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the kast scratch or blemish about the knees. 

 In choosing a saddle horse, therefore, let the 

 purchaser order him to be mounted, and rode 

 away from him on the trot; if he throws his 

 hind feet wide, and clear of his fore feet, he 

 will trot well and fast. Then let him be 

 turned round at about the distance of two or 

 three hundred yards, and brought up to him 

 on the trot, and let him observe that he points 

 his toes right forward ; then there will be no 

 danger of his cutting, but if he points either 

 one or both of his toes out, he will certainly 

 cut before. Lastly, stand across the horse ; let 

 him be put on the trot again, and observe that 

 he bends his knee well, and straightens it again, 

 that he puts his feet forward with courage, 

 and carries his forehand well up-, and it may 

 be depended on that such a horse will never 

 come down with him, nor deceive him. Let 

 it also be observed, that tlie horse gathers him- 

 self well up both in the trot and gallop, for 

 unless he does this he can never stretch him- 

 self out again, but will go loosely and slovenly 

 in all his paces. The action of a horse is like 

 an elastic hoop of steel, it cannot expand 

 without being first contracted. After these 



