ENULISH BREEDS 149 



other horse, some being far superior to others. It not infrequently 

 occurs, however, that a blood-horse is much too high-couraged for a timid 

 rider, who consequently seeks for an equally good-actioned but steadier 

 mount. To such the advantages of an Arab cross may be suggested, 

 for although the Eastern breeds are decried by many authorities, there 

 can be no disputing the fact that, in spite of their not uncommon ten- 

 dency to be faulty in shoulder, the Arabs are usually very excellent Hacks, 

 provided they are given a fair chance to do their merits justice. They 

 certainly put good heads upon their oftspring, whilst their docility is 

 great, so that although their action may not invariably be so im^iosing 

 as might be desired, they will, if judiciously crossed, throw most excellent 

 Saddle horses, whilst in their pure state they can carry a lady or boy 

 very comfortably and well. The style, too, in which an Arab will come 

 up to his bit, and change his legs as often as desired, is worthy of 

 all the praise that can be bestowed upon any horse; and therefore to this 

 breed and the Thoroughbred the would-be breeder of a Park Hack may 

 look when seekino; a cross for suitable mares. 



Weight-carrying Saddle horses of the stamp which is sought for by 

 elderly gentlemen of considerable bulk are naturally built on far more 

 substantial lines than the Park Hack. They must also be heavier in 

 bone and the possessors of irreproachable decorum; but valuable though 

 they be, the art of producing this class of horse has hitherto remained 

 a mystery, the appearance of a weight -carrying cob being usually a 

 matter of chance, though possibly the crossing of an Arab and a jjowerful 

 Hunter mare might produce the animal required. 



For Covert Hacks a dash of Thoroughbred blood is most desirable, as 

 the duties of these horses are so varied, and their work is often of so 

 arduous a nature, that high courage combined with manners and style 

 are chiefly desired by those who use them. Many an excellent Covert 

 Hack has been the offspring of a blood-horse and a pony mare, or tnce 

 versa, and it is from such sources that the best of them are most likely 

 to spring. 



The Harness Horse. — ^The formation of the ideal Harness horse is 

 naturally very difierent from that of the Park Hack, or even the ordinary 

 Saddle horse, one at least of the most diilicult points to secure in the 

 latter — long, sloping, well-placed shoulders — not being so essential to per- 

 fection in the case of a Harness horse. This stamp of animal should be 

 long and low and stand over a great deal of ground. His loins should 

 be powerful, and his quarters lengthy and level, with muscular thighs and 

 broad, flat, well-placed hocks. A sour head is seldom associated with good 

 in any horse, as it usually betokens a sullen or vicious temperament, which 



