BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 287 



possible. Always carry a good buggy whip, but be very care- 

 ful in its use ; just let your horse know that you have it % 



Before showing your sale horses have them properly 

 trained ; do not wait until the time comes to show the goods be- 

 fore getting them ready for inspection. Some horses show best 

 with op'en bridle, others the reverse, consequently have both 

 kinds. In exhibiting your animal be careful not to ask him to 

 do anything out of the usual routine unless you are quite sure 

 he is capable of performing it to your satisfaction — unless, in- 

 deed, your customer especially desires you so to do. Never 

 strike him with a whip unless you are quite sure how he will 

 take it. 



I once knew a horse-dealer who, when showing a fine pair 

 of Yermont blacks to a customer in New York city who was 

 riding with him, overdid himself in the following manner. The 

 trade was virtually accomplished ; the animals had shown off 

 to the satisfaction of the customer, when the dealer, fool-like, 

 must give one of the animals a sharp cut with the whip — a 

 performance wholly uncalled for, and which was responded to 

 with raised heels that flew through the dasher. The bargain 

 was immediately declared off, much to the disappointment of 

 the dealer, who was about to realize some $500 profit on the 

 transaction. 



Large horses intended for teaming purposes often show to 

 the best advantage in new, well-fitting team harness, especially 

 so when sold in pairs. When selling for speed, and having a 

 suitable place to show your animal's true gait, of course you 

 want him so hitched and driven as to appear at the best 

 possible advantage, without making him a walking, trotting, 

 pacing, or running advertisement for any emporium of race- 

 horse appliances. 



Many times after a dealer has succeeded in pleasing a 

 wealthy customer with a fine coach team or a good and safe 

 family horse, he then has that ever dreaded obstacle, the 

 " coachman," to overcome. In many cases, unless he is first 

 bought, and that at an exorbitant price, the sale cannot be 



