18 SADDLE HORSE. 



knowledged, that all parts of a horse that are white, 

 are much more tender than any other colour. When 

 a horse is rode by any person for you to judge of his 

 gaits, you should have him moved towards you, from 

 you, and finally by you, as you may have the oppor- 

 tunity of discovering, if there is any turning in and out 

 about his knees and ancles, before or behind, w r hich is 

 very objectionable. A well shaped horse will track 

 as true, or his legs will follow each other in as direct a 

 line, as the wheels of a well constructed carriage. 

 For him to be considered a good riding horse, he 

 should move with ease to himself, and pass over the 

 ground with great rapidity. Hard steps, short going, 

 and great apparent labour, is offensive to the sight, 

 unpleasant to the rider, and fatiguing to the horse him- 

 self. With respect to the colour of horses, people 

 differ very widely ; a black horse, with white face and 

 legs ; a grey, or a mahogany bay, with white marks, 

 when well kept, are all showy colours ; but for actual 

 service, experience has proved, that dark colours, 

 without any white feet, are far preferable ; for who 

 ever recollects to have seen a black, sorrel, or bay 

 horse, with a bald face and four white legs, distinguish 

 himself on the turf, in four mile heats ? I am inclined 

 to believe there is no first rate race horse, of that de- 

 scription, within the United States. 



I have, perhaps, stated some facts relative to horse 

 jockeys, in a manner so plain and candid, as to draw 

 from them their displeasure. My object is not to 

 offend, but to instruct and be useful to those who want 

 experience on the subject, for which this little book is 

 designed. 



The annexed engraving (See Frontispiece) presents 

 my idea of an elegant saddle horse ; by a reference to 



