26 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



For the novice, take it all in all, the gelding is, per- 

 haps, the best. 



Aside from the above, and beyond all considerations 

 of conformation, a horse should possess that indefin- 

 able attribute called quality. This, in a horse, is what 

 refinement is in a person. Apart from the added gain 

 in looks, the question of breeding is so closely allied to 

 the nervous organization of the animal, that a well- 

 bred horse is not only more sensitive and intelligent, 

 and more responsive to the slightest impression re- 

 ceived from the rider, but is also more courageous, 

 and has more endurance, vigor, and speed than the 

 low-bred animal of twice his size. 



Good action, generally, although not always, accom- 

 panies a well-formed, properly proportioned horse. 

 He should move with decision, evenness, and free- 

 dom, and there should be no sign of stiffness or jerki- 

 ness in any one part. He should have a free, easy 

 walk; should place his feet so that his shoes are worn 

 down evenly, and his tread should be light, nimble, 

 and make but little noise. He should lift his feet 

 sufficiently to clear all ordinary obstacles on the 

 ground. 



A horse with a good, flat-footed walk is usually free 

 in his other paces; whereas an animal with a cramped 

 walk generally has a poor trot as well. At the trot 

 the fore legs and hind legs should move freely in unity; 

 the knees flexed easily, and the hocks flexed well un- 

 der the body. The foot should be put to the ground 

 lightly, and with precision, and should neither "point" 

 stiffly outward nor "dwell" before touching the ground. 



The movement should commence from the shoulder 

 and ought not to be confined merely to the knees. 

 These, although not excessively flexed, should be suffi- 



