The Lady's Horse. 31 



the heels, are to be considered, rather, as beauties, 

 than defects : but much white, either on the face 

 or legs, whatever be the general hue, is quite the 

 reverse of desirable. After bright bay, chestnut, 

 perhaps, deserves to rank next in the scale of taste ; 

 provided it be not, as is very frequently the case, 

 accompanied with white legs. Some of the vari- 

 ous shades of grey, however, are, in the opinion 

 of many, entitled to be placed above it ; of these, 

 the silver grey, with black mane and tail, claims 

 the highest place ; brown is rather exceptionable, 

 on account of its dulness. Black is not much 

 admired ; though, as we think, when of a deep jet, 

 remarkably elegant. Roan, sorrel, dun, piebald, 

 mouse, and even cream color (however appropriate 

 the latter may be for a state carriage-horse) are 

 all to be eschewed. 



The height of her horse should be in harmoni- 

 ous proportion with that of the rider. A very 

 young or short lady is in no less false a position, 

 as regards grace, on a lofty steed, than a tall, full- 

 grown woman, on a diminutive poney. For ladies 

 of the general stature, a horse measuring from 

 fifteen to fifteen and a half hands, at the point of 

 the shoulder, is usually considered, as regards 

 height, more desirable than any other. 



In paces, the lady's horse should be perfect ; or, 



