-or 
 
 « 
 
 -5» 
 
 
 fc 
 
 & 
 
 _£_ 
 
 1? 
 
 FHE HORSE 
 
 ,-#• 
 
 k 
 
 HIS BEAUTIES AXiVdEFECTsT] 
 
 .«?O^Vte: 
 
 .■*& 
 
 •<*>-• 
 
 *! 
 
 & 
 
 tfS>. 
 
 
 y;J?i 
 
 )?• 
 
 LStxc 
 
 \ 
 
 ;•" 
 
 £ 
 
 :^r 
 
 *■ 
 
 % 
 
 
 o*v 
 
 Ml 
 
 a^ 
 
 r 
 
 <n 
 
 ><*?»* 
 
 srx. 
 
 ys^ 
 
 BY A' 'KNOWING HAND! 
 
 & 
 
 WITH A FEW HINTS TO INEXPERIENCED PURCHASERS. $1 
 
 \y 
 
 ^ 
 
 LOKD ON — WILLIAM TE GG. 
 
 ~f$* 
 
 tm&%? 
 
 v*pr~^ 
 
 9 .ak^^M 
 
(3 
 
 Sj ~~^ 
 
TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 
 
 3 9090 013 407 
 
 Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine 
 Cummings School cf Veterinary Medicine at 
 Tufts University 
 200 Westboro Road 
 North Grafton. MA 01536 
 
THE HORSE 
 
 HIS BEAUTIES AND DEFECTS, 
 
 BY A KNOWING HAND." 
 
 LONDON — WILLIAM TEGG, 
 
 "Madun;^cionaId^Mac^egcir,Iidio&3tiiigrs. 
 
We 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 By a detailed series of graphic and descriptive illustrations, it is 
 the intention of the Author of this Work to show the good and bad 
 points in that most noble and useful animal, the Horse. He has 
 adopted the mode of detaching the various parts of the subject, 
 because, by a comparison of the distinct appearances, the general 
 impression upon the memory of the reader is likely to be much 
 stronger than could result from the study of any treatise of a less 
 abstracted nature ; to understand which, a knowledge of anatomy, or 
 a constant reference to some scientific work is indispensable. 
 
 There is no animal whose countenance combines such correct 
 and powerful expressions of character. The physiognomy of the 
 Horse, therefore, illustrating the different passions to which he is 
 subject, as well as the natural bias of his temper and disposition, is 
 an important branch of study to breeders, country gentlemen, and 
 to inexperienced purchasers ; for it is generally considered, that the 
 disposition and temper of the animal is an object of more consequence 
 to timid riders and drivers than any slight bodily blemish. 
 
 In this point of view, therefore, the Author flatters himself that 
 his Work will be found useful ; and as his remarks are the result 
 of the most attentive observation during many years, entirely 
 
devoted to the pleasures of the field, he trusts that the general 
 principles which he has laid down, as well with respect to power, 
 strength, and the various points of action, as to the physiognomical 
 character and figure of the horse, will be found clearly elucidated in 
 the following Series. 
 
 The hints to inexperienced purchasers will, it is hoped, be of 
 considerable use in preventing those disappointments to which, as a 
 class, they are particularly liable. 
 
 1866. 
 
Flatel. 
 
 Fig ' 
 
 
 
 
 Ma. J. 
 
 I'M H fl 
 
 } \\ 
 
3 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 Figure 1. — The head here introduced, in its character, very 
 nearly reaches the perfection of good temper, spirit, and beauty : 
 such a head ought progressively to diminish in weight and size as 
 it approaches the nose. If pressed by the thumb, the cheek bones 
 should appear to be merely covered by skin, and the jaw underneath 
 should be hollow, with the skin loose. By comparing these remarks 
 with the figure, and contrasting its form with the other subjects in 
 this Plate, the reader will possess himself of a perfect knowledge of 
 these requisites in the choice or judgment of an animal. 
 
 Figure 2. — Represents a head, not inferior, perhaps, to the 
 former in temper, but wholly deficient both in spirit and in beauty. 
 This head is heavy, and badly set on to the neck ; the jaw-bone 
 and gullet forming almost an angle : the nose is encumbered with a 
 great deal of what is technically called leather. However perfect this 
 animal may be in all his other points, he will prove heavy and 
 sluggish, and always carry his head most awkwardly and un- 
 pleasantly. 
 
 Figure 3. — Is the front view of a head well-proportioned, and 
 marked with an expression that bids fair for good temper and spirit : 
 narrow at the setting on of the ears, which, when the look of the 
 animal is marked with particular anxiety, should be brought nearly 
 together at the points, extending in bone towards the eyes, which 
 ought to look rather sideways than straight forward. Let the reader 
 compare the decrease down to the nose, with Figure 4. 
 
 Figure 4. — Shows the front view of a head, heavy in spirit and 
 disposition ; broad at the point or crown of the head : the increase 
 on the eyebrow is composed of flesh and skin ; the direction of the 
 eyes, looking forward, and thence downward to the nose, displays 
 but little deviation in substance. The distinction will be easily 
 perceived by a reference to Figure 3. 
 
Flat* 2 
 
PLATE II. 
 
 Fig Ure i. — Is the expression of rage, with a great deal of vice. 
 This passion will always be conspicuous in the countenance of the 
 horse possessed of these bad qualities ; but not to the extent shown 
 in the Plate, unless provoked. Horses of this disposition, by having 
 even a finger or stick pointed at them, will give full force to this 
 character. Many are taught this vice ; but whether inherent in the 
 disposition, or acquired, the animals which possess it are still very 
 dangerous. 
 
