THOROUGH -BRED HORSES. 165 



from it, indeed, just at first, though subsequent 

 superiority makes amends for the little eccentricities of 

 gait and temper peculiar to pupils from the racing- 

 stable in their early youth. 



An idle, lurching mover, rather narrow before the 

 saddle, with great power of back and loins, a habit 

 of bearing on its rider's hand, one side to its mouth, and 

 a loose neck, hardly inspires a careful man with the 

 confidence necessary for enjoyment ; coming away from 

 Ranksborough, for instance, down-hill, with the first 

 fence leaning towards him, very little room, his horse 

 too much extended, going on its shoulders, and getting 

 the better of him at every stride ! 



But this is an extreme case, purposely chosen to 

 illustrate at their worst, the disadvantages of riding a 

 thorough-bred horse. 



It is often our own fault, when we buy one of these 

 illustrious cast-offs, that our purchase so disappoints 

 us after we have got it home. Many men believe that 

 to carry them through an exhausting run, such staying 

 powers are required as win under high weights and at 

 long distances on the turf. 



Their selection, therefore^ from the racing-stable, is 

 some young one of undeniably stout blood, that when 

 " asked the question " for the first time, has been found 



