitchen.