CHOOSING A POLO PONY. 



105 



the animal's mouth and lower jaw, in order to find 

 marks of old scars on the chin-groove or bruises or 

 sores on the corners of the lips, bars of the mouth and 

 under the tongue, all of which are generally sure signs 

 of pulling, and should therefore be regarded with the 

 greatest suspicion. 



Good action is most important, because it means 



Fig. 49. — The wrong type of thoroughbred pony. 



speed and weight-carrying power, and is obtained 

 when the movement in all paces is true, straight and 

 not too high. We should never buy a pony which 

 turns its toes out ; because this defect will probably 

 give rise to brushing, and will more or less detract 

 from the animal's weight-carrying power. A pony 

 that steps high can seldom gallop. A quick striding 



