Arabs. 15 



extent as those of Desert-bred Arabs, is, generally, well 

 calculated to resist the effects of concussion ; as their 

 pasterns are, usually, fairly long, strong, and sloping. 

 We seldom see among them the short, upright pasterns 

 which disfigure so many English race-horses, and which 

 indicate but too surely an early break-down. Not 

 having such pure blood, they rarely show the brilliant 

 dash of speed at a finish which is so characteristic of 

 our thoroughbreds. 



Persons unacquainted with the East find some diffi- 

 culty in understanding the admiration with which many 

 Anglo-Indians regard Arabs as race-horses. From an 

 English point of view, they cannot gallop, to use a 

 common expression, fast enough to keep themselves 

 warm. Yet for all that there is a great deal to be said 

 in their favour as high-metalled racers. They are, as a 

 rule, game, honest, and grand stayers ; so sound that an 

 inexperienced owner may take all sorts of liberties with 

 them in their training, without breaking them down ; 

 docile and easy to ride ; and, above all, the best among 

 them show so little marked superiority to others of their 

 own class, that in a two-mile weight for age race, with 

 ten or twelve Arabs, we would be right, three times out 

 of four, in predicting that the proverbial tablecloth 



