THE HORSE. 



EXAMINATION. 



On the horse being led out of the stable, it is usual 

 walk up to his withers to ascertain if he is of the 

 required height, as there is generally a difference 

 between the apparent measure in the stable and that 

 taken out of doors, arising from the want of level in the 

 stall. 



Next, you should stand before the middle of the 

 chest, to see whether there is any difference in the 

 size of the two fore-feet. 



THE FEET. 

 Contraction. 



Contractions, whether arising from original malfor- 

 mation or from subsequent lameness, are by many 

 pronounced unsound. Others admit, where no incon- 

 venience arises from a naturally small foot, that it 

 does not constitute an unsoundness. Why should feet 

 naturally small or narrow at the heels, caused by being 

 reared on high, dry, or hard soil, be pronounced 

 unsound ? 



Nature has made the small foot as perfect as the 

 larger one. The inside, or sensitive foot, is not too 

 large for the horny case, nor has it with difficulty 

 been squeezed into the case ; but the hard, horny case fits 



