Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1890-06-20

A good many of us, at least once in our
life, have occasion to purchase a family
horse and it Is also true that many feel
considerable ditidence in approaching the
matter, says an Albany CultivatOr writer
There Is a prevalent impression that a
horse can conceal within his person more
tricks, hereditary weakness and other
shortcomings than any other animal. The
fact that so much unsoundness, both of
boy and disposition, can be concealed
from unskilled eyes, makes the owner of
these eyes suspicious of every piece of
horsefesh that is offered him 1t is for
tunate that this is 80. for such suspicion
has tendency toward caution. | would
suggest that the intending purchaser of
family horse let the average 'jocky''
severely alone. The indiscrim;nate train
ing of good, bad and indifferent horses
lies in too many cases, the effect of dulling
that portion OF human being called con-
science.
The most desirable course to pursue
when the purchaser is not an expert in
equine matters is to take the horse on trial,
after having made a good selection as il
possible from external appearances. A
weeks driving will bring out the good
and the bad qualities of horse pretty
the animal SHES or not IF he does, don't
finish out the week of trial; that fault
should condemn him if he has no other.
With snving horse one Is always ner-
vously on the watch. and very likely also
on the edge of an embankment and lucky
he Is if he goes no further.
weeks driving will also show whether
the horse is afraid of the cars. the noise of
r,apbtDnrp an1 or
sounds that are met constantly. A horse
may have the finest disposition in the world,
and yet, if easily frightened or addicted to
shying, he is entirely untitled to he family
horse that women and children may drive;
and family horse that mans wife can
not be trusted to drive Is exceedingly poor
property. If the owner Will not let the horse
go out on trlal-aud many dealers are not
willing to do this-at least the buyer should
insist on taking drive with the animal
alone, and should demand a guarantee that
the horse may be returned II not found as
represented. Some of the desirable trait.
in family horse are kindness OF disposition
good size and strength, and the ability 70
walk fast. 1t Is of special Importance that
he should travel smoothly. ana draw the
carriage evenly, some horses having the
disagreeable habit of starting suddenly.
and thus jerking the vehicle whenever
they are urged forward With the voice, or
a touch of the whip.
A horse with very heavy coat Of hair
is to be avoided. since this makes groom
ing a much more difficult matter. The
thick coat induces such abundant p-r.rira-
ton as to make the horse lcok unkempt
whenever he has been driven. Unless this
perspiration IS thoroughly cleaned out,
the hair will soon get into = very filthy
condition Another point TO notice Is the
position of the name. A few horses are to
be found with this falling over upon tn.
left side Of the neck, causing q good dsal
Of yexation in Harvesting. since it Is al
most sure TO get into the buckles when
buckling the throat lash Of tn. bridl. or
halter. as this is the side on which q
horse is usually hitched in the stall it
gives him a chance 10 ruin his name. /. he
Is so disposed and he frequently is
Width of face between the eTes, breadth Of
back just forward of the hips broad.
deep chest, and good outstanding feet mot
fat are points that should be well consid-
cred