IN SEARCH OP A HORSE. 67 



But to return to my subject. If in general ap- 

 pearance the horse promises to suit, it is prudent to 

 see him through his paces before you inspect him 

 closely ; the opposite course is commonly followed, 

 but I think erroneously. The action of a horse 

 when closely observed, guides to his defective points, 

 and tells us where the scrutiny should be severe. 



It is very difficult, however, to judge of a horse's 

 action. I once took a valuable mare to the college 

 for examination : I knew she was lame, but where, I 

 was utterly unable to discover; and my perplexity 

 was by no means singular. Not only was I unable 

 to penetrate the cause, but I could not even guess 

 which leg was in fault. Mr. Sewell himself was 

 obliged to examine her closely. About ten or twelve 

 of his pupils were present, and several of them were 

 asked their opinions : each had his own, but none 

 were exactly right, though there were but four legs 

 between which to decide. The fact was that she was 

 lame on every leg, and in consequence her action was 

 pretty uniform. 



To a certain extent, this is not uncommon. Where 

 both the fore feet are equally tender, the action is 

 destroyed, but it is not uneven^ and the limp is con- 

 sequently not perceptible. 



