48 ADVICE TO BUYERS. 



recollected that there are few, if any horses, without some 

 fault or imperfection ; and perhaps, if the qualifications of 

 riders or drivers (even the best) were strictly inquired into, 

 they would be found equally deficient; we had better, 

 therefore, go upon the principle of getting a horse that has 

 no SEBIOUS fault or defect, or what may be fairly deem- 

 ed unsoundness ; and having purchased such a horse, we 

 should ride or drive him a few days or weeks, and not 

 be too hasty in giving an opinion of him, nor too ready in 

 listening to the opinions or criticisms of others, as there 

 will always be found many ready to give their voluntary 

 opinion, no matter how ignorant they may be as regards 

 their judgment of a horse ; and, as I remarked before in 

 another chapter, the more ignorant the person is, the more 

 capable he thinks himself; I have always found this fact 

 established, more particularly as to horses. Having pre- 

 mised thus much, I will proceed to give some further ad- 

 vice, or suggest some precautions, which may be profitably 

 recollected by the purchaser of horses. 



The numerous shades which exist between a state of 

 perfect soundness in horses, and those obvious diseases 

 or defects which so clearly constitute unsoundness as to 

 admit of no doubt on the subject, often occasion much 

 trouble and perplexity in the purchase or sale of these 

 animals. 



If a person, inexperienced in the mysteries of horse- 

 dealing, wishes to purchase a horse, he would do well to 

 consult a professional man (not the quacks that generally 

 overrun every city), or, in preference to the latter, some 

 friend, even if he does not know very much of the horse, 

 but of whose honesty you are satisfied ; but, at any rate, 

 consult some honest person, capable of guarding you 

 against any deception that might be attempted, and of 



