I have heard of more than once incident of this kind.

If a horse is a good fighter, however, as occasionally, though not often, happens, it is a more difficult prey for any wild beast, and some veteran horses have no fear of wolves whatsoever, well knowing that they can either strike them down with their forefeet or repulse them by lashing out behind.
Wolves are cunning beasts and will often try to lull their prey into unsuspicion by playing round and cutting capers.

I once saw a young deer and a wolf-cub together near the hut of the settler who had captured both.

The wolf was just old enough to begin to feel vicious and bloodthirsty, and to show symptoms of attacking the deer.

On the occasion in question he got loose and ran towards it, but it turned, and began to hit him with its forefeet, seemingly in sport; whereat he rolled over on his back before it, and acted like a puppy at play.