The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-07-21
THE FAMILY HORSE.
How to Select One for General Wear
and Tear.

How to Select One for General Wear
and Tear.
A good many of us at least once in our
lives have occasion to purchase a family
horse, and it is also true that many feel con-
siderable difidence in approaching the
matter. says Country Gentleman. There
ia prevalent impression that horse can
conceal within his person more tricks.
hereditary weaknesses and other shortcom-
ings than any other animal. The fact that
so much unsoundness, both of body and
disposition. can be concealed from IN
skilled eyes, makes the owners of these
eyes suspicious of every piece of horsefesh
that is offered him. 1t is fortunate that
this is so, for such suspicion has tendency
toward caution. I would suggest that the
intending purchaser of family horse let
indiscriminate trading of good, bad and in.
different horses has, in too many cases, the
effect of dulling that portion of a human
being called the conscience.
The most desirable course to pursue
where the purchaser is not an expert in
after having made as good selection as
possible from external appearances. A
weeks driving will bring out the good and
bad qualities of a horse pretty effectually.
It can be seen then whether the animal
SHES or not. If he does, don't finish out
the week of trial: that fault should con-
denim him if he has no other. With a shy
ing horse one is neryously on the watch,
and very likely also on the edge OF an EN-
bankment, and lucky he is if he goes no
farther.
weeks driving will also show whether
the horse is afraid of the cars, the noise of
machinery, and numerous other sights and
| Is hat vv1oN o&oy,% A h1r
may have the finest disposition in the
world, and yet, if easily frightened. or ad-
dicted to shying, he is entirely untitled to
be family horse that women and children
may drive; and family horse that a mans
wife can not be trusted to drive is exceed.
let the horse go on trial-and many dealers
are not willing to do tat least the buye
should insist on taking drive with tn,
animal alone and should demand a guar
antee that the horse may be returned if no
found as represented: Some OF tn
kindness of disposition, good size AM
strength and the ability to walk fast. 1t ii
of special importance that he should trave
smoothly and draw the carriage evenly
some horses having the disagreeable habi
of starting suddenly and thus jerking tn
vehicle whenever they are urged forwar
with the voice or the touch of the whip.
a A horse with a very heavy coat of hair i
to be avoided since this makes grooming
much more difficult matter. The THO
coat induces such abundant perspiration a
to make the horse unkempt whenever b
has been driven. Unless this perspiratiol
is thoroughly cleaned out the hair vii
soon get in a very filthy condition
Another point to notice is the positio
of the name. A few horses are
be found with this falling over upon til
left side of the neck, causing good deal {
vexation in Harvesting. since it is almot
sure to get into the buckle when bucklin
, the throat-latch of the bride or halter.
this is the side on which the horse is usual
to rub his name, if he Is SO disposed-an
he frequently is. Width of face betwee
. the eyes, breadth of back just forward
the hips. a broad, deep chest, and good q
standing feet (not flat) are points tn
should be we'll considered.