BUYING HORSES. 55 



my readers to imagine the work usually done in the West 

 by horses — plowing, logging and other kinds of heavy 

 work. They are certainly quiet and used to draught, 

 but never having had anything but a plain ring snaffle 

 to guide them, and rough hands to handle them, are 

 hard-mouthed, misshapen in their conformation for car- 

 riage work, and therefore more difficult to bit and alter 

 their style and Avay of going than the young horse who 

 has done nothing but run out since being foaled. 

 Dealers' horses, as a rule, are or should be kept fresh 

 from the time they arrive in the city, tliej get just 

 enough exercise to keep them on edge. They are un- 

 accustomed to the paving stones, and everything is 

 strange to them. When being shown to an intending 

 purchaser they are certainly shown to the best advant- 

 age; so in fact is every other article you purchase. They 

 may have been sick with distemper, pinkeye or other 

 diseases which young horses are liable to contract. As 

 soon as their recovery is assui'ed they are made up for 

 the market, and sold as soon as possible. Their 

 having been sick and getting only moderate exercise 

 necessitates their being kept on short rations, just 

 enough soft feed to keep them looking well. After they 

 are sold, however, their treatment alters at once un- 

 less the coachman knows something, and his employer 

 allows him to do what he thinks right. They are no 



