QUALITIES OF THE HORSE. 63 



fore-knecs. A horse with a short hind-quarter does 

 not look well. 



The next thing to be regarded in a horse is his 

 Windf which may be easily judged of by the motion 

 of his flanks. A broken-winded horse also pinches 

 in his flanks, with a very slow motion, and drops 

 them suddenly, which may be easily perceived- 

 Many horses breathe thick that are not broken- 

 winded ; indeed, any horse will in foggy weather, or 

 if foul fed, without sufficient exercise ; but if a horse 

 has been in good keeping, and had proper exercise, 

 and yet has these symptoms, there is some defect* 

 either natural or accidental ; such as a narrow chest, 

 or some cold that has affected the lungs. 



There are other particulars that should be ob- 

 served in choosing a horse. If his Head be large 

 and fleshy, and his Neck thick and gross, he will 

 always go heavy on the hand, and therefore such 

 should never be chosen. A horse that has his Hocks 

 very wide, seldom moves well, and one that has them 

 too near will chafe and cut his legs by crossing them. 

 Fleshy-legged horses are generally subject to the 

 Grease, and other infirmities of that kind, and there- 

 fore should not be chosen. 



The Temper of a horse should be particularly 

 attended to. Avoid a fearful horse, which you may 

 know at first sight by his starting, crouching, or 

 creeping, if you approach him. A hot and fretful 

 horse is also to be avoided, but the buyer should be 

 careful to distinguish between a hot, fretful horse, 

 and one that is eager and craving. The former be- 



