18 ' THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



both in this country and in Europe, he shows, 

 at the present day, a decided improvement upon 

 the original native of the desert. He is larger 

 and swifter, yet still retains all the spirit as 

 well as docility of his ancestors. In America 

 his descendants are called " thorough-breds," 

 and Americans may well be proud of this race 

 of horses, which is rapidly becoming world re- 

 nowned. 



Before purchasing a saddle - horse, several 

 points should be considered. First, the style 

 of the rider's figure ; for a horse which would 

 be suitable for a large, stout person would not 

 be at all desirable for one having a small, slen- 

 der figure. A large, majestic looking woman 

 would present a very absurd spectacle when 

 mounted upon a slightly built, slender horse ; 

 his narrow back in contrast with that of his 

 rider would cause hers to appear even larger 

 and wider than usual, and thus give her a heavy 

 and ridiculous appearance, while the little horse 

 would look overburdened and miserable, and 

 his step, being too short for his rider, would 

 cause her to experience an unpleasant sensation 

 of embarrassment and restraint. On the other 

 hand, a short, light, slender rider, seated upon a 



in a great measure, the secret of the good temper of the Arab 

 horse in Arab hands." Blackwood's Magazine, 1859. 