 Fiqure 2. — This character of countenance, from repeated in- 
 stances that I have met with, I consider to possess more malicious 
 vice than Figure 1. The horse from which this character was taken, 
 although a good worker when once in harness, is one of the most 
 ferocious animals of the tribe denominated tame. 
 
 Figure 3. — The character of terror, which is the prominent 
 mark of this head, is by some classed among the vices of this animal. 
 If it be not a vice, however, it is one of the most troublesome faults, 
 incident to the horse ; for it embraces all the consequences of all the 
 vices which he can possess ; a terrified horse being more to be 
 dreaded than one actually vicious. 
 
 Figure 4. — Represents a horse of a sulky character, as is con- 
 spicuously shown in the countenance; an animal of this type, 
 although in some cases rather to be dreaded than otherwise, is 
 sometimes very good at work. The obstinacy of this character, 
 however, not unfrequently turns to restiveness. It is a subject 
 which may be useful, but never can be pleasant. 
 
c -. 
 
 s^ 
 
PLATE III. 
 
 These heads are taken from good horses for their separate uses. 
 
 Figure 1 . — Is as good a hackney as ever was mounted for work, 
 but by no means pleasant in temper or manner of carriage. It is 
 very seldom that a vicious or restive horse can ride light or playful in 
 hand. I have proved this kind of animal to be exceedingly useful 
 for long and hard journeys, but one that entails a large amount of 
 fatigue on the rider. 
 
 Figure 2. — This character is good in every respect, beautiful in 
 its shape and action, extremely light and pleasant to ride, and 
 although rather playful, perfectly gentle. 
 
 Figure 3. — I introduce this head, considering it one of the 
 handsomest I ever saw, and have endeavoured with my pencil to 
 embody the most perfect expression of beauty and spirit. 
 
 Figure 4. — Is a common-place head and neck. Although the 
 animal from which this is drawn is a very good slow horse, it is twenty 
 to one, with such a form, against his being good for anything but a 
 cart. The head is well shaped by itself, but heavy and badly con- 
 nected, and such a horse could never either be riden or driven 
 pleasantly. 
 
Plate <1 
 
 A 
 
 * ;#aJ 
 
 i 
 
 tio. 5- 
 
 Jig- (■>■ 
 
PLATE IV. 
 
 Figure 1. — Is a fore-leg formed for speed, and, perhaps, action, 
 but not calculated for permanency. The plate of the knee being 
 much lower than it ought to be, the horse must be considered as a 
 dangerous road animal. 
 
 Figure 2. — Is formed to do much work, and last long at it. 
 
 Figure 3. — Is good in substance, but rather round, and too 
 straight. 
 
 Figure 4. — Is a pair of legs well formed for strength and action. 
 
 Figure 5. — Displays the front view of legs badly formed, being 
 what the dealers call made as a dancing-master ought to be ; but still 
 if the toe, or point of the hoof, deviate at all from the straight line, 
 it should be this way, as the contrary is extremely dangerous on the 
 road, and indeed anywhere else. 
 
 Figure 6. — A leg made for neither speed nor power, being flat 
 and poor in the arm, round and weak in the leg, thin and long in the 
 pastern, and large in the hoof. 
 
 Figure 7. — A pair of legs worse than Figure 5, being weak, 
 badly formed, and hardly good for anything. 
 
 Figure 8. — This appearance is seldom formed by Nature, it is 
 occasioned by hard work, straining, &c. 
 

Pure ,:. 
 
 
PLATE Y. 
 
 The four first figures are intended to show the back of the off 
 fore-legs. 
 
 -'&'■ 
 
 Figure 1 . — Is standing firmly on the ground, but slightly turned 
 out, which, as I have before observed, is better than turned in. It 
 is generally considered that it should stand perfectly straight in a 
 back view. 
 
 Figure 2. — Is the contrary of Figure 1, being much turned and 
 bent at the knee. This is a bad leg, without one point to recom- 
 mend it. 
 
 Figure 3. — Is very different to Figure 2, but equally bad, being 
 calf-kneed, and having the hoof turned much out. 
 
 Figure 4. — Is a leg square and firmly set on the ground, and 
 likely to stand work. 
 
 Figure 5. — Is the best of two evils, standing near together at the 
 hocks. The legs should stand like Figure 6, and both exactly alike ; 
 but when that is not to be obtained, the form of Figure 5 is to be 
 preferred. Some people are fond of the form of Figure 7, but it can 
 never last, and must produce an unpleasant action both to the sight 
 and feeling. 
 
• ue 6 
 
 Fig.1 
 
8 
 
 PLATE VI. 
 
 Figure 1. — I introduce this subject for the beauty of its neck and 
 setting of the fore-leg, both of which are remarkably good. The 
 shoulder is well formed, but not sufficient in depth ; the arm, or upper 
 part of the thigh, should be set well forward, the elbow turned out, 
 and free from the brisket. A horse possessed of those points will 
 seldom fail of having good action. 
 
 Figure 2. — The front view of the breast formed for strength, 
 beauty, and action. Compare with Figure 4. 
 
 Figure 3. — The neck and shoulders badly formed, the neck being 
 of an equal breadth and substance, heavy and thick in the shoulder ; 
 broad on the blade, fore-legs standing too far under the body ; the 
 breast and point of the shoulder heavy, without any mark of muscle. 
 See Figure 1. 
 
