HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT 



general amongst ly[)ical hackneys, and the wiiter is an admirer 

 of such. Purchasers of roadsters often object to white markings, 

 so do many coachmen, preferringblack points, for various reasons. 



Many light chestnuts have the so-called " mealy legs," so 

 strongly disliked b\' some people. Dark chestnut, dark bay, 

 or brown, are durable colours, and easy to match. 



White or cream we do not recommend, unless the animal 

 has exceptional merit in other ways. As to height, a general 

 one for typical hackneys is 15 or 15. i to 16 hands. Many 

 Scottish bred hackneys are over 16 hands. 



Hackney cobs are about 14.2, and ponies under 14 hands. 

 For general roadster work 15.2 or 15.3 is a suitable height. 

 Victoria horses should be as near 15 hands as possible, and for 

 waggonette work, more especially if the country is hilly, hackneys 

 16.2 or thereabouts ought to be selected. 



With reference to the most suitable age for purchasing, if 

 much hard work has to be got out of the animal, we recommend 

 a six year old. To work a horse regularly at four, more 

 especially in town, is detrimental, and bound to end in premature 

 injury to him, one way or another. Five years is not a bad 

 age to purchase, provided the animal is honestly used, so 

 many young horses being ruined by reckless driving. 



Sex. — It is preferable, for town work, to purchase a gelding, 

 though, given a good mare, there need be no hesitation as to 

 buying. 



For breeding hackneys, select good roomy mares, free 

 from ringbone, bone spavin, roaring or whistling, and string- 



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