HOW TO BUY A HORSE 387 



is a minor species of gallop. It will be found that 

 horses with an oblique shoulder will perform both 

 the canter and gallop better than those which are more 

 upright. 



If a horse is required for speed, do not choose one 

 which holds his head high, as such is incompatible 

 with a great stretch ; consequently the style and 

 bearing of a horse intended for show and park use is 

 very different from those intended for rapid action ; 

 and these latter always carry their heads low. It is 

 the habit of blood-horses always being trained to go 

 over a smooth and level surface, which is the cause of 

 their not lifting, being unaccustomed to meet with 

 obstruction in their way. The hunter, on the con- 

 trary, being subjected to all kinds of ground, soon 

 acquires the habit of lifting his feet sufficiently high to 

 enable him to surmount all the difficulties which he 

 must constantly encounter. The style of their gallop 

 must also be essentially different : that of the racer, 

 a lengthened stretch ; and of the hunter, a rounded 

 gallop. 



