LIGHT CARCASED
—is a term applied to horses, the shape of whose bodies bear no ill affinity to the form of a GREYHOUND. The carcases of such are flat at the sides, narrow in the chest, and gradually contract in circumference from the GIRTH to the FLANK; where, after a little hard work, they appear so tucked up, it would seem to a stranger that they were emaciated for want of food. Horses of this description possess, in general, a SPIRIT so much beyond their STRENGTH, that, although they never will relinquish their pace, or seem even to tire, till nature is quite exhausted, they debilitate themselves so much by impetuosity, and unnecessary exertion, that, after a single day's hard work upon the road, or a severe chase in the field, they are not fit to be brought into use for a week after. They are always bad feeders; and it is an old maxim with the SPORTING WORLD, "that those who won't eat can't work;" and this remark is literally just; they certainly cannot for any length of time together. Light carcased horses are mostly hot and fiery in their tempers, excellent goers, but troublesome in company; invariably eager to be first; and will sink under persevering speed and fatigue, rather than be exceeded in action and emulation. They are by no means desirable purchases, but to those whose journies are short, and work easy; to such their defects may not be considered of material consequence.