DANGEROUS FAILING. ] 25 



good reason ; and against the second, by having 

 the saddle put on an hour before the horse in 

 wanted, in which time it will become warm, and 

 not disagreeable to the skin of his back, which, in 

 some horses, we know to be extremely susceptible. 

 It is upon this principle that the collars are left 

 day and night upon such road coach-horses as are 

 given to "jib" at starting, the consequence of ten- 

 der shoulders. But there is one failing to which 

 hackneys are subject, not proceeding from vice, 

 but still attended with danger, as it is often the 

 cause of their falling ; and we will endeavour to 

 exhibit this failing. We need scarcely insist upon 

 a good mouth, with neck and head in good place, 

 in the best description of road-horse ; nevertheless, 

 if he will not suffer his rider to avail himself of 

 those advantages, they are useless to him. Such, 

 however, is the case when a hackney, as he is going 

 along in his fast paces, throws his head backwards, 

 which he has always the power to do, his rider 

 being unable to prevent him. Twofold danger 

 attends this fault. First, when in the act of doing 

 it, he sees not where he places his feet ; secondly, 

 his rider loses his mouth for the moment, and in 

 that moment he may fall. Independently of this, 

 it gives the rider the idea that the horse is becom- 

 ing fatigued ; and, doubtless, it is an indication to 

 that effect. Our idea, then, of a perfect hackney 

 to carry a gentleman is this : A well-bred, short- 

 legged, lengthy horse, with mry good legs and feet. 

 not under fourteen nor above fifteen hands high, 

 that will walk four miles in the hour, trot eleven 



