122 SHALLOW PREJUDICES. 



Irishmen have aptly designated this mode of progres- 

 sion by the expressive appellation of c bog trot? which 

 fully expresses the common and vulgar carriage of such 

 horses. Many very excellent hunters and covert hacks 

 are afflicted with this defect in their walk, but in the 

 riding horse it is a most unpardonable fault. 



In the riding horse there is yet a most important 

 qualification, viz. manners, without which a riding horse 

 is next to useless. 



A good mouth, elegant carriage, and tractable 

 temper, in addition to make and shape, must all be fully 

 developed. 



It will now appear clear why it is so difficult to 

 obtain a perfect riding horse ; and why, when procured, 

 so large a sum is demanded for him. Some persons 

 who are really in want of a good riding horse, and are 

 prepared to give a fair sum for him, nevertheless very 

 frequently miss the chance of being possessed of one, 

 through a thousand and one prejudices which are of 

 no importance whatever. Among the number the 

 following are frequently urged : — A particular height, 

 colour, age, sex, &c, and are most frequent causes of 

 a life-long disappointment in failing to procure a good 

 riding horse. 



I would advise such persons to forsake without delay 

 running in so narrow a groove, and whenever they see 

 an animal that suits them — no matter of what colour, 

 size, age, or sex — to seize the opportunity of procur- 

 ing it without delay. A really good horse, with good 

 action and manners, always looks well and handsome, 

 no matter of what colour or size he may be. 



