EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS AND HEALTH 43 



In making the individual examination, go up to 

 the animal in the stall, place your hand on the hip, 

 and gently press it. If no stringhalt afflicts the 

 horse, he will move over, allowing you to pass into 

 the stall. The same applies to the cow. If well 

 trained, she will make room for you by moving 

 over at the same time, if you do this on the proper 

 side, and she will put back her hind foot, as if she 

 were about to be milked. 



This casual observation would not be possible 

 if force were used or the animal excited by loud 

 commands or by a whip or strap. The halter 

 teaches its lesson also. A heavy rope or leather 

 suggests that the animal has a pulling back vice, 

 a habit you want to avoid. Light halters for horses 

 and cattle are to be preferred to chains, heavy 

 leather, or ropes. 



REAL TEST IS OUT OF DOORS 



Now that you have seen all of the animals for 

 sale, ask the owner to lead them out of doors for 

 a more careful examination. In this you will 

 inspect the animal very carefully in order to be 

 certain of the conformation, defects, and blemishes, 

 and to acquaint yourself specifically as to health 

 and disposition. 



Cast your eyes over the animal, front, side, and 

 rear. Pass around the animal, keeping some dis- 

 tance away. By so doing you can judge of type 

 and conformation, of proportions and attitudes ; for 

 each of these is important. A beefy-looking cow, with 

 a thick neck, square body and small udder will not 

 suit you for milk. Neither will a cow with a long, 

 thin neck, open, angular body, thin thighs, and 



