CHOOSING A HORSE 49 



regiment. He was a beautiful horse — sideways. 

 I forgot to look at him edgeways. He was the most 

 awful speedy cutter I have ever seen. So much 

 for my experience buying from a regiment. 



Some of the best horses I have ever had have 

 come from the Remount Depots, and I owe many 

 thanks to my good friends in the department. If 

 you go to a depot remember they are experts, you 

 are not, and take their advice. 



I make no mention of that atrocity the hired 

 charger. 



I practically always buy raw horses from the big 

 dealers, and I strongly advise you to do the same. 

 The mere buying is an education to your eye. The 

 training of youngsters must teach you, and the 

 pleasure of riding a young horse that you have 

 trained is great. Men are often met who put down 

 long sums, and always ride made pig-stickers. 

 This perhaps is sound if they are well enough off 

 to be able to afford it. But they miss the anxieties 

 and joys of a first hunt : the delicate feeling of 

 mouth and manner shaping to the rider's will can 

 never be theirs. Also, though you may be too 

 young to appreciate this, it must be good for you, 

 and keep you young to handle two or three youngsters 

 each growing year. 



Once you have settled on the breed of your horse, 

 and the person of open countenance from whom you 

 are going to buy him, consider awhile what manner 

 of animal will you buy ? 



I will give you my definition of a perfect pig- 

 sticker : he should be a little, active, quick, fast, 

 clean-bred horse of 15.2| hands, with a perfect 

 shoulder and rein. He should have a bold eye, a 

 generous disposition, and a courage beyond praise. 



