CONDITION OF HUNTERS RESUMED 285 



I know of nothing to add on this subject, except 

 the remark, that, although the coats of entire horses 

 are universally finer than geldings, yet I know of no 

 superiority in this particular between geldings and 

 mares. The question why blind horses generally have 

 a fine coat in winter and a rough one in summer, must, 

 I suppose, continue to remain unanswered. 



CUTTING LEGS 



speedy-cut, and Brushing 



Or Interfering, as it is called by some. I think 

 owners of horses troubled with this great fault are 

 not sufiiciently aware that striking one leg against 

 the other is often a defect of the upper, as well as 

 the lower extremity of the leg. In choice of young 

 horses I have carefully avoided those which hit their 

 legs, particularly the hinder ones. The speedy-cut 

 often arises from excess of action, but knocking the 

 hind legs together is an infallible sign of weakness. 

 Shoeing may remedy it a little ; but a plain leather 

 boot is most to be depended upon. Speed-cutting 

 is a dangerous defect, and it is a frequent cause of 

 rejection of horses. The Editor also rejects horses 

 that strike their hind fetlocks (interfere) if the con- 

 formation of the hind limbs is favourable to this 

 annoyance. 



DOCKING 



As nearly every horse used for pleasure undergoes 

 this operation, it would almost appear a waste of 

 words to bestow a line on the subject ; but, whether 



