36 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



them, although an unfavourable symptom, need not 

 condemn the animal ; it may have been occasioned by 

 abuse of the bit, or by the use of an improper one. A 

 cicatrix on the mouth is a defect, as showing that the true 

 skin has been removed from its place, and if a decided 

 induration, or anything like a lump can be felt in the 

 vicinity of it, evidence is afforded that the animal is a 

 puller. He ought not to be purchased for a lady's use. 



A good foot is an indispensable adjunct. I am not in 

 favour of over long, or excessively sloping pasterns, 

 although they are preferable to those that are either too 

 much shortened, or unduly upright. Where the latter defect 

 exists, it indicates, in my opinion, a thickening and rigidity 

 of the flexor muscles, and produces an unsafe method of 

 planting the feet, particularly in walking. A light, supple 

 pliant pastern is a great beauty. I have often watched a 

 thoroughbred racer trotting over turf. The fetlock actually 

 tips the groimd, or seems to do so, at every step, and if 

 elasticity and slenderness of this portion of a horse's 

 anatomy were to be regarded as indications of weakness, 

 very few finely-bred animals would ever pass the post at all. 

 Strong high hoofs, with broad, firm, well-shaped heels, 

 are most desirable ; though I know that in saying this I 

 am challenging a large array of contrary opinions. I have 

 heard many persons found their liking for low hoofs on the 

 crround that an excess of horny substance checks expan- 

 sion, and pinches the internal substance. This is, with all 

 due respect, a fallacy. The hoof caujiot press upon or 

 injure the internal portion of the foot, any more than a 



