EXAMINATION OF THE LEGS AND FEET 381 



of the inner aspect of the joint, and should receive special attention at this 

 stage of the examination. The effect of this mishap may be serious or not, 

 but all horses whose conformation and action predispose to it should be 

 declined. 



Distention of the synovial sheaths of tendons which pass over the 

 fetlock -joint behind, or of the capsular membrane of the joint, is commonly 

 observed in smaller or larger bulgings termed " windgalls ". 



These may be the progressive result of severe work, or arise out of 

 sprain or other injury to the part. In their slighter forms they are un- 

 important, unless there is evidence of a hereditary predisposition to their 

 formation. This will most likely exist where similar developments are 

 observed in and about other joints, such as thoroughpins, bog spavins, and 

 the like. Where, however, they are large, tense, and resisting, action will 

 be interfered with, and they must, in such circumstances, be regarded 

 essentially as an unsoundness. 



The Heels. — As we descend, the heels may afford evidence of the 

 present or past existence of grease. If the former, an offensive discharge 

 will cover the skin; if the latter, the integument will be more or less 

 thickened and thrown into folds, and may be studded over with small 

 hard pimples. 



In heavy horses whose legs are covered with hair this disorder may be 

 overlooked, unless a searching examination is pursued. 



Cracks and chaps may also exist here and render the horse for the time 

 being unsound. 



The Coronet.— Coming to the coronet, the examiner now tests the 

 lateral cartilages with the object of determining if they possess their normal 

 elasticity, or if they have become converted into "side-bones". Pressure 

 should be applied to them from behind forward along their entire length, 

 first while the foot is on the ground, and again after being lifted up and 

 the weight removed from it. 



Some horses' cartilages are naturally thick and resisting, while others 

 are thin and yield to very slight pressure. In old horses they become 

 hard with age without necessarily being ossified, and such cases call for 

 considerable experience and judgment. Where, however, the existence 

 of side-bone is established, unsoundness follows. 



Damage to the heel as the result of overreach may lay the foundation 

 for unsoundness, and scars arising out of this cause call for some attention. 



The Sole and Frog. — It becomes necessary now to examine further 



the foot, more especially as to its ground surface. Having observed the 



width of the heels, the examiner lifts it up, and so brings the sole and frog 



under observation. In a normal condition the former should describe a 

 vcL ni. 90 



