190 THE HORSE. 



That, however, is nothing in comparison of riding to 

 hounds down the flinty and chalky hills of Surrey 

 and Kent. 



When a hack, always known to ride quiet, does 

 not set off readily, or makes a stop upon the road, 

 the rider may be assured that it arises from some 

 sudden painful bodily affection, or something mis- 

 placed and galling in his furniture. On such an oc- 

 currence, it would be most unfeeling, to correct and 

 drive the animal on; the rider should instantly dis- 

 mount, and examine both horse and tackling, at all 

 points; the curb may be too tight and severe, the 

 checks of the bridle too short, the girths too tight (I 

 have several times seen a quiet horse refuse to pro- 

 ceed when mounted, from the girths being drawn up 

 to that excess, as if to make halves of the animal), or 

 he may have picked up a nail, or a stone. He may 

 be suddenly griped or seized with a fit of strangury, 

 which will appear from his dilated nostrils, sweating 

 at the ear roots, staring coat, and attempts to stale. 

 Aged and worked hackneys are liable to the stran- 

 gury, in which case, all the rider can do is to lead 

 him about gently, and give him time to void the 

 dripping urine. Some of your knowing and quidding 

 country jockeys are up to the stupid practice of 

 placing the saddle entirely backward, upon the 

 horse's loins, girthing it bursting tight upon his 

 paunch, giving great pain whilst it may remain in 

 that state, which is seldom long ; and when the sad- 

 dle gets forward, it is with more proportionally 

 loosened girths. 



Arrived at the inn, and the horse cool, no extra 



