LESSON X. 



THE WIND, COLOR, HEIGHT, COAT AND HAIR, AGE. 



The term ^ wind ' is used by horsemen to signify 

 the respiration or breathing capabihties. It is not 

 necessary to describe in detail defects in ^wind.' 

 Normal or healthy breathing, or ^ wind, ' will here 

 be described, and from that defects may be re- 

 cognized. 



When a healthy horse of average size is stand- 

 ing quietly in his stable, he breathes from eight 

 to ten or twelve times a minute. I here use the 

 term breathes in its popular sense, which all, I 

 beheve, understand. If the back of the hand and 

 fingers be placed against the ribs, just behind the 

 elbow, the heart will be felt to knock the side in 

 beating about four times the breathing rate, so 

 that a healthy horse having a pulse of thirty-six 

 per minute will breathe about nine times per 

 minute. In all cases there ought to be this ratio 

 1 — 4: or thereabout. Sliould this ratio be absent 

 to any marked extent, such for instance as a 

 breathing rate of fifteen and a pulse rate of 

 forty, disease is present. Exercise in moderation 

 increases both pulse and respiration, both are 

 quickened, but the ratio is more or less retained. 

 Anyhow, when the horse comes to stand and 



