I20 HINTS ON PURCHASING. 



and the large, later : a very important consideration in either 

 buying or selling. 



There is another matter in reference to the size of the 

 horse that it will not do to ignore altogether ; large horses 

 are not only more liable to break down, but more often 

 become roarers. 



The performances of small and large yearlings in the 

 paddock have been referred to in Chapter IX. ; but the 

 purchase of yearlings is a subject of so special an interest, 

 that I shall not attempt to deal with it now, but reserve it for 

 the next chapter. We may however, I think, conclude from 

 what has been here put forward, not only that small horses 

 are best as two-year-olds and the larger ones later, but that 

 small yearlings, if bad, may be got rid of with little fear 

 of parting with a good one. Large horses ought to be tried 

 a distance of ground before being sold as good for nothing ; 

 as indeed should the small, unless they are wretchedly slow. 

 A horse that has speed should always be tried over a distance 

 of ground which may prove to be his forte before being 

 parted with even for a good sum. So much said, it appears 

 that with some observations on warranty, this portion of my 

 subject may be brought to a conclusion. 



It is very seldom a warranty of any sort is given with a 

 racehorse, age and pedigree always excepted. I have known 

 but very few people who ever asked for, or gave one, as to 

 soundness. Though I have sold hundreds of horses I never 

 remember warranting one sound, and have seMom been asked 

 to do so. When Oxonian was sold ior £1,200, it was conditional 

 that the veterinary surgeon should pass him sound. He was 

 examined and returned, though really one of the soundest 

 horses alive, and the following year, after doing "the state 

 some service," was sold unconditionally for ^1,100 to the 



