90 ' TAMING HORSES. 



more service than the northern horses, and do not 

 require half so much care. But a race of horses, 

 far superior to either of the above-mentioned, can 

 be raised, by procuring some of those beautiful 

 Andalusian studs, and putting them with northern 

 mares. This would be really improving the race 

 of horses in this country. .1 would likewise advise 

 the planters to procure both mares and horses, and 

 raise at least some elegant riding horses from this 

 Andalusian race. I have more than once mounted 

 upon a fiery Arabian steed, that hardly seemed to 

 touch the ground, as he bounded over the plains — 

 I have likewise ridden upon some of the finest 

 horses raised in New Spain — and, for my life, I 

 have found it difficult to distinguish the difference 

 between the former and the latter. They are of 

 the same size — their shape is the same — their long, 

 floating mane the same— their beautiful, small and 

 well turned hoof the same, and so hard that they 

 travel over vastly high and rocky mountains, with- 

 out being shod. Add to this, their hardiness to 

 undergo fatigue. I have ridden one of these horses 

 for twenty days together, going from fifty to fifty- 

 five miles a day, and frequently changing from a 

 cold to a hot climate, and vice versa ; for in New 

 Spain, climates are hot or cold, according as they 

 are liigher or lower ; and this I have done, with- 

 out my horse ever appearing in the least jaded, or 



