62 



from the remaining debility of a sinew that has 

 formerly been strained, and in most, perhaps, froic 

 thrush, corns, tender heels, and other affections ol, 

 the feet. If it is exhibited on the ride, the lega 

 may reasonably be suspected ; if on the stones 

 the feet are probably bad : but wherever the faull( 

 exists, it is a decided fault, and the horse is am 

 unsafe purchase. 



While I am adverting generally to the selectiorj 

 of a horse, I may allude to one or two other pointsi 

 deserving consideration. In j udging of his heightl 

 be careful to have him placed on level groundi 

 In the usual way in which horses are shown i 

 purchasers may be deceived to the extent o J 

 an inch, or perhaps two; and that differencr 

 is important, not only in reference to his strength 

 but because it may materially affect his re-sale 

 Few horses under fifteen hands and a half art > 

 eligible for posting, stages, or similar purposes v^ 

 and though a gentleman buys a horse to keep him. 

 he should never forget the probability of his being 

 speedily obliged to part with him, if a month's trial 

 proves that he does not answer his purpose. 



A due elevation of the shoulder, is also con- 

 sidered a desirable point in a saddle-horse. I 

 cannot say that I have ever regarded it as of great 

 importance, but it has undoubtedly a tendency to 



