86 



HINTS ON HORSES 



Buying at Auction. 



To those wishing to buy a low-priced 

 horse, auctions offer the greatest opportunity. 

 When attending an auction, method means 

 saving time, and keeping your head clear. I re- 

 commend that first of all the catalogue should 

 be read right through. Scratch out all un- 

 suitable lots, using some hieroglyphic, as it is 

 just as well that people looking over your 

 shoulder should have no idea whatever of the 

 meaning of 3'our notes. Now study the 

 possible lots, and make marks by which you 

 will readily note any that are partially or 

 wholly "warranted." For these you will be 

 able to give your full price, because, if they do 

 not fulfil the warrant}', you can return them 

 within a certain time, specified on the con- 

 ditions of sale. The unwarranted ones you 

 buy at your own risk, and their price should 

 accordingly be less. It docs not necessarily 

 follow because a lot is termed unwarranted 

 that unsoundness is implied ; on the contrar}', 

 horses included in sales by order of executors, 

 etc., are often unwarranted, but may be first rate 

 Having thus got 3'our catalogue intelligible 



to yourself, and quite handy, get hold of a 

 "runner," and with him walk right round the 

 stables. Tell him what you want. He will 

 probably be able to tell you of any horses 

 that have a reserve price, or are likely to 

 make money. You will then be able hiero- 

 glyphically to remove them from your list if 

 they are certain to be more than your price. 

 It is no good to spoil 3'our eye by looking at 

 horses which are be3'Ond your figure. Doing 

 so will often put you off the useful horses 

 which may be exactly what you want. 



Your own list has thus been cut down to 

 the possible choices. To this you must add 

 any that your runner suggests to you. Now 

 proceed to look at each horse on this final list. 

 If the horse takes your fancy, before running 

 him out lift up his feet. If they are nasty, or 

 shod in a suspicious manner, remember "no 

 foot no boss." If the feet satisfy you, proceed 

 to look for blemishes, which signify faulty 

 action, such as brushing, speedy cutting, etc. 

 If these exist, bear in mind that they can be 

 counteracted, but it may be necessary for the 



