ON HORSEMANSHIP. 2ji 



ing over walls, rufhing upwards againft a bank, and 

 jumping down from the top of one. He fhould like- 

 wife be tried in mounting up, and defcending from a 

 fteep hill, or running acrofs it. — Thefe experiments 

 will prove whether his fpirit be good, and his body- 

 found and ftrong. 



Neverthelefs, it is not to be concluded, that an horfe 

 who is not equal to all thefe trials, is abfolutely to be 

 rejeded; for many may fail in thefe attempts, not from 

 want of fpirit or ability, but for want of ufe and ex- 

 perience ; which, when they have been taught and 

 difciplined, will perform thefe exercifes perfeftly well, 

 provided that they are found, and endowed with cou- 

 rage and refolution. 



A fufpicious and timid horfe muft be abfolutely 

 avoided. For with this cowardly difpofition, he will 

 not advance to charge an enemy ; and, from his fear 

 and fliynefs, may be fo troublefome as even to fling 

 the rider, and expofe him to great danger. 



The qualities and temper of the animal fhould like- 

 wife be examined, that it may be known if he has 

 any vices, of what kind they may be, and whether he 

 Ihows them towards men, or other horfes ; likewife 

 how he bears being handled or dreffed ; fmce from his 

 behaviour, in thefe circumftances, he becomes valu- 

 able or ufelefs to his owner. 



A furer judgment may alfo be formed of his docility 

 and patience, to be bridled and mounted, as well as in; 



per- 



