64 EOW TO JUDGE A rORSE. 



in tliG former formations, and tlie disposition to 

 sprdins and lameness in tlie lower joints is aug- 

 mented. 



HINTS TO THE PURCHASER OF A HORSE. 



Having examined tliose qualities of the horse, 

 constituting his propelliiig.powers, let us acquaint 

 ourselves now with some advantages and resources 

 for the jadging of the whole framework. 



One of the first rules, in judging horses, is to place 

 the horse on level ground. If the horse is placed on 

 an incline, with legs stretched, it appears higher in 

 front, the shoulders appear more oblique, the fore 

 legs, even if already slightly knee-sprung and 

 shaggy, look straight and safe; the back and the 

 croup of the horse appear horizontal, the space 

 between belly and ground gets smaller, and the 

 distance between hind and front hoofs larger. A 

 general comparison of the pro^Dortions must be the 

 first step. A perfectly, regularly built horse should 

 not make the impression of being remarkably tall 

 nor remarkably small, else, there are in both cases, 

 certain disproportions. A horse, appearing very 

 tall, is generally long-legged and narrow-chested, 

 while a horse, looking ^ery small, is generally too 

 long-bodied. 



The shape and size of the head is in itself very 



