THE HORSE. 3 



September, at which time the animal would be about two and 

 a-half years old. At that age he would have done little or 

 no work, and would consequently be sound. Besides, it is 

 easy to get such horses, because there are a large number of 

 young thorough-breds which are capable of becoming mar- 

 vellously good horses for riding-school purposes and other 

 work, although they might be of no use on a race-course. 

 Also, for many other reasons, we can get a large choice of 

 thorough-breds at that age. 



I never buy mares, because they often become peevish, 

 especially when touched with the spurs. I always have my 

 horses " added to the list," because thorough-bred entires are 

 greatly inclined to rush at every animal they meet, which is a 

 habit that is not pleasant for their riders, and they are always 

 ready to get on their hind legs. Besides, many of the horses 

 which I break are required for ladies, who should never be 

 allowed to ride a rearer. These objections do not generally 

 apply to Arab and Trakene (German) entires, which live with 

 mares and pay little or no attention to them. In course of 

 time the thorough-bred entire gets heavy in front and be- 

 comes poor behind. A riding horse should, on the contrary, 

 have his hind quarters well developed and his forehand light. 

 Thorough-bred stallions which are used for stud purposes 

 preserve their proper proportions, although they get very fat. 

 Everyone knows that a gelding is much more quiet than an 

 entire. 



After the hot weather, I send my young horses to be cas- 

 trated at the Veterinary College of Alfort, where they remain 

 a fortnight, and afterwards I turn them out to grass for three 

 months and a-half at a place where they are properly looked 

 after. I do not put even a saddle on their backs during 

 these four months, after which I begin their education in the 

 quietest manner possible. 



When 1 have taught them to go collectedly when walking, 



I* 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



