JUDGING THE HORSE 187 



tion that is objectionable, may escape notice. A horse with 

 weak or diseased hocks is a very undesirable animal to own. 



The legs of the horse must be inspected from in front 

 and from one side. A true carriage, in any event, is impor- 

 tant. Standing in front enables one to see the straightness 

 of limb, and in a way that shows the relation of each leg to 

 its mate. From this view we judge whether the ankles will 

 interfere when the horse is in motion. Thus we see if a 

 true gait is possible. From one side we note the position of 

 the legs, to determine balance of action. If front and hind 

 legs are tucked too much beneath the body, they are liable 

 to come in contact with each other when in rapid action. 

 If there is too much stretch and separation between the 

 limbs in front and behind, then the action will lack power. 

 In a natural pose at rest, the front legs will incline very 

 slightly under the body, with the hind legs correspondingly 

 extended behind. The picture on page 171, illustrates the 

 correct position. 



A foot inspection of the horse begins with the foot at 

 rest and in a natural position. Thus one is able to note the 

 form, the placing on the ground, shape of heel, and the upper 

 condition of foot, with its relation to the pastern and to the 

 fetlock joint. The foot, however, should be examined on 

 its under side, and so must be raised for inspection. The 

 fore foot is usually started easily by running the hand near- 

 est the horse down the shoulder and arm to the back of the 

 cannon, and pressing on the tendons with the ends of the 

 fingers, raising the leg at the same time, using the other 

 hand to catch hold of the hoof as it is raised by the horse. 

 With one hand the hoof may be easily held, while with the 

 other any accumulated material under the foot may be re- 

 moved by the use of a small pick of some sort. One may 

 then easily examine the lower part of the foot. The hind 

 foot is examined somewhat differently. If wishing to inspect 

 the left hind foot, the left hand is placed on the croup and 



