181 



is neither restiff, nor a notorious run-away, kicker, or biter, and that he 

 will obediently permit himself to be mounted, managed, and governed,, 

 in the usual way. 



On the purchase of Horses, I address those chiefly, who are not tho- 

 roughly acquainted with that most uncertain and dangerous commodity, 

 and my first advice to them has ever beeu, not to rely upon their own 

 opinion or fancy, but to be guided by the judgment of some thoroughly 

 experienced person. To know and judge of a Horse well, everlastingly 

 too, as he is made the instrument of deception, beyond any other article 

 of sale, requires tlie instant recollection of a great number of material 

 points,an insight into which, can only have been obtained from long and 

 various practice. Few, exclusive of those whose proper business it is,, 

 can or will be at the needful pains to acquire this. 



As general rules, it rarely turns out a successful speculation, to pur- 

 chase an unwarranted Horse, or one Avithout a previous trial. The pur- 

 chaser ought also to insist on a quiet examination of his bargain, both 

 in the stable and abroad, unruffled by the cracks and flourishes of the 

 whip. And the reality of the Horse's soundness, ought to be deter- 

 mined by some experienced person, within the period commonly al- 

 lowed. 



With respect to the qualifications of a Horse, in a general way, the fol- 

 lowing are paramount, and will not be difficult to retain in memory. First, 

 he ought to be equal to the weight to be carried. To have a good mouth, 

 and rein, or carry his head well, without the aid of a martingale ; his 

 shoulder and lore-hand also, being so elevated as to have no need of a 

 crupper. To bend hisloiees sufliciently tocarry him safe over the ground. 

 Neither to knock nor cut a hair, above or below, behind or before. To 

 have brisk aud airy action, and to be able to make haste on an occasion. 

 I*(ot to be shy or startlish, but young enough to afford the owner ra- 

 tional expectation of the enjoyment of all the aforesaid good qualities, 

 during a considerable length of time. 



On JOURNEY RIDING and the management of the Horse. A gentle- 

 man Avho is attended by his groom, must occasionally make use of his 

 own circumspection, in order to keep his servant punctual in tue per- 

 formance of his duties ; those who are unattended must, in course, trust 



intirely 



