If your horse be well bred and in blooming condition

If your horse be well bred and in blooming condition

If your horse be well bred and in blooming condition

If your horse be well bred and in blooming condition,
Both up to the country and up to your weight,
Oh! then give the reins to your youthful ambition,
Sit down in the saddle and keep his head straight.

Eager and emulous only, not spiteful,
Grudging no friend, though ourselves he may beat;
Just enough danger to make sport delightful,
Toil just sufficient to make slumbers sweet!