HOW TO BUY AND SELL. 97 



Long pasterns, except when they are extreme for the 

 weight or work required, may be considered an advan- 

 tage, as they are easy to the rider and prevent concussion 

 to the horse. 



If the length of the pasterns arises from the rupture 

 or unnatural elongation of the tendon, the horse is then 

 termed ^'broken down," and is Unsound. 



When, from the great length of the pastern, the horse 

 is incapable of doing the work due from one of his class, 

 even though he was so foaled, he must be considered 



Unsound. 



Very long-paster ned horses, when they turn out their 

 toes considerably, are sometimes called " Dancing- 

 masters." 



boots. 



Many a horse is unable to do his proi)er work Avithout 

 striking one leg against another; this fault arises either 

 from weakness and malformation, or from the horse hav- 

 ing, during breaking, been allowed to acquire a crooked, 

 slovenly gait. 



Such a horse, on account of his requiring the constant 

 use of Ijoots to prevent injury and cutting by striking his 

 legs together, and on account of his demanding extra 

 care, is Unsound. 



If from temporary weakness, or from leg- weariness 

 caused by over-work or j^overty of condition, the horse has 

 acquired the habit of cutting, on his recovery from these 

 ailments he may be deemed to be Sound. 



REAEING. 



Rearing is a habit which horses acquire from their being 

 used by nervous people, and by those who through ignor- 

 6 



