A great body, and sheath, and small head, indicate a good constitution; and a great head, and light body the contrary. An experienced person can tell a soft horse, or a hot one, in a great degree, by the expression of the countenance: there is a great deal evinced in the head, which experience alone will enable you to discriminate with advantage.

Colour

There is an old saying, "a good horse is never of a bad colour;" yet a whole coloured horse, that is, without white, is esteemed the best. Mealy-coloured horses are mostly soft, as are blacks, and very light chestnuts, with much white about them.

Temper

The temper or disposition of a horse ought also to be considered.

A horse should be perfectly docile, and free from vicious propensities. He should possess courage, and mettle, without being hot, violent, or nervous. A vicious horse is generally distinguished by the expression of his eyes, which, instead of being fixed upon objects before him, are constantly glancing backwards, as if the animal was intent upon, or watching the motions of the rider, or persons about him.

Hot Horses

A peculiar expression of the eye, indicative of the disposition, exists also in most horses that are hot and violent; a knowledge of which cannot be fully communicated by description, and must be acquired by experience,

Hot horses are objectionable, because they are unpleasant to ride in company with others, and generally fatigue themselves by their constant and excessive irritability. They very often refuse their food after work; and when in the stable listen to the lease noise, particularly after hunting; and the sound of a horn, the crack of a whip, or the barking of a dog, throws them into a state of great agitation.

Sluggish Horses

Dull, sluggish horses, without any mettle whatever, are generally good for nothing; and it is less fatiguing to walk, than to ride them.

I do not object to a horse being rather lazy for a hunter, because the cry of the hounds, and the company of other horses, exhilarate him sufficiently, while pursuing the sport, to render the constant application of the spur unnecessary; but I should certainly object to such a horse for other purposes.

A warm hackney is pleasant to ride a journey on the road, or to go a distance. He may fidget, and pull for the first mile; but afterwards his warmth subsides into freedom of going, and there is nothing required but a still seat, and a steady hand on the bridle.

These are the only exceptions to be made in favour of either sluggish, or of warm-tempered horses.

Shyness

Many horses are shy, and cringe when you approach them in the stall: they also dislike being handled, particularly about their heads,

This shyness results more frequently from their having been treated harshly, than from any natural timidity. Persons employed in the management of young horses, too often get out of temper with, and abuse them; and for want of a little patience many animals are spoiled for ever.

Starting

There are other horses that are subject to start, and jump out of the road at the sight of any new object. They are often rendered worse by bad riders, who whip and spur the animal the moment he takes fright; the consequence is, that when any thing unusual presents itself, they are not only alarmed at the object itself, but are terrified at the recollection of the treatment they have received.

Having thus briefly shewn what is requisite to constitute a good horse, I shall add a few useful directions to purchasers, which will facilitate the examination of the animal, and render the buyer less liable to be imposed upon by the advantageous manner in which horses are usually exhibited.