40 HORSES AND RIDING. 



CHAPTER VII. 



TEMPER. 



In clioosijig a horse for liuntingj in addition to the 

 size and strength and breeding of the horse, the 

 purchaser will have to consider the horse's disposi- 

 tion, constitution, age, and capabilities. 



Here again it will in a great measure depend on 

 what he wants him to do, and how he wants to ride 

 him — whether particular qualities are necessary or 

 immaterial. And here the horse's qualities should 

 in some degree resemble those of his rider. Thus a 

 resolute, hard horse will carry an irritable, hasty 

 man, better than a nervous, timid horse would. A 

 noted jumper is wasted on a rider who never wants 

 to jump a fence, or who only rides at very small 

 places. If a man is possessed of a hard, strong con- 

 stitution he should endeavour to get a horse with 

 the same qualities, as he will most likely go out in 

 all weathers and ride long distances, and would tire 

 out and knock up a horse that might carry another 

 rider pretty well, who did not want to get so much 



