138 EXAMINATION OF HORSES 



the head of the external small metatarsal bone and the 

 back of the cuboid bone enlarged from hypertrophy, 

 as there is from birth undue stress on the ligaments 

 which bind the lower end of the os calcis down to the 

 cuboid and head of the external small metatarsal. This 

 conformation gives to the hock joint the appearance of 

 forming an angle with the phalanges beneath it. 



The point of the hock down to the fetlock joint is 

 usually a straight line as viewed from the side; but in 

 strong hocks the head of the external small metatarsal 

 is large, and encroaches at the curb place upon this 

 line, giving the hock when so viewed somewhat the 

 appearance of having curbs ; but manipulation detects 

 the straight line in the middle line of the hock behind, 

 and so dispels the illusion. You will always find a 

 straight line between the point of the hock and the 

 fetlock, where no curb is present. Now, whilst you can 

 and always do reject a curby hock having upon it a 

 curb, although curby hocks are not necessarily unsound- 

 ness, you will find much difference of opinion regarding 

 old standing curbs on otherwise good hocks. In law 

 all curbs are regarded as unsoundness, so that you can 

 never regard such as legally sound, or give a certificate 

 of soundness. If, however, you are trusted by your 

 employer, as you ought to be, and you are examining 

 a seasoned horse with a pair of good hocks, though one 

 has an old curb visible upon it, you will do well to pass 

 the horse ; but be sure you secure for your employer a 

 special warranty of the curb to stand sound for a defined 



