THE EQUESTRIAN ART. 269 



never ought to be attempted but upon the im- 

 pulfe of uncontroulable neceflity. Thefe mur- 

 derous feats mould be ever excluded from the 

 fporting fyftem, which, in no fenfe, needs them. 

 I have often obferved, that our beft Horfes j 

 when in the higrheft condition, lofe their cheer- 

 fulnefs, and their ftomach, if ridden more than 

 four-fcore miles in a day ; but that diftance 

 they will travel, and even continue it for three 

 or four fucceffive days, if they are fkilfully 

 ridden, and well attended. Every body knows 

 that a good nag will go fifty or fixty miles in a 

 day, with pleafure, and even continue it awhile, 

 if need be. 



There is a frequent deception in Horfes, 

 which, for the fake of humanity, I muft not 

 omit to mention. Many of them, apparently 

 well-fhaped, with good action, and in perfect 

 health and condition, are yet unable to endure 

 any fevere fervice. Thirty or forty miles, if 

 they are obliged to travel it expeditioufly, ufu- 

 ally puts an end to their appetite and their abi- 

 lity. The defeat lies in their loins, and is vifi- 

 ble in their thinnefs, and faulty conformation. 

 Such horfes mould never be travelled at a 

 quicker rate, than about feven miles per hour, 

 for a continuance ; whereas, a good one, will 

 perform eleven, the flage through, without in- 

 convenience : but in fuch expeditious travel- 

 ling, 



