CHOOSING A MOUNT 95 



power, he should not be discarded be- 

 cause he lacks beauty. A large head, 

 ewe neck, ragged hips, rat -tail, poor 

 coat, and other such ungainly points, 

 are not bad enough to condemn him if 

 he has the other qualities I have men- 

 tioned ; and often a peculiarly shaped 

 animal will out -jump a horse of the 

 most correct conformation. 



After carefully looking over the horse, 

 a woman should have some one trot and 

 Gait and canter him, to see that his action 



Manners j g what she wants< A p ar k hack 



should have free, easy gaits, with good 

 knee and hock action, and travel evenly 

 and without brushing, cutting, interfer- 

 ing, dishing, or showing any such irreg- 

 ularities of gait. She should watch him 

 from in front, from behind, and at the 

 sides; and, after his trial by a man, the 

 woman should ride him, and find out 

 what his faults are under the saddle. 



