On the Art of Horsemanship

In case the intention is to buy a horse already ridden, we will write out some notes that the buyer must thoroughly master if he is not to be cheated over his purchase.

First, then, he must not fail to ascertain the age. A horse that has shed all his milk teeth does not afford much ground for pleasing expectations, and is not so easily got rid of.[*](The knowledge of the teeth as a criterion of age is rudimentary.)

If he is clearly a youngster, one must notice further how he receives the bit in his mouth and the headstall about his ears. This may best be noticed if the buyer sees the bridle put on and taken off again.

Next, attention must be paid to his behaviour when he receives the rider on his back. For many horses will not readily accept a thing if they know beforehand that, if they accept it, they will be forced to work.

Another thing to be observed is whether when mounted he is willing to leave his companions, or whether in passing standing horses he does not bolt towards them. Some too, in consequence of bad training run away from the riding ground to the paths that lead home.

A horse with jaws unequally sensitive is detected by the exercise called the ring,[*](i.e., the volte; see note at 7.13.) but much more by changing the exercise.[*](i.e., by riding on the other hand. The allusion, as Hermann saw, is not to the inverted volte.) For many do not attempt to bolt unless they have a bad mouth, and the road along which they can bolt home gives them their chance.[*](The meaning is, that if, for example, the road on the right leads home, the horse with a more sensitive right jaw will try to bolt down it.) It is likewise necessary to know whether, when going at full speed he can be pulled up sharp, and whether he turns readily.