 Figure 4. —Is the front view of a breast -with many bad points ; 
 sound and heavy in chest, tucked up in the brisket, and legs badly 
 set on. Compare with Figure 2. 
 
F 
 
 late 7 
 
 Fiq.l. 
 
 
9 
 
 PLATE VII. 
 
 Figure 1. — Is the figure of a useful and handsome looking 
 horse. The carcass should be shaped somewhat like a cask ; 
 the hucks not too much hid in the flesh, nor yet particularly 
 prominent ; rather flat in the flank ; plenty of hard projecting 
 muscle on the thigh. The hocks should look and feel like entire 
 bone covered with skin. 
 
 Figure 2. — Is what may be called very pretty, and perhaps be 
 useful in its way : heavy and round in the flank and thigh ; the legs 
 standing almost perpendicular. Speed or action cannot be expected 
 from a horse so formed, though he may prove safe and pleasant to 
 a gentle rider, or be well calculated to walk or canter on the London 
 stones. 
 
 Figure 3. — Is formed for power and speed ; a form to be 
 desired in a hunter ; the thigh and hock well furnished, but rather 
 too much cramped, or bent, to deserve the character of beauty : 
 animals thus shaped, almost without exception, prove speedy, and 
 are generally good leapers. 
 
 Figure 4. — Is that of a common, well looking quarter, with 
 many good points, and showy, but not likely to be famous for either 
 speed or action. 
 
TUde 8 
 
 Fig. 2. 
 
10 
 
 PLATE VIII. 
 
 Figure 1. — Is the quarter of a horse well formed, being strong 
 and handsome, well marked with muscle and bone, and not over- 
 burthened with flesh ; but standing at too great a distance between 
 the hocks. 
 
 Figure 2. — This figure, although rather raw in the hucks, and 
 possessing a great deal of prominent bone, is still better adapted for 
 speed and action than Figure 1 ; the hocks being nearer together, but 
 still standing straight, give him the power of quicker action, and 
 longer throws in the gallop. The mare from which this was taken 
 was a remarkably good and well-tried hunter. 
 
 Figure 3. — A horse with such a quarter as this, may possibly 
 be useful, if quiet, to a timid lady or gentleman, who do not extend 
 their ride beyond six or eight miles in one day. If well formed in 
 other parts, he may be called a very pretty plump and showy tit ; 
 but like many other pets, will be of no use for hard work. 
 
11 
 
 PLATE IX. 
 
 The animal from which this drawing was made was accounted 
 one of the finest figures in England ; although at the time the 
 portrait was taken he was ten years old, and had done a great deal 
 of work, both in the field and in harness. A small head and neck 
 are considered a great beauty in a horse ; and in the original of 
 this drawing, I think they were the least I ever saw, in proportion 
 to the body. 
 
 I have depicted this horse in the action of walking, for which 
 he was particularly famous, and have paid much attention to his 
 method of delivering the knee and foot. In walking fast he did 
 not move two legs at the same time ; for example, in lifting the near 
 leg before, and the off leg behind, he raised one immediately after 
 the other, bearing the shoulder well forward before he took the foot 
 from the ground ; and having raised the feet, he delivered the knee 
 in the form of Figure 4 ; and the foot as Figure 2, which, on a 
 comparison with Figure 8, the reader will find, gives the animal 
 a manifest advantage : for in the action of Figure 3, he must lose 
 much ground ; while in the action of Figure 2, his gain would be 
 equal to three inches at every step, which, in a mile, would make a 
 difference of a hundred yards — a very material consideration in a 
 match. The quarters of this animal were long, and very strong ; and 
 he delivered the hind foot well under the body, bending it, at the 
 same time, at the hock, and rising well in the toe, or point of the 
 foot of the standing leg. At every step in walking, and indeed in all 
 other action, the shoulder should be seen to play free ; for it may 
 be laid down as a general maxim, that a horse confined in the 
 shoulders can never have good action. 
 

 ■ . ■■■ :■ ■ /■ 
 
 ■ .. . 
 
 
 .■•-■.■'■■■. , ■ J - .-..- 
 
 
 
12 
 
 PLATE X. 
 
 THE TROT. 
 
 This pace being the only one used in harness, requires particular 
 notice, as there is a great variety in this action. The annexed Plate 
 is intended to show the plain spanking trot, in which the horse 
 should carry his head well up, and, when out of harness, the nose 
 pointed forward. In the step, the shoulder should be thrown well 
 out, the knee rather straight, the hoof pointed forward, and put to 
 the ground, as a soldier is taught to march ; not by putting the 
 heel down first, nor the hoof full on the ground, but the point of 
 the foot should touch the ground slightly before the heel, with an 
 even motion, without a catch or jerk ; the shoulder, at the same 
 time, leaning well over the bearing leg, so as to make the reach the 
 longer, as in Figure 1 ; the quarter being thrown well under, but 
 not so far as to occasion an over-reach. I have heard many people, 
 who are great fanciers in trotting horses, admire the wide action 
 behind : but I cannot agree with them, as I think it excessively 
 awkward and ugly, and a great sign of weakness. I have never 
 found horses with such action able to perform long journeys. 
 
