302 THE HORSE IN SERVICE 



to the dealer — onlj reputable ones to be considered — admit his 

 ignorance, state his requirements, and put himself, without any 

 reservation, in the dealer's hands. It should not be difficult to 

 find a dealer who would measure up to a responsibility of this 

 kind. But he will charge, in the price of the horse, a reasonable 

 fee for telling the truth about things of which the buyer is free 

 to confess he knows little or nothing. For such advice the buyer 

 can well afford to pay. If, however, he 2)laccs no faith in the 

 dealer, nor credits him with any conscience, but he and his 

 advising friends proceed to bluff their way to a satisfactory 

 jmrchase, they are tempting fate — and the dealer. 



Avoid all go-hetweens who are '^ in the deal " for a profit. 

 If it is a harness or saddle horse that is to be bought, do the 

 dealer the honor to eliminate the coachman from the transac- 

 tion. It is astonishing how gentlemen who consider themselves 

 so thoroughly competent to manage their own affairs that they 

 resent the least suggestion on most matters, make their coachmen 

 tlic absolute masters of the situation in all affairs pertaining to 

 their stables. This is one of the most difficult and aggTavating 

 l)ropositions witli which the square-dealing horse seller has to 

 contend, and has much to do with keeping the price of horses 

 high. If some '^ direct to the consumer " method of conducting 

 the horse business were permitted by buyers, it would be much 

 to the mutual benefit of all concerned. 



When huying gree7i Jiorses in the country, or whenever the 

 buyer has no recourse but to rely on his own ingenuity in making 

 a selection, some system should be followed. It is import.ant 

 that the horse be inspected in the stable. !N'ote the condition of 

 his stall ; this is the place to detect such vices as kicking, crib- 

 bing, and weaving. Consider how he stands on his feet and the 

 manner in which he backs out on the floor. The first few steps 

 taken after standing vnW often reveal what the next few will 

 quickly obscure. "Watch him harnessed, put to, and driven out 

 Here again and here only many disagreeable traits may be dis- 

 covered. Try him out in whatever way desired, ^ever buy a 

 horse " hot," i.e., warmed up. It may be more convenient to 

 have a horse or a pair brought round for inspection, but there 

 are a number of conditions of unsoundness that a horse may be 



