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IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 71 



There is a peculiar appearance about the legs in 

 some instances; it is called by the dealers ^'groggi- 

 ness." Where the fore leg inclines a little forward 

 at the knee, or is readily bent at the least touch be- 

 hind the knee, it is termed "knuckling." I have 

 seen very young horses show this deformity before 

 they have been backed ; but if, in addition to this, 

 there is a tremulous, tottering motion of the limb, it 

 is a decided proof that the horse has " done his 

 work," whatever may be his age ; he is decidedly 

 "groggy," and should be rejected. It proceeds 

 from relaxation of the sinews, and in young horses 

 may be relieved and perhaps cured, by rest and blis- 

 tering; but still the animal will never be fit for 

 much exertion. 



There are other points in the action to which a 

 good judge will direct his eye ; such as the carriage 

 of the head and tail, steadiness and uniformity of the 

 trot, and the promptitude with which the check is 

 obeyed ; if he is very particular, he will even see him 

 in the lunge. I am not writing, however, for the 

 professed jockey, but (if there is such an oddity to 

 be found) for the acknowledged ignoramus. When 

 he finds himself qualified to judge of the soundness 



