HOW TO JUDGE OF A HORSE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2865, 8 December 1885, Page 2

HOW TO JUDGE OF A HORSE.

By a Cockney. First of all take his bead in your hands and look him full in the face. If he doesn't flinch, but looks at you back again, he is an honest horse; let me tell you that. Next offer him a biscuit or a ginger-bread nut. This will induce him to open his mouth, and you will have an opportunity of seeing how many teeth he has. If he has thirtysix in the top row and forty-eight in the bottom, he has enough teeth for any horse. If, however, you catch sight of a gold plate attached to the roof of his mouth, you may be sure he has got some false teeth—perhaps a whole set. You will find this a great nuisance, as they will have to be taken out everv night and put in every morning. As a rule, you'll find ostlers don't like the job ; they say they won't be bothered with it. In order to judge of a horse's temper go to the- rear of him; then take his tail, divide it into four, and plait it all the way down. As a further test, put one of his hind legs in a sling. If he stands quiet and doesn't exhibit any impatience, then—take my advice—buy the horse at once, if you've got the money ; if you haven't, borrow it; it will be a sin to let him go. He is the nearest approach to a Chiintian that you can get in a quadruped. He is almost too good for an earthly stable. Take my advice and have him !