28 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



and suppling exercises, but unless the purchaser is an 

 expert, it is best to give up any idea of "reforming" a 

 horse. For the same reason horses who are shown with 

 sharp or queer-looking bits, because they are supposed 

 "to go better that way," should be looked upon with 

 suspicion by all but the experienced. 



Horses that stumble, balk, pull, pitch, or rear should 

 never be considered unless they are marvels at their 

 particular game and the prospective purchaser is an 

 experienced rider. Playful bucking and kicking, as 

 long as it does not degenerate into real pitching, may 

 be overlooked by a good rider, but I cannot too strongly 

 advise a woman to reject a rearer at all costs. By 

 rearer I do not mean a horse who occasionally plunges, 

 or who playfully goes up a few inches off the ground 

 when restrained (although this habit, if not properly 

 handled, can easily develop into rearing). But a real 

 rearer should not be taken, even as a gift, by any right- 

 minded woman. I have ridden many myself, and 

 thoroughly disliked the job, for it is the most danger- 

 ous vice that a woman's horse can possess. She has 

 hardly any chance to get away if he falls over back- 

 ward. 



When the purchaser has thoroughly considered the 

 horse and finds that he suits as to conformation, gaits, 

 and manners, he should next examine the animal for 

 blemishes and unsoundness. Horses with curbs, spa- 

 vin, ring or side bones, those touched in the wind, or 

 about which there is the slightest rumor that they may 

 be subject to "staggers," should be rejected. The 

 degree of suspicion with which splints should be looked 

 upon depends entirely upon their position on the bones, 

 and the stage of growth which they have acquired. 

 It would be very risky to purchase a young horse with 



