IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 73 



two ; and that difference is important, not only in 

 reference to his strength, but because it may mate- 

 rially affect his re-sale. Few horses under fifteen 

 hands and a half are eligible for posting, stages, or 

 similar purposes ; and though a gentleman buys a 

 horse to keep him, he should never forget the pro- 

 bability of his being speedily obliged to part with 

 him, if a month's trial proves that he does not an- 

 swer his purpose. 



A due elevation of the shoulder is also considered 

 a desirable point in a saddle-horse. I cannot say 

 that I have ever regarded it as of great importance, 

 but it has undoubtedly a tendency to prevent the 

 saddle working too far forward, and so far it de- 

 serves attention. I have heard good practical judges 

 attach great value to a rise in the shoulder-blade, as 

 respects the safety of the horse's action. My own 

 experience, however, does not enable me to confirm 

 the truth of the remark, though I have certainly 

 noticed that horses with free action have generally a 

 well-raised shoulder. 



A man who is not a very timid rider, will act 

 wisely in choosing a high-couraged horse ; not one 

 of capricious or irritable temper — that is a very dif- 

 7* 



