14 



imparting to him the precise ideas he is intended to 

 conceive. He will generally learn less in half-a-dozen 

 lessons than a nervous, high-spirited colt will learn 

 in one. 



INDICATIONS OF TEMPERAMENT. 



The practised eye of a skilled horseman can 

 predict pretty accurately in a few minutes what the 

 character of a horse is likely to be. The chief indica- 

 tions are found in the eyes, the position of the ears, 

 and the general conformation of the head. A great 

 deal might be written on the various shapes of skulls 

 as indicating the different character and temperament 

 of horses. It is quite possible to reduce them to a 

 very sound and accurate theory, but it would occupy 

 too much time and space to enumerate them all, 

 besides, a scientific knowledge of this matter is not 

 absolutely necessary in the ordinary management of 

 horses. A few of the more pronounced indications 

 shall be given, however, which may prove of some 

 help to the uninitiated in determining the character 

 of different horses with which they may have to deal. 



A horse that is continually moving his eyes about 

 in all directions with a somewhat startled expression, 

 and his ears well forward and stationary, will generally 

 be in possession of a good and even temper. There 

 is a great difference between a startled expression 

 in the eyes and a watcJiful one. The ears are 

 scarcely ever laid back when a horse is startled, but 

 when he is watchful they are generally in that posi- 



