THE HORSE BUYING AND SELLING. 609 



ness, reject that animal. Next lift each foot, and feel around 

 coronet for ringbone. Notice shape of foot, then the sides for 

 quarter crack. See that the heel is broad, and the horny 

 case sets squarely and does not turn under on the ground or 

 shoe. Look at the frog for thrush ; see that frog is full and 

 sound, and the hollow of the foot is arching and not depressed. 

 A white foot is never as tough as a black one. The horse 

 with split or flat-foot will never be fit for other than slow work. 

 The feet with high and narrow heels are said to be more liable 

 to founder and contraction. " No foot, no horse," is true. 



Next look at the body. If the ribs are round, back short, 

 loin broad and full, and wind good, he will be useful. Test 

 his wind by causing him to trot or run sharply a hundred rods 

 and return, and then let him stand still. Notice closely his 

 breathing. If he takes at once, on stopping, a long breath or 

 two and breathes easily, without any appearance of inconven- 

 ience or distress, his wind will do. Sometimes by placing the 

 ear at side of the wind-pipe or lungs, one can detect if there is 

 any irritation there. Heaves or broken-wind can not be too 

 carefully guarded against. A cough, or the enlargement of the 

 gland below the ear, must be watched. They are precursors 

 of evil. 



Now, have the horse moved past you on level ground. 

 Stand where you can have a good view of him. Notice the action 

 of the fore-legs, that the joint at the shoulder plays freely, that 

 the feet are not raised too high and that he throws his feet out 

 boldly, and is not cautious about throwing his weight on them. 

 If he takes mincing steps and seems constrained in the use of 

 his limbs pass him by. If possible, see the horse moved after a 

 long rest. Many horses a little stiff in the shoulder will not 

 show it if they have been warmed up by exercise. 



By this time you have some idea of his style and appear- 

 ance, but you will do well to take your position in front of 

 him and have him trot toward you and directly from you. You 

 can then see if he carries his feet forward in a direct line, and 

 does not travel too close or too wide. If too close he will be 

 apt to cut; if two wide he will appear awkward and his gait 



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