62 THE HORSE. 



but to shine upon the parade, and for prowess in the 

 field of battle. Great judgment is requisite in select- 

 ing horses of this description for the service. Under 

 the system now considered obsolete, the horses of 

 our dragoons were chosen rather for their bulk and 

 strength, than for their lightness and activity. It 

 seemed as if it had been thought that an imposing 

 appearance was the only thing desirable ; but a 

 change has since taken place in this respect, and 

 war-horses have latterly been selected for their nim- 

 bleness and capability of getting over the ground. 

 The artificial method of training a cavalry-horse, so 

 as to make him at once showy on the parade and 

 courageous in the field, must necessarily disqualify 

 him for commonly useful purposes. This innova- 

 tion, however, on old notions, may be carried too 

 far : every one knows the fate of the French cuiras- 

 siers, when opposed to our household troops at 

 Waterloo. It was the weight of the horses that car- 

 ried the day ; and to this Wellington was indebted for 

 his triumph, and to this did the conqueror of many 

 nations owe his final downfall. 



But, although heavy horses may overcome lighter 

 ones in fierce collision, there can be no question 

 that light horses are of superior value in skirmishing 

 or busy campaigns. 



The port and demeanour of the charger can never 

 be mistaken. He appears, like the eagle, ready to 

 soar into the heavens. His eye is bright and spark- 

 ling; the neck is curved in the form of a beautiful 

 arch ; and his breast protrudes in graceful majesty. 

 In a word, he is a splendid creature. 



" The fiery courser, when he hears from far 

 The sprightly trumpets and the shouts of war. 

 Pricks up his ears, and trembling with delight. 

 Shifts place, and paws, and hopes the promised fight 

 On his right shoulder his thick mane reclined. 

 Ruffles nt speed, and dancesi in the win** .* 



