THOROUGH-BRED HORSES 



An idle, lurching mover, rather narrow before 

 the saddle, with great power of back and loins, a 

 habit of bearing on its rider's hand, one side to 

 its mouth, and a loose neck, hardly inspires a 

 careful man with the confidence necessary for 

 enjoyment ; coming away from Ranksborough, 

 for instance, downhill, with the first fence leaning 

 towards him, very little room, his horse too much 

 extended, oroino- on its shoulders, and Qfettine the 

 better of him at every stride ! 



But this is an extreme case, purposely chosen 

 to illustrate at their worst the disadvantaees of 

 ridinor a thoroucrh-bred horse. 



It is often our own fault, when we buy one of 

 these illustrious cast-offs, that our purchase so 

 disappoints us after we have got it home. Many 

 men believe that to carry them through an 

 exhausting run, such staying powers are required 

 as win under high weights and at long distances 

 on the turf 



Their selection, therefore, from the racing- 

 stable is some young one of undeniably stout 

 blood, that when " asked the question " for the 

 first time, has been found too slow to put in 

 training. They argue with considerable show of 

 reason, that it will prove quite speedy enough for 

 a hunter, but they forget that though a fast horse 

 is by no means indispensable to the chase, a quick 

 one is most conducive to enjoyment when we are 



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