Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

HORSES. 23

wise perfect animal, as if it could only move
on three legs. The prejudice is so strongly
grounded in their minds to these trifling marks,
that they would not keep such horses in their
stables one hour, even if it belonged to. their
dearest friend, fearing the evil consequences
that might befall their house.

The swiftness of a good English hunter would
be no recommendation to a Native gentleman ;
he rides for pleasant exercise and amusement,
and the pace therefore never exceeds the gentlest
canter of an English lady's jennet. Many of
their horses are trained to a pace I have never
remarked in other countries; it is more than a
walk but not quite a canter, the steps are
taken very short, and is, I am assured, an
agreeable exercise to the rider. I was once in
possession of a strong hill pony, whose walk
was as quick as the swiftest elephant; very few
horses could keep up with him at a trot. The
motion was very easy and agreeable, particularly
suited to invalids in that trying climate.

The Native method of confining horses in
their sheds or stables appears somewhat remark-