 If a horse were to use his fore-legs in the form of Figure 2, 
 he must lose considerable ground at every step, and be liable to 
 trip and fall at any little roughness in the road, and must lose 
 in speed, by delivering the hind foot as Figure 3. 
 
r 
 
 I 
 
 ^stjggtm ■ 
 
 
 . , :• i i i i, 
 • : It 'i >•' 
 
 .: iff 
 
 .■■ . ■ 
 
 ■ ■ ■ :, 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 ■ •* 
 
13 
 
 PLATE XI. 
 
 THE RUNNING TROT. 
 
 Most of our very best trotters have this action, which, in some 
 degree, is between the trot and gallop. It is a very easy pace for 
 the rider, but very deficient in elegance. The pace is not suited for 
 any kind of carriage. 
 
 The subject from which this Plate was taken was very finely 
 formed for strength and action ; the legs are delivered in the same 
 way as in the plain trot, but much faster and nearer the ground, and 
 with a sort of scramble, far from pleasing to the eye. As in the 
 plain trot, the shoulder should be thrown well forward, so that in a 
 side view it should hide the breast. Compare the shoulder of Figure 
 1 with that of Figure 2. 
 
14 
 
 PLATE XII. 
 
 THE CANTERER, OR LADY'S HORSE. 
 
 The horse selected for this purpose should be particularly light 
 in the head and neck, the play or springing appearance of the head 
 giving great beauty to this action. The horse from which this 
 drawing was made was pretty and showy, without having the power 
 of anything like speed or good action ; the buttocks round, without 
 any show of muscle ; tight in the hocks and legs ; although short 
 and strong in the pastern, his legs are not well able to carry his 
 carcass. 
 
 This description of horse in the horse-dealer's hands is very apt 
 to please, and catch the attention of a person not much in the habit of 
 purchasing. I never had but one of this sort in my possession, 
 which I bought during a lameness occasioned by an accident in 
 hunting. He was, like the present subject, very showy, and by most 
 people called handsome ; but the first journey I took him, (a distance of 
 only eighteen miles,) he performed with such extreme difficulty in three 
 hours, that I never chose to mount him again. When any horse has 
 power of speed and action, the play or movement of the bones and 
 muscles is perceptible. The horse that is round and puffed in the 
 quarter very seldom has strength or speed. Compare with Figures 
 2 and 3. The hock, which is flat and straight underneath, must be 
 deficient in strength. 
 

 5* 
 
 
15 
 
 PLATE XIII. 
 
 THE GALLOP. 
 
 In the race-horse the necessary points differ from the hunter and 
 road-horse. In the first place he is not got so much up in the fore- 
 hand, which makes a great difference in his appearance. The ewe- 
 necked horses are in general speedy, although this qualification is by 
 no means desirable for any other purpose. It is commonly supposed 
 that length in the pastern is indispensable in the race-horse, but this 
 opinion appears to me to be very erroneous, except as it regards a 
 light weight and a short course. I have taken notice that the best 
 horses of the present day are well formed, and strong in the legs. 
 In full action the leg should be thrown well out, with a quick stroke, 
 rather near the ground than otherwise. All the legs should point 
 straight forward, and appear to act with ease to themselves. If a 
 horse should rock, that is, throw his quarters from one side to the 
 other, he never can be speedy ; he should seem to glide over the 
 surface of the ground without any symptoms of violent action. 
 Horses vary greatly in the gather, or method of bringing their legs 
 together after being well opened in the reach. If he makes the 
 stride too far, it will oblige him to throw up his back like a hog, to 
 form the gather. Any action varying from a direct line forward must 
 impede his progress. All horses should gallop nearly on the same 
 principle ; but it is necessary that military horses and dashing road- 
 sters should raise themselves more on their haunches, and, as it is 
 commonly called, fight a little more with their forehand. 
 
"I 
 *, 
 
 
16 
 
 PLATE XIV. 
 
 THE HUNTER'S GALLOP. 
 
 The hunter, although he may be as thorough-bred as the racer, 
 is obliged to go through deep and heavy grounds, which will occasion 
 him to use a different method of galloping from that of the latter. 
 It is not necessary that he should lay himself out in the reach 
 like the race-horse ; if he did, the difficulty he would find in 
 gathering himself again would knock him up in ten minutes ; or, at 
 any rate, would greatly distress and disqualify him for a long 
 day. His strokes should be short and regular, not throwing him- 
 self much off the balance. The hunter should also have the 
 immediate power of extending or diminishing his length of stride : 
 for until a horse can accomplish this part of his business, he never 
 can make a good leaper, much less a safe one. Having myself been 
 much in the habit of riding young and violent horses with fox- 
 hounds, I am well acquainted with the great difficulty and danger 
 there is in leaping them before they are possessed of this power and 
 knowledge. 
 
' -■'■ 
 
 ■ 
 
 * 
 
 s 
 
 mm 
 
 
 M 
 
17 
 
 PLATE XV. 
 
 LEAPING. 
 
 The art of steady leaping, and to do it well, is more difficult for 
 a horse to acquire than any other. As I mentioned under the head 
 of Hunting, the horse should be fully competent to the task of 
 measuring his ground ; the quarters should he thrown well under 
 him at the last stride, so that he can form a centre to his weight on 
 his hind feet when he is at full rise, and he able in a standing leap 
 to keep that balance, until he feels able to make his throw or spring ; 
 and at the moment he opens his fore-legs, the hind ones should be 
 caught quite under the body : for in slow and steady leaps, it is 
 almost impossible for the horse to extend his legs behind, and leap 
 with the same safety that he can when gathered together ; for 
 instance, in double leaps, where the horse is not able to see on the 
 other side (which is very often the case), by throwing his quarters 
 under him, the animal has the power to renew his leap with safety. 
 
