IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 87 



"foundered." This is a very common, and yet a 

 serious defect ; it usually arises from bad shoeing 

 and severe work ; but I profess not to explain the 

 disease, or the extent to which it admits either of 

 cure or relief. Those who are interested or curious 

 in such pathology, must refer to Professor Sewell. I 

 may add, however, that although a contracted foot is 

 indicative of past disease, it by no means follows that 

 it is unsoundness, or incapacitates a horse from 

 work. It is most common in high-bred horses ; per- 

 haps because in proportion to the general lightness 

 and activity of the horse, the elasticity of the foot is 

 more perfect, and therefore more easily deranged by 

 careless shoeing, and neglect of the principles that I 

 have just noticed. 



The best way of judging whether there is any mal- 

 formation of the feet, either natural, or in conse- 

 quence of disease, is to front the horse, and compare 

 the two feet together. Any difference of size or 

 shape is thus easily detected ; and if that difference 

 is so great as to be readily apparent to the eye, there 

 is little doubt that disease exists or has existed. — 

 Where the eye cannot at once detect it, it is best to 

 take up a straw, aud ascertain by actual measure- 



