60 THE HORSEMAN'S MANUAL. 



DEFECTS AND INFIRMITIES. 



I will endeavour, as briefly as possible, to mention a few 

 of the more common defects and infirmities that are met 

 with in horses, with which the rider should make himself 

 acquainted, and allow for them in training. 



The Head. 



Some horses have not only badly formed heads, but have 

 them badly put on ; much, however, may be done by pains 

 and attention, to accustom them to carry their heads as 

 near the proper position as nature will allow. 



A horse with a thick and narrow jole, between which 

 there is hardly space for the windpipe, can never carry his 

 head properly; should the rider persist in the attempt to 

 make him, he will, by pressing him up to the bit, impede 

 his respiration, and very likely cause him to fall. I am 

 led to mention these things with a hope that the rider may 

 be induced to examine his horse, and endeavour to become 

 acquainted with his defects, and ride him accordingly, as 

 horses are often severely punished for disobedience, when 

 from some natural impediment they are unable to comply. 



No one expects a deformed man to carry himself as erect 

 and firm as one that is free from such an affliction. Why, then, 

 should we be more unreasonable with a deformed horse ? 

 It is, therefore, a part of the rider's business to make him- 

 self acquainted with the defects of his horse, and to ride 

 him accordingly. 



A Low Shoulder. 



A horse of this description is very unpleasant to ride, 

 for the rider sits as though he were always going down 

 hill, and his weight is constantly pressing on the play of 

 the shoulder, and impeding its action; therefore, such a 

 horse is unfit for the saddle ; but still, if it is required to 



