HLVTS ON BUYING. 173 



under him, it may be safely concluded that both fore feet 

 are more or less diseased ; vice versa, if the hind feet are 

 unsound, he will throw all his weight on his fore hand. A 

 leg may be what is termed " knuckled over," or '' used," i.e, 

 flexed at the fetlock joint, a certain indication of over-work. 

 Constant shifting of the weight from one leg to the other is 

 another sign of tender, fevered feet and of general soreness. 



Note how the groom goes up to him to strip him. Many 

 horses, when in high condition and doing little work, will 

 when the groom approaches them lay back their ears, partially 

 lift a leg, and make a grab at the manger; but this may be 

 mere play and make-believe devoid of real vice. If the horse 

 be vicious, then the handling of the groom will betray the 

 ugly fact. Instead of going up to him confidently, he will 

 give his heel a wide berth, take every precaution against a 

 pattern being taken out of his shirt or jacket, and will be on 

 the look out for being jammed against the standings. Any 

 dodging on the part of the groom is indicative of vice in 

 some form, and nervous fear on that of the horse, a certain 

 sign that he is in the habit of receiving punishment for it, 

 or that the man is a savage. Take time over these observa- 

 tions, or you may be out of your reckoning; do not be 

 "bluffed" out of the inspection, or hurried over it. Any 

 " come ups ! " and flicks with the whip are attempts to 

 deceive. Peep into his manger and note any signs of 

 "quidding," z>. partially masticated and rejected food. 



As soon as the horse is turned in his stall, be on the look 

 out for stiffness, string-halt, lameness, and uneven action. 

 It is difficult to keep the stableman from " figging " or 

 " spicing " the horse as he leaves the stall, they are so adroit 

 at it, and invariably have some of the " cocktail "condiment, 

 ready for immediate use, in their waistcoat pockets. It is a 

 practice I very much object to, and invariably protest against* • 



