THE ARABIAN HORSE. 433 



It possesses speed and spirit, with strength to carry more than 

 a light weight, and indefatigable powers of endurance. It is 

 seldom more than fourteen hands two inches high. Its only 

 paces are the walk and the gallop, and it is not only prized for 

 speed and courage, but for docility, good temper, and con- 

 fidence. 



The kindness with which it is treated from a foal, renders 

 it affectionate to its master, anxious to please, and proud of 

 exerting every energy to obey his commands, and all this calls 

 forth a degree of sagacity, seldom seen in other breeds. The 

 mare, the foal, the Bedouin and his family, inhabit the same 

 tent. The neck of the mare is often the pillow of her master, 

 or of his children ; and the animal acquires a friendship and 

 love for man, which nothing will cause it for a moment to 

 forget. The stallion is not ridden ; only the mare. If the Arab 

 fall from her back, and be unable to rise, she will immediately 

 stand still, and neigh until assistance arrives. If fatigue compel 

 him to lie down to sleep in the midst of the desert, she will 

 watch over him, and neigh and rouse him if either man or beast 

 approach. The attachment is mutual ; and most persons have 

 read anecdotes of the unwillingness of even poor Arabs to part 

 with their favourite mares for love or money. The Arab horse, 

 however, is bought and sold, and has been instrumental in 

 improving the Spanish horse, or jennet; and along with the latter, 

 has contributed to form the best English breed of horses, now 

 unrivalled for the turf, the field, and the road. 



THE RACER. 



The racer is usually distinguished by his beautiful Arabian 

 head, fine neck, oblique long shoulders, well-bent hind-legs, 

 ample muscular quarters, and his long and elastic pastern. 

 He is altogether adapted for speed, and to this end every 

 attention is paid in his breeding. 



" He enters into the spirit of the race as thoroughly as his 



