In the Stable, Field, and on the Road. 247 



the animal has good wind, and its lungs are sound, but if 

 they are irregular and stops before it is completed, with 

 considerable drawing in of the flanks extending up the 

 sides so as to shew plainly the ribs, then it is certain that 

 the horse is unsound, or, as it is termed, broken-winded. 



The third and final test is to trot the horse smartly 

 and watch the motion of its flanks, and observe if it 

 utters a noise in breathing with considerable blowing ; if 

 it does, reject the horse at once. To examine the horse 

 to ascertain if it is a roarer, whistler, or piper, place it 

 with its side against the wall, hold its head up with the 

 left hand, and with the right hand give it a sharp blow 

 on the ribs, or touch it smartly on the belly with a stick. 

 If it utters a grunt at every blow, it is a sign it is a 

 roarer; if it jumps about in consequence of the blows, 

 sobbing, and drawing its breath quickly, this will be 

 found an indication that it is a whistler or piper. For 

 testing all diseases of the lungs there is nothing like 

 giving a good gallop round a field, beginning slowly and 

 increasing the speed until it is at its top speed, then stop 

 short, dismount, slacken the girths, and place your ear 

 against its chest upon the wind-pipe, and the least defect 

 in the lungs will be apparent. Consider no time wasted 

 that is spent in testing the wind of the horse, and indeed 

 all points connected with its health. There are so many 

 points to be looked at and so many things to look for in 

 buying a horse, that if the purchaser is in a hurry he is 

 sure to overlook some important part, Having satisfied 

 yourself that the wind is all right, next stand behind the 

 animal and carefully scrutinize the prominences of the 

 hip bones, and see if they are on the level, and especially 



