230 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER 



not wanting-, to wliicli the facetious nobleman re- 

 plied : 



' " Well, gentlemen, when I meet with such a one 

 I will let you know." ' ^ 



The greenhorn had better always take with him 

 a friend experienced in horseflesh to see whether the 

 animal he intends purchasing has any blemish. 



A veterinary surgeon's oi3inion as to soundness 

 of wind and limb should also be obtained, as well as 

 a warranty from the vendor that the animal sold is 

 sound and free from vice ; but even these precautions 

 sometimes are unavailing, for it occasionally happens 

 that dealers themselves are not always familiar with 

 their horses' defects. 



' I once bought one in the country ; I rode him 

 to town — only a few miles, and he fell ; he was not 

 blemished, and I returned him. The man would not 

 believe my story ; he fancied, as they often pretend, 

 thaf I returned him from caprice, and was dissatisfied. 

 I off'ered to keep the horse on one condition — that 

 he should ride with me a mile over the stones at 

 my pace ; if he did not stumble I would have him. 

 He readily assented ; we mounted, and set off at a 

 moderate trot. 



' " There never was a surer-footed horse in 

 England — stones or sward " 



' But scarcely were the words out of his mouth 

 before the animal gave him the lie direct, blemished 



* Blaine's Encyclojycpdia of Itnral Sjwrts. 



