126 HORSEMANSHIP- 



direction ; and, as soon as he has selected the road, 

 immediately compel him to go in the opposite direction. 

 Pursue this plan throughout the ride wherever a number 

 of roads meet. Should he be vicious, he will generally 

 prove it by rearing or plunging in the endeavour to 

 gain his own ends. Bring him frequently in contact 

 with other horses, and part with them abruptly. Their 

 presence will prove whether he possesses any of the 

 characteristics of the entire horse, and the sudden sepa- 

 ration will tend to try his temper or show his docility. 

 Ride at a rapid trot past carts and carriages, and 

 observe if he exhibit alarm at their near approach. 

 The horse that is perpetually shying is not only dis- 

 agreeable, but dangerous also. 



In the gallop allow the head to be perfectly free. 

 The roarer will then be soon detected. Any imper- 

 fection in the breathing is an unsoundness. When the 

 horse is in motion, there is a j)eculiar muscular con- 

 traction of the nostrils, which indicates distress if the 

 lungs are not in a healthy condition. These trials 

 being concluded, there remains the consideration that 

 the tricks of the trade are various and many. Among 

 the chief are bish oping or re-marking the nippers ; 

 punching out the foal's teeth, and filing others ; dosing 



