14 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



should match the carriage, as if he is too small he looks over- 

 weighted (even if strong enough), and if too tall the carriage 

 looks out of proportion, and the horse is lifting up the weight 

 instead of drawing it horizontally. He should have a broad 

 chest, a lofty crest, a broad back (if rather hollow it is no 

 objection), a flowing mane, a full and v/ell-carried tail, and 

 present a combination of breeding and power, with grand and 

 stately action all round ; and though only supposed to travel 

 at the rate of eight miles an hour, he should be within his 

 pace at eleven or twelve miles. Such a horse fetches a high 

 price in the dealer's hands, and especially if the action of the 

 animal be what is termed "grand"; the price may then be 

 what is designated " fancy," and rise high in the three figures. 



For lighter carriages, such as the wagonette, dog-cart, 

 Victoria phaeton, etc., a lighter and better bred horse is more 

 suitable. The height here again will depend on the size of 

 the carriage, and may run from fifteen hands one or two inches 

 to sixteen hands. Good conformation and action are, of 

 course, essential, with a fair amount of speed. Sound fore- 

 legs and hocks are not to be neglected in this description of 

 horse, the price of which may vary from £25 or £30 to £80 

 or £90. The best of the class are generally found in Norfolk, 

 which produces good steppers, with strength and just propor- 

 tions. 



The omnibus, van, and trader's horse is to be found in 

 many parts of the country, and varies in size and quality 

 more than perhaps any other kind of horse. He generally has 

 but little breeding — a half-bred mare and a cart-horse sire 

 being usually the pedigree of the great majority of van and 

 omnibus horses. Light agricultui^al horses — such as those 

 bred in many parts of Wales — come in very useful for this 

 kind of work, and are largely used. The chief objection to 

 them is the coarseness of their legs, which are very hairy, and 

 their hoofs are often large. The price is from £25 to £50. 



