418 



POINTS. 



of horse "exercise. This matter is the more important, because stoutness 

 of the body allows a fair inference to be drawn as to the substance of 

 tHe haunches. It is true, no absolute law may therefrom be deduced ; 

 but as expectation is warranted, the fact should always be remarked 



A KIDER HAVING PLENTY BEFORE HIM WHEK 

 IN THE SADDLE. 



A RIDER CLOSE ON THE NECK WHEN 

 IN THE SADDLE. 



The haunch is that portion of the frame upon which a capability for 

 work is chiefly dependent. This region, therefore, should appear to be 

 the embodiment of strength. It should not seem soft, or invite those 

 pats which inexperienced horsemen are fond of administering to this 

 portion of the body, but the aspect ought rather to suggest firmness and 

 power; for here resides the force which must propel the load or direct 

 the bound. Always choose an animal with good haunches, and invari- 

 ably regard the position of the tail ; as the situation of the dock, when 

 on a'line with the back-bone, denotes the greatest possible length, and 

 therefore the largest amount of muscular activity to be present. 



Never purchase a horse which is recommended as fully equal to carry 

 your weight; for the dealer who asserts this is, by his interest in the 

 sale, incapacitated from forming a just opinion. But ostensibly appear 

 to seek a horse for a friend — never for yourself — and state the nominal 

 owner to ride at least four if not six stone heavier than the would-be 

 purchaser. There is a saying, that an animal will run away with too 

 light a load ; but that assertion is mere noijsense. Most vicious quad- 

 rupeds are weakly creatures. The powerful frame is generally united to 

 an even temper. Strength does not endanger the female equestrian, 

 although ladies generally are mounted upon the best-made, the strongest, 

 and the most valuable steeds. Indeed, this argument is never urged, 

 save when a gentleman hesitates to accept a weakly quadruped, or 



