682 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



strength and endurance; the hoof round, hard and smooth, wide at the heel, the frog sound 

 and large. As we shall define more particularly in the pages that follow, the desirable points 

 in a horse, a more minute description in this connection is unnecessary; suffice to say, that 

 intelligence, or what might be called good horse-sense, combined with docility, is one of the 

 most desirable characteristics in a horse for any purpose, and especially a carriage-horse. 



The Saddle Horse. There seems at present to be an increasing demand for good saddle- 

 horses, and we are glad to note the fact, as there is no more healthful or pleasant recreation 

 than is afforded by saddle-riding, when the horse is perfectly adapted to the purpose. The 

 requisites are similar in the main to those of a carriage-horse. For such use a rather small 

 or medium-sized horse is generally preferred. High withers are essential in a saddle-horse, 

 to prevent the weight of the rider from being thrown forward too far. 



Saddle-Gaits. We quote the following on saddle gaits from one of the leading authori 

 ties in the country: &quot; The gaits that especially commend a horse for use in the saddle are, the 

 walk, the fox-trot, the single-foot, and the rack. The walk is a gait understood by everybody; 

 but everybody does not understand that a good saddle-horse ought to be able to go a 

 square walk at the rate of five miles an hour. The fox-trot is faster than the square walk, 

 and the horse will usually take a few steps at this gait when changing from a fast walk to a 

 trot. It may be easily taught to most horses by urging them slightly beyond their ordinary 

 walking speed, and, when they strike the fox -trot step, holding them to it. They will soon 

 learn to like it, and it is one of the easiests of gaits for both horse and rider. 



The single-foot differs somewhat from the fox-trot, and has been described as exactly 

 intermediate between the true trot, and the true walk. Each foot appears to move independ 

 ently of the other, with a sort of pit-a-pat, one-at-a-time motion, and it is a much faster gait 

 than the fox -trot. 



The rack is very nearly allied to the true pacing-gait, the difference being that in the 

 latter the hind foot keeps exact time with the fore foot of the same side, making it what has 

 been called a lateral or one-side-at-a-time motion, while in the former, the hind foot touches 

 the ground slightly in advance of the fore foot on the same side. The rack is not so fast a 

 gait as the true pace ; but it is a very desirable gait in a saddle-horse. In addition, the per 

 fect saddle-horse should be able to trot, pace, and gallop, and should be quick, nervous, and 

 elastic in all his motions, without a particle of dullness or sluggishness in his nature. His 

 mouth should be sensitive, and he should respond instantly to the slightest motion of the rein 

 in the hands of the rider. A poor and clumsy rider, however, will soon spoil the best-trained 

 saddle-horse in the world, and such a person should never be permitted to mount a horse 

 that is exceptionally valuable for that purpose. A &quot;plug&quot; horse and a &quot;plug&quot; rider may 

 well go together; &quot;but keep a really good, well-trained saddle-horse for one who knows how to 

 enjoy this most health-giving, exhilarating, and delightful of all out-door exercises.&quot; 



Points of a Horse, or Marks by Which a Good Horse May be Known. 



To be familiar with those points, or marks by which a perfect animal may be known, or, in 

 other words, (since absolute perfection in anything is impossible,) to become acquainted with 

 the highest standard of excellence by which to judge of a horse, is of great importance and 

 interest to any one who is about to purchase, breed, or have the care of horses. 



As the face of a man, and the conformation of his head, are generally a very sure index 

 of his character, or natural propensities, it is equally true that we may determine the dis 

 position, temperament, and intelligence of the horse by the shape of the face and head, while 

 his strength and power of endurance may be determined by the bones, muscles, and general 

 make-up of the body. 



In the same connection, there are other considerations that should not be lost sight of, 