18 
 
 PLATE XVI. 
 
 LEAPING. 
 
 The fall or pitch, where there are double ditch fences, and 
 fences with the ditch from you, requires particular attention. It 
 appears to me, that more falls are occasioned by the want of know- 
 ledge of this action of leaping, on the part of the horse, than by any 
 other description of ignorance or mistake. As soon as the spring 
 is made, as mentioned in Plate XV., the hind-legs should be so 
 thrown over the fence, as to give a fine purchase, and the horse 
 ought to appear to have almost the power of retracting his leap, if 
 necessary. This shows that the horse has confidence in his own 
 powers ; and although I have heard many sportsmen declare that 
 this confidence frequently tends to make the animal a short leaper, 
 yet, from many circumstances which have come within my own know- 
 leo'de, I am clearly of opinion that the assertion is not borne out 
 by the fact. In my judgment, confidence will give the animal the 
 power to direct his fore-feet to any point he may desire, within 
 his compass ; and for his own safety he will always cover enough 
 space, unless prevented by his rider, which too frequently occurs. 
 In all cases where the leap is difficult, so as to require care and 
 knowledge in the horse, instead of courage or rashness, there 
 cannot be a doubt that the animal ought to be left to his own 
 discretion, without being fettered by any supposed assistance on the 
 part of the rider. 
 

 ** 
 
 & 
 
 k; 
 
19 
 
 PLATE XVII, 
 
 THE BUCKING LEAP. 
 
 This leap is similar to the action of the deer ; and the horse, 
 in the performance of it, displays a very grand and prepossessing 
 appearance. There ought to be a great distinction between the 
 action of the animal, in this leap, and in that which I before 
 described : for although I have just remarked on the propriety of the 
 horse gathering his quarters under him, I do not consider this rule 
 as applicable to the fly leap. It is but rarely indeed that any but 
 very hot horses follow this method, which certainly is not a good 
 one. In the first place, the action requires great exertion, both 
 on the part of the rider and the horse, an effort which is not 
 at all calculated for endurance : secondly, it is very dangerous, as 
 the horse addicted to it seldom knows where to spring, or to take 
 off from, or how to measure his leap ; and it very often occurs that, 
 having his head cleaving the air, he entirely forgets to put his fore- 
 legs clown to the ground, and consequently comes bolt on his knees 
 and chest. I rode a mare which practised the bucking leap for two 
 seasons ; she was four years old, and excessively violent, although 
 a powerful leaper as to height and distance. For the first season 
 I had four or five falls a day, upon an average, and all in con- 
 sequence of her violent mode of leaping. 
 
20 
 
 PLATE XVIII. 
 
 THE FLY LEAP. 
 
 To compass this mode of leaping, it is necessary that the horse 
 should be possessed of great strength and courage ; for here the 
 horse springs from all four legs at the same time, or at least so nearly 
 so, that the difference is not perceptible. The fore-legs should be 
 tucked tight under the body, the hind ones thrown as high and as far 
 out as possible. To hunt in a country where such fences are used as 
 the double timber fence, ditch between, it requires a horse well 
 qualified ; for to get on with any speed, the leaps must be made at 
 once. I have been heartily tired even to see the trouble and 
 patience it requires to perform the in and out. 
 
 For river leaping the same action is necessary, but it is not 
 necessary that the legs should be so much gathered. 
 
21 
 
 HINTS TO PURCHASERS OF HORSES. 
 
 There is no reason why the golden rule, " Do unto others as ye 
 would that others should do unto you," should not obtain in horse- 
 dealing, as well as in other trading transactions; that it does not, 
 those who have suffered from a contrary practice will, of course, 
 regret. There are, doubtless, many dealers of strict integrity who 
 would not knowingly practise any deception, but would afford ample 
 time for examination and trial, and would decline to give a warranty 
 unless convinced of the animal's soundness. There are others who 
 aver that they never give a warranty, and others who have a variety 
 of tricks at command to deceive the unwary. It should be 
 remembered there are few faultless horses, and though breeders 
 must dispose of their young stock, whether faulty or faultless, it is 
 not such horses that fall into the hands of the inexperienced buyer. 
 The class of purchasers for whose assistance these hints have been 
 written, generally buy from dealers, and most commonly the stud 
 submitted for their inspection consists of horses that have been used 
 and sold for some fault, or because " they did not suit their former 
 owner." Yet, by the exercise of a little common sense, purchasers 
 would often escape the cheats attempted to be put upon them by the 
 outsiders in what should be an honourable occupation. 
 
 There are two questions which the intending purchaser of a 
 horse should ask himself, and take care that they are fairly 
 answered. The first is — " Can he, or can he not, ride well ?" The 
 next is — " What sort of work does he require a horse to do ?" It 
 is of more importance than at first sight appears, that these two 
 questions should be fairly put, and honestly answered. For there are 
 many men who have no other idea than to become the proprietor of 
 
22 
 
 a good-looking animal, and there are some who think they can buy a 
 horse as they would a walking-stick ; while there are few, indeed, who 
 think it necessary to put these two important questions to them- 
 selves, and fewer still who would feel comfortable under an imputa- 
 tion against their horsemanship, if made by another ; still, they may 
 " own the soft impeachment" to themselves. Yet a man cannot do 
 a more foolish thing than to buy a horse merely because he is 
 pleased with its outward appearance. An awkward rider will look 
 more ungraceful on a high-spirited horse than on one of more modest 
 pretensions, and he is more liable to throw such a horse down by the 
 rough or careless way in which he manages his bridle. 
 
