^16 SADDLE HORSE. 



then approach some object offensive to the sight; if 

 he appears much alarmed, stopping suddenly, and 

 attempting to turn round, paying but little respect to 

 the bearing of the bridle, you may judge he has been 

 long in the habit of that bad practice. Ride him in 

 all his different gaits, to ascertain if they are smooth, 

 easy, and agreeable ; move him about a mile, out and 

 back, in fully half speed; frequently stopping him 

 suddenly to try his wind, also if he is spavined ; if his 

 wind has been injured, he will blow unnaturally; 

 making a loud wheezing noise, with great difficulty 

 of breathing. While warm, ride him in cold water 

 above the belly ; after which let him cool fifteen or 

 twenty minutes, and if he is spavined, and has received 

 temporary relief, by applications of any kind, the 

 disease will make its appearance so plain, that you 

 will discover evident marks of lameness. The spavin 

 is often relieved for a time ; and in a few instances 

 has been permanently cured, by blistering, bathing 

 with double distilled spirits, &c. The brisk exercise, 

 &c. is intended to bring on a return of its effects, in 

 case the animal should have had temporary relief from 

 that distressing disease. 



Having given such hints as I am persuaded will 

 lead to the discovery of any material defects in a horse 

 about to be purchased, I shall now proceed to the 

 description of a horse that I consider elegant and fil 

 for the saddle. 



In order that he may have just claim to beauty and 

 elegance, his head must be small, thin, bony, and 

 tapering; his countenance lively and cheerful; his 

 ears quick of action, high, erect, narraw, thin, and 

 pointing together; his eyes krge, round, full, and black, 

 sparkling with cheerfulness, yet hushing his agitating 

 passions into order and obedience ; his nostrils large 



