IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 119 



hours after. People are too apt to be satisfied if, 

 during such a ride as this, no unsoundness is visibly 

 displayed. Even where no cause of suspicion arises, 

 it would be prudent to return to the stables and view 

 the horse a second time after three hours' rest. 



It is obvious that most of the remarks which I 

 have offered on unsoundness in the fore legs, will 

 apply to the hind legs ; but it must be observed 

 that similar diseases, either in the legs or feet be- 

 hind, are of far less consequence. My friend Gam- 

 bado, whom I have already quoted, gives a hint on 

 this subject, which has more of truth in it than its 

 absurdity of enunciation would lead us to suspect. 

 He considers it a work of supererogation to examine 

 the hinder parts of a horse, because, "if the fore 

 legs go, the hind must follow !" In the language of 

 the school this is decidedly a non-sequitur ; and yet, 

 from the very attitude and structure of the horse, it 

 is undoubtedly true that in motion the fore legs have 

 to endure the greatest exertion, at the same time 

 that their free action is almost impeded by the 

 weight and position of the rider. This is clearly 

 proved by a circumstance well known to every ex- 

 perienced rider. Many horses that will stumble at 



