BUYING A HORSE 31 



We are told, and with truth, that a thin, clean, good 

 head, and cheerful eye, are indicative of f^joodness, and (if 

 we may use the terms in speaking of the horse) indicative 

 also of an amiable and generous temperament and dis- 

 position. A head well put on, with a yielding and somewhat 

 arched neck, denotes the head capable of being carried in 

 the right place ; and further, we may infer such a horse 

 has a good mouth, it not having been hardened or spoiled 

 by useless endeavours to bring the head in the place we 

 wish it to be. Long oblique shoulders usually betoken 

 freedom of action, so far as the fore parts are concerned. 

 A deep girth and long back ribs show strength, as do good 

 loins ; wide hips, freedom of action ; long good thighs and 

 large clean hocks, with hind legs well put on, show strong 

 propelling powers. 



With these points, we may say a horse has got what 

 indicates goodness of temper, cheerfulness and courage, 

 carrying himself handsomely and pleasantly to the rider or 

 driver, goodness of action, strength, speed, and safety. 



Yet, with all these good points, he may only be enabled 

 to perform any of the purposes to which we may put him 

 moderately well. In a general way, such an animal cannot 

 be a bad horse ; but if we want perfection, or som.ething 

 like it, we must tie ourselves to special rules as to forma- 

 tion, and should show our tact in buying what our 

 judgment must in a general way condemn, if we determine 

 to have something uncommon in a particular way : such as 

 a flyer for racing purposes, a jumper up to fifteen stone for 

 steeple-chase or the hunting held, or an animal for the 

 exclusive purposes of draught — all of which have their 

 special conformations and characteristics. 



The most perfect mechanical forms are not always the 

 most speedy or the most powerful : good conformation may 

 give the power to perform extraordinary feats of endurance, 

 activity, or strength ; but it must never be forgotten that 

 the vigour of motion depends not upon the form alone, but 

 the will to exert its powers. This will, or energy in work, 

 is proportionate to the excitability of that portion of the 

 brain and nervous system which governs the muscles 

 exerted in the desired action. Thus, oftentimes, a plain 

 horse with a willing temper is far superior to a perfectly 

 formed one who has not that virtue. "How can I tell,' 

 asks the reader, " anything about all this ? I must trust 



