Monstrous Regiment (Discworld, #31; Industrial Revolution, #3)

by Terry Pratchett

She moved her foot just as the hoof came down. But Thalacephalos, angry at being thwarted, turned, twisted, lowered her head, and bit Polly sharply on the rolled-up socks. “Bad horse!” said Blouse severely. “Sorry about that, Perks. I think he’s anxious to get to the fray! Oh, my word!” he added, looking down. “Are you all right, Perks?” “Well, he’s pulling a bit, sir—” said Polly, being dragged sideways. Blouse had gone white again. “But he’s bitten . . . he’s caught you by the . . . right on the . . .” The penny dropped. Polly looked down, and hastily remembered what she’d heard during numerous rule-free bar fights. “Oh . . . ooo . . . Argh . . . blimey! Right inna fruit! Aargh!” she lamented, and then, since it seemed a good idea at the time, brought both fists down heavily on the mare’s nose. The lieutenant fainted.