AS TO SOUNDNESS. 141 



The hind foot has not a tithe of the number of accidents 

 and diseases as the fore foot ; but the pasterns are more 

 prone to ring-bone, especially in blood-stock. Ring-bone 

 under all aspects is an unsoundness, and does not admit 

 of any words in mitigation of our verdict of unsoundness 

 for obvious reasons. Look for sandcrack in front of the 

 hoof. 



We now turn to the back of the limb, and notice a 

 prominence near the tail (tuberosity of the ischium), 

 which, like the other prominence on the innominate 

 bone, is liable to be knocked off by the horse " back- 

 ing" against a post. When this prominence is knocked 

 off, the part has a flattened, indented appearance, which 

 can be felt, but which is best seen on lifting the tail well 

 up, and comparing it with its fellow on the opposite side. 

 This bony prominence is the homologue of the bony 

 parts we bipeds sit upon. Should the injury be of old 

 standing no objection need be taken, as the injury after 

 being once healed never causes lameness or defect in 

 action. 



Next proceed down the back of the thigh to the hock. 

 This distance is usually free from ordinary disease. The 

 hock we have considered ; and the back tendons, liga- 

 ments, foot, shoe, etc., require examining as in the fore 

 limb. 



We have now finished the examination of the near side 

 of the body, and examine the off side exactly in the same 

 way, beginning at the head and going backwards^ as I have 

 already advised, and given you my reasons for so doing. 



