OF FARRIERY. 



487 



and by laying- back his ears. It is true, the 

 kind and playful Horse will lay down his ears, 

 but he will not be a very skilful physiogno- 

 mist who cannot easily discriminate between 

 the countenance of a vicious and a playful 

 one. The sour and sullen expression of the 

 vicious Horse is generally so determinedly in- 

 dexed, that there are but few men who will 

 not instantly discover it. We need hardly 

 caution our readers against the purchase of so 

 dangerous an animal, as the naturally vicious 

 Horse. 



These various examinations of the intended 

 purchase may probably give satisfaction, as 

 far as the eye is concerned ; yet there may be 

 solid objections to be adduced against their 

 being made final. The Horse, at present, has 

 been shewn to every advantage by the seller. 

 He has been ridden by a jockey, accustomed 

 by his profession to make the most of any ani- 

 mal he has to show ; by one whose able 

 hands and habitual use of the spurs, do not 

 fail to command the Horse's most implicit 



obedience, and which will make him put his 

 best foot forward. A buyer, expecting to find 

 the accomplishment of all this under his own 

 management of the Horse, may find himself 

 very unpleasantly deceived. We know that 

 many Horses are occasionally restive, when 

 mounted by a timid rider, and who have cun- 

 ning enough, very soon, to ascertain that fact ; 

 while, with a good and fearless rider, he will 

 go quietly. 



We should always recommend before the 

 buyer pays his money, that he should claim 

 the privilege of riding the Horse several miles 

 on the high road, in his walk, trot, canter, and 

 gallop, and then judge for himself whether 

 he is likely to suit him in his paces or not. It 

 should be remarked that the wind and con- 

 dition of Horses made up for sale, must not be 

 put to immediate and too severe tests ; and if 

 wanted for hard work, should have sufficient 

 preparation by moderate daily exercise, and 

 purging, if necessary. 



