The horse really was an exceptionally fine one, a broad and long gelding, with glossy coat, thick silky tail, and the soft fine mane and crest of a thoroughbred.

He was so well fed that 'you might go to sleep on his back' as Lukashka expressed it.

His hoofs, eyes, teeth, were exquisitely shaped and sharply outlined, as one only finds them in very pure-bred horses.

Olenin could not help admiring the horse, he had not yet met with such a beauty in the Caucasus.
'And how it goes!' said Lukashka, patting its neck.

'What a step! And so clever--he simply runs after his master.' 'Did you have to add much to make the exchange ?' asked Olenin.
'I did not count it,' answered Lukashka with a smile.