6 HORSES AND RIDING. 



horse is required for, he is better for possessing sym- 

 metry and action, and a good temper or disposition. 



The chief point, therefore, which anyone has to 

 settle in their own mind in choosing a horse is, what 

 amount of breeding, and what amount of size, they 

 wish to have in the animal they select. Colour is b}' 

 some supposed to be a question simply of fashion and 

 of fancy, but some colours are almost always preferred 

 to others ; and, as far as can be judged, particular 

 qualities are generally to be found allied with par- 

 ticular colours. As regards what is generally called 

 a horse's make and shape, it will be found that, as a 

 horse being well-shaped means being symmetrical, 

 and as symmetrical means a certain proportion or 

 harmony between the component parts, that therefore 

 there is a certain resemblance or family likeness 

 between well-shaped horses, of whatever size or breed 

 they may be. 



We will, therefore, lay down as a rule that when 

 you want to buy a horse you ought to consider what 

 size you want him to be, and what amount of breed- 

 ing you wish him to have, and then try and obtain 

 as much of all the other good qualities as you can. 



