6 A COUNTRY READER. 



Barb horses, and has been bred for speed and 

 endurance. A thoroughbred, therefore, ought 

 to have clean-cut sinewy limbs, with long rac- 

 ing quarters, so as to allow the hind legs 

 when galloping to stretch well under the body 

 with the longest possible sweep. Its pasterns 

 ought to be long and flexible, so that when 

 the animal is cantering or galloping the 

 motion is as easy as sitting in a rocking chair ; 

 its skin soft, its hair fine and velvety. A 

 thoroughbred's head ought to show signs of 

 refinement, and be well put on to the shoulder, 

 so that it is carried with an air of pride, spirit, 

 and freedom. The head ought not to be too 

 long, and ought to possess good width between 

 the eyes. The nostrils ought to distend, so that 

 after a good gallop they expand almost round, 

 and -show clearly the red inside, to allow the 

 wind to corme out clear, even, and strong. In 

 other words, a thoroughbred is said to possess 

 good quality when it exhibits a fine shape, high 

 spirit, and a courage and endurance that will 

 persevere till it drops. 



Many a courageous, high-spirited horse, at the 

 bidding of its master, has galloped on, showing 

 little or no signs of distress, till a quiver or 

 uneven lurch of the body was the first sign to 

 the rider that the noble beast had done all that 

 it could, and it fell to die. 



