CHAPTER XIV. 

 How to Buy a Horse. 



When a man concludes to purchase a horse for racing- 

 purposes there are many important points to be considered. 

 Arriving at the scene of the sale, where there are a large 

 number of yearlings offered, he looks carefully over the 

 bunch. 



If he is not a man who knows all there is to know about 

 horses, he should have some one with him who is versed in 

 such matters. This is necessary to avoid as far as possible 

 the making of mistakes. 



The first thing that should be done in the selection of a 

 horse is to see that he is perfectly sound. The man offering 

 him for sale should be made to walk and trot him up and 

 down the street, paddock or place where the sale is held. It 

 sometimes happens that a colt is injured in his infancy in such 

 a way that the injury is not at first apparent because of the 

 long rest he has had. 



But it is there just the same and it will sooner or later 

 be made manifest. Perhaps he may afterward slip and ren- 

 der himself perfectly helpless on account of this very injury. 



Therefore, too much care can not be exercised in this 

 respect. When the animal is trotted and walked about for 

 some time an experienced eye is liable to detect it. How- 

 ever, the best of them frequently overlook such things and 

 a poor animal is purchased. In the main such things are 

 difficult to detect, but they are sometimes detected in time 

 and much expense and annoyance is saved. The shape of a 

 horse should also be considered. It should be seen that 

 he has all the lines that indicate speed, endurance, docility 

 of temperament and kindred accomplishments. Often it is the 

 case that a most beautiful animal has but little speed. I have 

 known of hundreds of such cases and could point them out, 

 but it is hardly necessary in this connection. 



Then, having seen that the colt is sound, gives promise 

 of speed and seems desirable in every particular, the pros- 

 pective buyer should inquire into his pedigree. He should 



