THE CHOICE OF A HORSE 51 



to be a good stayer. A strong back and loins 

 will carry weight. Now stand directly behind 

 him, when, unless the muscles of the thighs and 

 quarters impress you with strength, you may be 

 sure that jumping with a weight on his back will 

 be a task beyond his power. Carry your eye lower 

 down, see that the second thighs are full, and then 

 that the hock is clean and flat. Big bone below 

 the hock is a very important point in a hunter, 

 and never buy one with small fetlock joints. The 

 imperfections of the foot may sometimes be for- 

 given, as we generally hunt on soft ground, but, 

 when the sole of the foot is flat and nearly level 

 with the frog, you will be wise not to purchase. 



Unless, however, you are an expert you will be 

 wise to leave all questions of soundness to your 

 veterinary surgeon and content yourself with select- 

 ing an animal that is built on the lines you think 

 best. If your purse is not well filled you must try 

 your luck at auction and hope to pick up a bargain ; 

 but unless you are very careful, you will probably 

 be landed with an old useless brute. With a 

 substantial balance at the bank, the best plan 

 is to go to a good dealer, tell him exactly what 

 you want, and ask him to show you a certain 

 number of animals that he can recommend ; then 

 make your own choice after having a ride. If 

 you see one you do not like, give no reason for 

 not taking it ; just say nothing and pass on to the 

 next. 



All the horses in a dealer's stable are for sale, 