 I will suppose my reader has already determined the sort of 
 work he wishes a horse to perforin, and whether he can ride well or 
 the contrary. Next he should fix on the price he intends to give, and 
 allow no powers of persuasion on the part of the seller to alter his 
 determination. The next thing is to consider that the seller, be he 
 dealer or not, is, perhaps, equally as good a judge of his customer as 
 he is of his horses. If, when the horse is brought out, his general 
 appearance is satisfactory, it is prudent to see him through his paces 
 before going through a closer inspection. A close observation of the 
 action of a horse generally results in the discovery of those defective 
 points which require the most severe scrutiny. 
 
 It is not so easy as at first sight appears to judge of a horse's 
 action ; in some of them it is much less easy to detect defective 
 action than to discover the limp caused by disease. Difference in 
 breeding will make considerable difference in the action. In a well- 
 bred horse there is usually an absence of high action ; he walks and 
 trots slower, but his canter and gallop are more graceful, easy, and 
 rapid than that of the half-bred ; the head is smaller, the crest 
 higher, the mane and tail more silky, the hocks and legs are flatter, 
 or, as the dealers say, " cleaner;" the tendons of the muscles in the 
 leg are more tense to the touch, and more distinctly developed ; the 
 pastern joints are usually longer, the feet smaller ; the outline of the 
 hind-legs, from the hock to the fetlock, is more upright ; the root of 
 the tail is better defined, and there is a general lightness and elas- 
 
23 
 
 ticity about them. When mounted the mouth feels lighter, more 
 lively, and there is a springiness of movement and appearance alto- 
 gether different to that seen in a horse of inferior breed. 
 
 There are many men who do not take their weight into calcula- 
 tion when selecting a horse, and as they may always reckon one stone 
 more for saddle and bridle, it] is evident this is a matter of great 
 importance, and should not be overlooked. Nothing will bring a 
 dull, sluggish horse down sooner than being overweighted, even if it 
 be only a few pounds ; he feels unwilling to move under the 
 additional weight ; his rider, perhaps, loses temper, and urges him, 
 and hence the catastrophe. Again, I remark, consider well the kind 
 of work you require a horse to perform, remembering that there are 
 very few, indeed, equally good for saddle and harness. If a daily 
 ride of say ten or a dozen miles is the utmost required, almost any 
 sound horse is equal to it if he is not over-weighted, or ridden at too 
 fast a pace. If longer journeys are required, rest-clays are necessaiy, 
 and thirty miles a-day three days a-week is quite enough work 
 for any horse, and too much for the majority. 
 
 I would advise my reader to be very cautious in availing himself 
 of the many tempting offers made in the various newspapers. In 
 going through the advertisement columns, it would appear at first 
 sight as if every want could be most easily supplied, and especially is 
 this the case respecting horses, the flattering encomiums passed upon 
 them, leading one to expect perfection. Experienced hands never notice 
 these advertisements, and I would strongly recommend those who 
 do, to make no bargain till the animal has been seen by a respectable 
 veterinary surgeon. Indeed, to the inexperienced buyer — and for such 
 only are these hints intended — I would say, the vet.'s fee is the best 
 spent money throughout the transaction. 
 
 Being satisfied as to figure and carriage, let the horse be walked 
 and trotted down the ride at his own pace, repeating the experiment 
 on the stones, and, if possible, down hill, the groom going before 
 with the bridle at its extreme length. 
 
 Many grooms in showing a horse get a firm hold of the 
 bridle close to the animal's head, and so supporting the head, 
 
24 
 
 trot him along* This is the way to conceal lameness if there he 
 any* 
 
 The motion from the shoulder should he hold and decided, the 
 head well and evenly carried, the knee fairly hent, the feet placed 
 fairly and firmly on the ground, and the toes in a direct line with the 
 body, neither inclining to one side or the other. The hind-legs 
 should he well gathered under the body, the toes fairly raised from 
 the ground, and the hind feet spread pretty accurately in the impress 
 of the fore-feet. If they pass beyond this the very unpleasant noise 
 termed " hammer and pincers," is heard. This is caused by the toe 
 of the hind-foot striking against the shoe of the fore-foot, and though 
 it may be prevented while the horse is being shown, by allowing the 
 toe of the hind-foot to project a little before the shoe, which of course 
 deadens the sound, yet it soon wears down when in actual work, and 
 the disagreeable noise begins again. When the toes of the hind-feet 
 drag the ground, disease in the hocks is indicated : an irregular 
 carriage, or dropping of the head, indicates lameness. Very high 
 action is objectionable : it wears and bruises the feet on hard roads ; 
 it is often very unpleasant for the rider, and (especially in horses with 
 broad feet and soft heels), it causes the speedy cut from the foot 
 striking against the inside of the opposite one. Very low action is 
 equally objectionable ; the toe has a tendency to strike any stone or 
 accidental elevation of the ground, and even if the horse does not 
 fall down, the hoof is worn nearly to the quick, and not seldom per- 
 manently injured. Some horses are apt in trotting. to throw their 
 feet very much outward or inward ; either mode of going is 
 unpleasant to the eye, and the latter is unsafe, but it is often found 
 in fast trotters. 
 
