CHOOSING A HORSE 23 



the bones, skin, and hair. Evidences of desirable quality are 

 clean-cut features, soft skin, silky hair, and clean dense bone. 

 In those horses possessing quahty the lines, of the face are 

 clearly defined, the veins in the skin show clearly, and there is 

 a complete absence of coarseness. Freedom from coarseness in 

 the joints and tendons emphasizes soundness and guarantees 

 durability. Another evidence of quality is seen in those ani- 

 mals whose muscles stand out clearly defined and distinct. The 

 best way to determine quality is to run the hand down the leg 

 over the knee and cannon bone. The hair and skin should feel 

 soft and pliable to the touch and the bone firm and smooth. 

 The fingers should seem almost to touch each other as they 

 pass between the tendon and the bone. 



Coarse hair is associated with coarse thick skin which indi- 

 cates an abundance of connective tissue which in turn is asso- 

 ciated with soft, spongy bones that cannot endure strain or 

 hard usage. 



The temperament is reflected in the action and manners. It 

 should be lively and pleasant. When possible, the purchaser 

 should know something of the ancestors of the horse under 

 consideration, as a horse may inherit characteristics which can- 

 not be discovered until he has been used some time, and 

 peculiarities of temper are among these characters. 



Detail characters of a light horse 

 Having considered the general appearance of the light horse, 

 then pass to a detailed examination of the characters; and in 

 order that none go unnoticed they should be observed in the 

 following order : — 



Head. — Among Hght horses the head should be lean, with 

 broad forehead tapering towards the nostrils, and the features 

 of the face should be distinct. The nostrils should be large, 

 open, and of pink color. The eye should be large, full, clear, 

 and bright, indicative of a kind, generous disposition and good 



