APPENDIX. 605 
ribs, also look for marks of cutting and speedy cutting. Pass the hand 
down the back sinews and suspensory ligaments, examine the knees for 
any marks, and then carefully feel the coronets and heels for any marks 
of exostosis or ossification. Lastly, take a good look at the front of the 
foot, and then lifting it inspect the frog, heels, and sole. This will 
complete the front half of the body, after which the form of the 
middle and loins should be regarded, and then, lifting the tail, the 
openness or otherwise of the space round the anus will give some idea 
of the strength of constitution, while the resistance afforded by the dock 
will be a sign of the muscular strength of the back. Then look care- 
fully at the hocks, examine the spavin and curb places, and finish the 
whole by passing the hand down the hind cannon bones to the fetlocks, and 
feel them in the same order as in the fore legs. Now let the horse rest a 
minute if his groom will let him, with his head quite at liberty, and you 
will be able to judge of his ordinary habit of standing, when unexcited. 
At the conclusion of this careful examination while at rest, the action 
must be as minutely investigated, by first having the horse walked with a 
loose rein, and then trotted in the same way slowly, when if he is sound he 
will put his feet down regularly and firmly. Grooms, when they want to 
conceal defects, will not let the head be loose, nor will they trot slowly, 
but bustle the horse along with their hands as close as possible to the 
mouth, so as to prevent any nodding of the head as much as they can. A 
very good judge will be perhaps able to select a pleasant pack or harness 
horse by seeing him thus run, and afterwards ridden, but a far better test 
is to ride or drive him yourself, when his freedom from vice, or disease, 
may be ascertained, as well as his manners, and the ease of his various paces. 
No trouble should be spared to get this real trial, which is worth ten per 
cent, on the purchase money, for many a horse which looks to go well 
does not feel so, and it is well worth that sum to be saved the trouble 
attending upon the possession of a horse which does not suit. When, 
however, after such a careful examination by a competent judge, and sub- 
sequent trial in the saddle or in harness, the horse is found to be really 
likely to answer all the purposes for which he is wanted, a few pounds 
should never prevent his being obtained. 
