52 HOW TO BUY A HORSE. 



care of themselves under such circumstances, and 

 stumble on perfectly level roads. A timid or an 

 inexperienced rider should not mount a young 

 horse, for horses that have not been thoroughly 

 disciplined are always ready to take any advantage 

 of such a master, and an animal that would become 

 perfectly quiet in the hands of a determined man 

 may acquire dangerous tricks with one who is 

 irresolute. As I have before said, the form of the 

 horse frequently indicates the animal's disposition, 

 and I may add that its temper is often shown 

 in the expression of its face. The purchaser 

 should therefore avoid horses with roach-backs, 

 ewe-necks, disproportionate height at the withers 

 or the croup, faces that are either too concave or 

 too convex in profile, as well as those which look 

 about them in a restless and suspicious manner. 

 There may be horses with any or several of these 

 defects that are safe and pleasant to ride, but they 

 are the exceptions. If one rides for health or 

 amusement, it is hardly wise to mount a vicious or 

 unruly horse, and although a young man who has 

 a firm seat, a skilful hand, and perfect confidence in 

 his nerve may find satisfaction in obtaining control 

 over a difficult horse, it is better, as a rule, to leave 

 such work to those who make it a profession. It is 

 much easier and safer to break and train a colt than 



