8 HOBSE TRAINING MADE EASY. 



up horses in the most unlikely places, and at 

 all sorts of prices. Having- found something" of 

 the stamp you want, do not be too particular 

 about his color, or the length of his tail — "a 

 good horse is never a bad color,'' remember, and 

 it is as impossible to get one that exactly suits 

 you in all respects, as it is for mortal man to 

 attain complete happiness on earth. Again, do 

 not be too exacting about the conditions of a 

 trial, such as the owner's natural desire to be 

 present at it, etc. If the animal is a hunter, you 

 must see him over fences; if a hack, trot and 

 canter him along the hardest road you can find; 

 then, if you can get any soft going, gallop him 

 steadily. In this way you can find out whether 

 his paces are easy, and suitable to the work you 

 have in contemplation for him, and you will also 

 ascertain whether his wind is clear. Pay special 

 attention to the feel of his mouth; and then, 

 having satisfied yourself that he is about the 

 style of horse you want, your functions as rider 

 end, and those of the veterinary surgeon begin. 

 Now comes the question as to whether you will 

 employ one of these professional "aids to buy- 

 ers," or whether you will undertake the duties 

 yourself. It is difficult to lay down any rule 

 upon this point, but I may say that I have, from 

 beginning to end, purchased a very large nuui- 

 ber of horses, and never in one single instance 

 had recourse to professional assistance. This by 

 no means, however, proves that it is a safe plan 

 to dispense with a veterinary examination, nor 

 is it any guarantee that I, personally, may not 

 be fairly caught at the very next venture. As- 

 suming that you have determined to examine for 

 yourself, as far as your abilities allow, into the 

 soundness of the proffered animal, you will find 



