PURCHASE AND PRELIMINARIES 



in second thighs as a hound pup ; in fact not a 

 few breeders of thoroughbreds maintain that this 

 latter characteristic is essential to the race horse, 

 and Hanover and imported Meddler were both 

 entirely wanting in any development there. A 

 tail, well set and gaily carried, is attractive and 

 generally evidence of good courage, yet beware 

 the tail that is carried to one side, for it is almost 

 an infallible signal of an existing weakness of 

 structure somewhere in the anatomy of that side, 

 which may have developed, may be developing, 

 or may never develop, but probably will. The 

 drooping quarter and low-set tail are generally 

 indications that a horse is quick on his feet, and 

 will jump well, so that, in race horse or hunter, 

 this formation is rather desirable. The horse 

 whose hocks are set in will not improbably inter- 

 fere, over-reach, or " cross-fire; " that is, overreach 

 on to the opposite forefoot. Your veterinary will 

 tell you if he has done any or all of these things, 

 or if he is shod to correct or prevent them ; as 

 also whether his teeth show marks of cribbing, his 

 jugular vein has been interfered with by bleeding, 

 etc. On all such matters be guided by him. 



Above all things get the bugbear of actual 

 soundness out of your head, and be satisfied with 



II 



