THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 277 



Jack Webber. " The first requisite in a coach-horse is 

 action. The second, substance, because horses draw by 

 their weight and not by the mere force of their muscles, 

 but action is necessary to perpetuate this force. Thirdly, 

 good legs and feet, with power and breeding equal to the 

 nature and length of the ground or stage on which they 

 are to work. Lastly, wind. Without good wind all the 

 other properties are of no avail in a coach-horse required 

 to go fast ; for, let its strength be what it may, it will not 

 avail much after the first five miles, if he have not good 

 wind. A good winded coach-horse will always keep up 

 his condition, because he is never distressed on any 

 reasonable length of ground. Sound legs and feet are 

 very necessary for wheel-horses, especially on hilly roads ; 

 but I have driven many a good and safe-footed bad-legged 

 leader, which has been a free worker, running well up to 

 his bit. I consider fifteen hands two inches to be the 

 best size for a horse for light coaches and quick work ; 

 but would prefer sixteen hands for heavy coaches and 

 slow work." 



Frank Raby. " You have said nothing of the mouth." 



Jack Webber. " Oh, we must take mouths as we find 

 them, in regular work. We like what we call 'cheek 

 horses,' when we can get them, but we manoeuvre them in 

 the best way we can, when we find them queer ; and with 

 the help of check-reins, side-reins, nose martingales, 

 curb-chain in the mouth, altering the coupling- reins, 

 and such like, we generally bring them to our hands. 

 But in regular work, mouth in a coach-horse is of not so 

 much consequence, because he is always running home, 

 and knows his ground. For gentleman's work mouth is 

 everything, on account of the turning and twisting to 

 which they are subject. Gentleman's horses should play 

 with their bits, and not be afraid of them ; and each side 

 of their mouths should be equal. When this is the case, 

 the higher their courage the safer they are to drive, 

 because, when running fearlessly up to their bits, they 

 feel every motion of their coachman's hand. Of all teams, 

 the most difficult to drive is that in which there are two 

 good and sufficientlv free workers, one slug, and a raking 

 (fretful) leader." 



Sir John. u You are right, Jack ; it is a regular teazer. 

 Let us have your science on that point." 



Jack Webber. "As regards the 'raker,' you shall the 