 If the hind-legs are like those in Figure 7, Plate V., or like 
 Figure 5, on the same Plate, the action in the trot will be 
 ungraceful, and by no means easy for the rider. These faults are 
 not uncommon in fast horses, and though they may not indicate 
 unsoundness, yet they show a tendency to spavin and thorough-pin. 
 
 When the fore-legs incline a little forward at the knee, or are 
 readily bent at a slight touch behind the knee, (a peculiarity which 
 
25 
 
 is styled by the dealers "Knuckling"), it generally indicates that the 
 horse has done a good deal of work, and if this is attended with a 
 tremulous, tottering motion of the leg, the idea is confirmed, and 
 though in a young horse it may be relieved by rest and blistering, he 
 will never be able to do regular work. 
 
 To judge the height of a horse, let him stand on the level, and 
 not as usually shown, with the fore-legs on rising ground ; a differ- 
 ence of an inch or two is important both as regards his strength and 
 his re-sale. 
 
 A man who is even a tolerable horseman would do well to 
 choose a high-couraged (not a bad-tempered or vicious) horse, but 
 one that is ready to go ; such an animal will do more work, and 
 do it much more pleasantly than one that is heavy and sluggish. 
 
 If the inspection is satisfactory so far, let the legs and 
 feet be examined, and here a study of Plates IV. and V. will 
 be of great use. Let the purchaser stand in front of the horse, and 
 note the position and size of the hoofs when at rest ; if the feet are 
 very small, or one seems smaller than the other, there is good ground 
 to suspect some serious defect. If there be no difference in the size 
 of the feet, if the heels are not much contracted, if the frogs be 
 sound, and there be no trace of matter oozing from the cleft, and if 
 the horse puts his feet down boldly and firmly when trotted down-hill 
 on rough ground, these points may be considered satisfactory, and 
 the sole, or bottom of the foot, is next to be examined. In its 
 natural state it is rather hollow or concave, but occasionally we find 
 it flat, and sometimes convex. In either case it is proportionably 
 thin, and less fit for the performance of its office than if it was con- 
 cave. The convex form of sole is, however, a much more serious 
 defect than the flat. A convex, or projecting sole, is extremely thin 
 and, therefore, incapable of bearing much pressure ; and though a 
 horse may step firmly with this kind of sole, he is constantly liable 
 to lameness from gravel getting under his shoe, and it frequently 
 happens that the front or wall of the hoof has lost its natural form, 
 and becomes flatter, thinner, and more brittle, so that it is difficult to 
 nail a shoe securely without wounding or pricking the foot. This 
 
26 
 
 defect constitutes unsoundness. While the sole is undergoing 
 examination it will be advisable to look if there be any corns, but it 
 is not so easy to discover them with the shoes on. If the corns are 
 extensive, the foot convex, and the heels weak, the horse had better be 
 rejected. The utmost care is necessary in examining the foot, there 
 are so many causes of lameness that the inspection cannot be too 
 particularly carried out. A horse may be lamed by bad shoeing, 
 improper management, or some unknown cause, and though he may 
 not appear lame at the time of purchase, yet from the appearance of 
 the foot, lameness may reasonably be suspected. 
 
 Sand-crack is a serious defect, especially if it runs longitudinally 
 from the coronet into the hoof, and is deep enough to affect the sen- 
 sitive parts of the foot. Sometimes the sand-crack is only trifling, 
 but its presence indicates an unnatural dryness of the horn, and ten- 
 dency to sand-crack, and if such a horse be purchased, proper 
 means should be at once employed to improve the state of the hoof. 
 
 Foot-lameness is frequently removed for a time by a long 
 rest, or a run at grass. Horses that are foundered are fre- 
 quently much relieved, and sometimes apparently cured by the same 
 means, but in either case the lameness invariably returns when the 
 horse is put to work again, or kept in a stable. 
 
 It should be remembered that there are few six-year old horses 
 whose feet are not more or less imperfect, and that a considerable 
 alteration in form may take place without causing lameness. 
 
 In examining the fore-legs, it is necessary to notice if there be 
 any scar or wound, which generally arises from cutting ; when the 
 scar on the inside is large, or appears to have been recently 
 opened, while the surrounding parts are thickened and appear 
 swollen, it is a serious imperfection. The speedij cut, or cut on the 
 inside, just below the knee-joint, is a serious defect, which not 
 unfrequently causes a horse to fall while galloping or trotting. 
 
 In examining the back sinews the hand should be passed down 
 the back part of the leg. If the tendon can be distinctly felt with 
 the suspensory ligament which lies just before it, and the tendon 
 feels clean and free from thickening, and if the leg, on a side view, 
 
27 
 
 appears flat, clean, and sinewy, it may be passed as a sound, well- 
 formed leg. But if the leg, on a side view, appears rather round 
 than flat, or rather bent and inclining inwards ;. if one- leg is larger 
 than the other, or the sinew and ligament cannot be distinctly and 
 separately felt, it follows that the part has been injured in some way, 
 and it is probable the horse will fall lame on being put to hard 
 work. 
 
 Should there be any mark on the knee it will be safer for the 
 purchaser to infer that it was caused by falling, whatever the seller 
 may say to the contrary. 
 
