-65- 

 X. To Avoia ^ices and Defects.— How to Detect. 



They are legion, and he who at present buys any horse, whether for 

 speed ©r work, must be on his guard against them. Among the prin- 

 cipal disabilities to be guarded against are : 



1. Bone spavin, curb, ring-bone and splints. — To detect these 

 look at the horse from before and behind for spavin and curb at the 

 hocks ; for ring-bone, at the fetlocks and for splints, below the knee. 

 Feel the bones at all these parts for tenderness or CBlargement. If 

 they appear reject the horse instantly. He will be worthless as a sire, 

 or for riding or driving. 



2. Stumbling. — Examine the knees to find if they are scarred 

 or show the marks of previous injuries, or that have been operated 

 upon for callosities. Then walk him over somewhat rough ground, 

 and at a slow pace, with an entirely loose rein, to see if he trips or 

 goes weaker on one leg than on the other. If he is a stumbler, he is 

 the most dangerous animal a man can own, unless it be a kicker ; in 

 fact, more so than the latter, since kicking may be guarded against, 

 •when knowing the vice. 



3. Kicking. — If this is suspected, the animal will lay back his 

 ears if approached in an apparently careless manner, though horses 

 do this sometimes from mere playfulness. If they are vicious, they 

 will lay their ears more completely back, and the eyes will also denote 

 their intention. Examine the stall, where it is known they have 

 stood, {'or marks of the hoofs, and, above all, give the animal a chance 

 to show his propensity when the groom is not near. 



4. Pulling at the halter or bridle when tied. — Tie him 

 up in a close yard, with a halter he can easily break, leaving him 

 quite alone for about half an hour, to exhibit his propensity if 

 he will. 



5. Crib-biting. — If the horse is a confirmed crib-biter, his teeth— i 

 the central incisors — will show wear where he has grasped objects to 

 enable him to get leverage to perform the operation. Tie him out to 

 a stump, or at a post about three feet high, and watch him, no person 

 being in his sight. 



6. Balking and backing. — Horses seldom balk under the 

 saddle, when they do, they are dangerous in the extreme, often 



