14 



THE FAMILY HORSE. 



should possess a sound constitution, correct form, intelligence and 

 good temper. A narrow browed or Roman nosed horse with evil 

 temper is undesirable, however many good points it may have in 

 speed, age or shape. A horse naturally gentle but lacking in intel- 

 ligence is unsafe, for it will become panic-stricken and lose its head. 

 Some of the quietest horses have been known to run away and kick 

 things to pieces from fright, when an intelhgent animal would have 

 seen nothing to excite panic. A stupid horse will never show aflfec- 



Fig. 11.— SIDE VIEW OF HORSE. 



tion or learn anything. The best index of a horse's mental capacity 

 is the expression and color of its eyes. Any considerable amotmt of 

 visible white is undesirable. A broad full forehead generally indi- 

 cates a good brain. Of course these signs are not infallible ; a horse 

 may have a very attractive appearance and yet have vicious tricks 

 by inheritance or from previous bad management. The writer once 

 bought on trial a beautiful chestnut mare, which proved to be kind, 

 intelligent and affectionate, in fact a very model of a family horse, 

 until one day when a stranger attempted to drive her with a little 