 Splents need not be regarded, unless they are of a large size, 
 immediately below the knee-joint, or so near to the back sinew or 
 suspensory ligament as to impede their action, or unless they are 
 tender on being pressed. Few horses are entirely free from splents. 
 
 The examination of the hind-legs should be commenced at the 
 hock. The bones forming the projection on the inside of the hock, 
 are larger in some horses than in others, and should not be mistaken 
 for bone spavin. There is no insuperable difficulty in noticing the 
 distinction, for if both hocks be spavined, it very rarely happens they 
 are both of the same size, or exactly alike, and when only one hock 
 is so affected the difference is sufficiently distinct to determine the 
 question. The best way to ascertain if there be any spavin is to 
 look from between the fore-legs to between the hocks, rather inclining 
 to one side. A side view of the hocks will best enable you to see if 
 there be a curb, and a close inspection will show if there be any 
 ring-bone upon the pastern. This latter, though a considerable 
 defect, does not always produce lameness, but more frequently in the 
 fore than the hind -leg. 
 
 Some horses have a tendency to a discharge from the heels, 
 attended by swelling of the hind-legs, which constitutes the disease 
 termed grease. Horses with white legs seem more disposed to this 
 complaint than others. If the hind-legs appear swollen, with the 
 hair about the heels rough or furzy ; if there be scars on the heels, 
 and they appear to have been subject to cracks or ulcers, it may be 
 inferred that the horse is subject to swelled legs and grease. 
 
28 
 
 The bottom of the hind-foot should be examined to see that it 
 is not affected with canker or thrushes. 
 
 Too much caution cannot be observed in examining the eye. 
 After seven years of age the eye of the horse seldom becomes dis- 
 eased, except from injury, to which all ages are equally liable. From 
 five to six years is the age most liable to eye-disease, and next from 
 four to five, so in purchasing a five-year old horse, caution on this 
 point is specially necessary. The most favourable situation for viewing 
 the eye is at the stable door, or under a shed, for where too much 
 light falls on the eye so much is reflected by its surface, or cornea, 
 that it is difficult to see the internal parts. 
 
 If there be a perceptible difference between the eyes, if they 
 appear watery, cloudy, or dull, if the lids be more closed than is 
 natural, or if the inner corner of the eye-lid appears puckered up, 
 there is strong reason for suspicion that the sight is imperfect, and the 
 horse unsound on this point. The pupil, or dark blueish oblong spot 
 in the centre of each eye, should be closely and carefully scrutinized, 
 and if any difference is perceived in their size, if they appear cloudy, or 
 if white specks are seen in them, disease is indicated. An important 
 point is to ascertain that both eyes appear exactly alike, that they 
 become (alike) smaller when exposed to a strong light, and (alike) 
 larger when in the shade. The seller is generally ready to affirm 
 that any blemish arises from some external cause, as a blow, a bite, 
 or some hayseed or dust getting into the eye, but this should not 
 be relied on, for in most cases any disease in a horse's eye arises 
 from internal causes. 
 
 Some horses possess greater freedom in breathing than others, 
 and it is easy to understand that a deep, wide chest, short neck, wide 
 gullet, and large open nostril, betoken superior wind. There is no 
 difficulty in discovering when a horse is thoroughly broken-winded ; 
 the laborious breathing or working of the flanks, and the short 
 asthmatic cough exhibited under any violent exertion, are too evident ; 
 but between this state and perfect health there are many stages of the 
 disorder, and these are most difficult of detection. There are two 
 kinds of disease affecting the ^wiud : one having its seat in the 
 
29 
 
 windpipe, producing whistling and roaring; the other in the 
 lungs, producing broken wind. To detect the former there is no 
 surer way than to gallop the horse, and agitate and pull 
 him about, keeping the bridle tightly curbed. In this way the 
 wheezing is almost certain to be heard if it exists. The same mode 
 of action will detect roaring, and a roarer should be at once rejected. 
 
 The state of the wind is frequently ascertained by grasping the 
 windwipe at the throat tightly, and then immediately letting it go ; the 
 horse is certain to cough, and the sound of the cough determines 
 pretty accurately the state of his wind. If it be long and sin-ill, the 
 wind is good ; if it be short and hacking, like that of a parson in 
 asthma, his lungs are affected, and the horse must at once be 
 rejected ; but unless the purchaser can distinguish between the dif- 
 ferent kinds of cough, he may as well pinch his own throat as the 
 horse's, and, indeed, the former would often be the safer course. 
 
 If a horse coughs under any circumstances during examination, 
 ascertain, if possible, if the cough be of long duration ; and if there 
 is any difficulty in obtaining the desired information, see that you are 
 secured on that point by the warrants. 
 
 The age of the horse is known by the appearance of the mouth, 
 and certain marks on the teeth ; but so many tricks are resorted to, 
 to make the age appear what it is ivished to be rather than what it is, 
 that a veterinary surgeon's opinion, or a distinct warranty on this 
 point are the only safeguards for the uninitiated. 
 
 In concluding these few hints, I would say, in every doubtful 
 point, be sure your warranty covers it. Never buy a screw, and take 
 care that the animal, the weight, and the work are put on at least 
 equal terms. But I must be permitted to add, that to a man who 
 only thinks he knows something of horses, the veterinary surgeon 
 (not the farrier or smith), is the best guide he can have. 
 
Webster F ary of Veterinary Medicine 
 
 Cummim ledicsne at 
 
 
 
 
 Tiifts 
 
 200 We 
 
 North Grafton, hln ;36 
 
 
V