30 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



Between these extremes, however, there are 

 many varieties of horses, possessing more or 

 less of the Arabian characteristics mingled with 

 those of other races. Some of the best American 

 horses are numbered among these mixed races, 

 and, by many, are considered an improvement 

 upon the Arabian, as they are excellent for 

 light carriages and buggies. The more they 

 resemble the Oriental steed, the better they are 

 for the saddle. 



The lady who, in this country, cannot find a 

 horse to suit her, will, indeed, be difficult to 

 please. It will be best for her to tell some 

 gentleman what sort of horse she wishes, and 

 let him select for her ; but, at the same time, 

 it can do no harm, and may prove a great ad- 

 vantage to her to know all the requisite points 

 of a good saddle-horse. It will not take long 

 to learn them, and the knowledge gained will 

 prevent her from being imposed upon by the 

 ignorant or unscrupulous. Gentlemen, even 

 those who consider themselves good judges of 

 horse-flesh, are sometimes guilty of very serious 

 blunders in selecting a horse for a lady's use ; 

 and should the lady be obliged to negotiate di- 

 rectly with a horse-dealer, she must bear in 

 mind constantly the fact that, although there 

 are reliable and honorable dealers to be found, 



