52 Ci^c ^or^e to Btiu. 



appearance.- There are many horses who, from foals, 

 stand over slightly at the knee, and I do not dislike 

 it, provided it is not the result of work ; and although 

 they are somewhat unsightly, I do not mind cycle 

 hocks, and have often remarked that the possessors 

 of them are great jumpers. Color is of little mo- 

 ment, although I should discard washy bays, or the 

 lighter shades of chestnut, in preference to harder 

 colors, and should not, unless about to start a 

 circus, select a cream, or spotted animal, for my 

 own stable. I have, however, seen some good 

 roans and duns, although I should prefer my own 

 stud principally to consist of bays, greys, browns, 

 and blacks, with a liver-colored chestnut, perhaps, 

 thrown in. 



I prefer a plain horse, however, with character, to 

 what may be styled a pretty one without it. No 

 horse should "interfere" (that is, hit himself) in his 

 paces ; but, on the contrary, go clear and straight 

 all round. If, however, a horse hits himself before, 

 it is "your" look out, so to speak, and, if behind, 

 "his own" only. The former, of course, being a 

 habit which may endanger the rider's safety, whilst 

 the latter will not. Many horses are pin-toed, or 

 inclined to ''dish," but their usefulness is not neces- 

 sarily in the least impeded by such peculiarities of 

 gait, although they are not to be desired. Don't 



