THE HORSE 205 



but it should be distinctly understood that a 



horse is to be returned if not liked. Under 



these circumstances it is absurd for the neophyte 



to pit his knowledge against that of the man 



whose business it is to know everything about 



a horse. Let him go to the dealer and say, { I 



want so many hunters to carry me safely and 



well over a certain country.' Ask him to fix a 



figure on each horse he shows you, and when 



he has put a price on about double the number 



you require, then proceed to make your selection. 



Ride each one in turn, gallop them downhill, 



and jump them over a few small fences. You 



may conclude that those which give you a pleasant 



feeling, which do not seem as if they were going 



to tumble on their heads when landing over the 



fences (and in fact leave the impression of a 



well-balanced rocking-chair), have good shoulders. 



Don't bother your head about splints, curbs, 



spavins, or any other defect you may read about, 



but insist on having good shoulders. Leave the 



question of the animal's capabilities and education 



as a hunter entirely to the honour of the dealer ; 



put your trust in the veterinary surgeon you 



employ to examine about all matters of sound- 



