4 EXTERIOR CONFORMATION 



claim, that <' there are good horses of all shapes." 

 The fact is, a great deal depends on the quantum 

 of nervous energy or " bottom" which the animal 

 possesses, and it is the union of this energy with 

 good conformation that makes many horses 

 invaluable. Its absence or presence, however, 

 is not likely to be discovered by the purchaser 

 without a trial ; and to avoid disappointment in 

 this respect, it is therefore advisable to obtain 

 one prior to purchase. The horse should be set 

 to the work he will be called on to perform, and 

 if he is intended for the saddle or single harness, 

 he should have no companion on his trial, for 

 many horses work well in company, that are 

 downright sluggards when alone. 



Some horses have an unpleasant way of going, 

 or are difficult to manage, or have some vice 

 which is only displayed at work. These are so 

 many more reasons for having a trial prior to 

 striking a bargain. But if that cannot be obtained, 

 some sort of conclusion regarding the animal's 

 spirit may be drawn from his general appearance. 

 The way he carries his head — his attention to 

 surrounding objects — his gait — and the lively 

 motion of his ears, may all or each be looked to 

 as indicative of " bottom" or willingness to work. 



