12 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



less delicate and more masculine in appearance than 

 that of a mare. Although small, the head should be 

 wide across the forehead and between the eyes. It is 

 a fact that some small, well-bred heads are actually 

 wider between the eyes than large, coarse heads. As 

 the brain matter of a horse lies in this region this is 

 particularly important. 



The angles of the jaws should be wide at the jowl 

 to allow ample room for the windpipe. 



The outline of the nose may be either straight, con- 

 cave (common among Arabs), or convex. The latter 

 is called a " Roman nose," and is apt to denote a head- 

 strong disposition. The nostrils should be large and 

 wide, for a horse breathes entirely through his nose. 



The eyes should be clear, mild, large, full, and 

 prominent. Horses with sunken eyes are usually of a 

 suspicious nature — probably because they cannot see 

 well behind them. Small, sunken eyes (termed "pig 

 eyes") generally denote a vicious disposition, and 

 should therefore be avoided. Horses who constantly 

 look back at the rider, instead of boldly ahead, are apt 

 to be ready for mischief; but a horse who shows the 

 whites of his eyes, though he may be high-strung and 

 nervous, is not necessarily vicious, as is usually sup- 

 posed. 



The ears are an important indication of breeding 

 and disposition. The ideal ears are comparatively 

 small, evenly shaped, are not noticeably curved in or 

 out, and are placed moderately far apart. Ears kept in 

 constant motion denote mental activity, but when the 

 motion is restless the horse is apt to be nighty and 

 fidgety. Ears that are frequently laid back show a 

 mean disposition and an inclination to kick or bite. 

 Large mule ears, although not beautiful, are often a 



