468 THE HORSE. 



the state of his respiratory organs, after which the usual nianceuvrt 

 with the stick may be practised if there is no opportunity of ex- 

 amining into his freedom from roaring in the saddle. When these 

 points are satisflictorily disposed of, look to the position of the fore 

 legs, that is, whether they are turned in or out, and if the latter 

 feel the elbows, and see if they are confined or "tied," that is too 

 close to the ribs, also look for marks of cutting and speedy cutting. 

 Pass the hand down the back sinews and suspensory ligaments, ex- 

 amine the knees for any marks, and then carefully feel the coronets 

 and heels for any marks of exostosis or ossification. Lastly, take a 

 good look at the front of the foot, and then lifting it inspect the 

 frog, heels and sole. This will complete the front half of the body, 

 after which the form of the middle and loins should be regarded, 

 and then, lifting the tail, the openness or otherwise of the space 

 round the anus will give some idea of the strength of constitution, 

 while the resistance afforded by the dock will be a sign of the mus- 

 cular strength of the back. Then look carefully at the hocks, ex- 

 amine the spavin and curb places, and finish the whole by passing 

 the hand down the hind cannon bones to the fetlocks, and feel 

 them in the same order as in the fore legs. Now let the horse rest 

 a minute if his groom will let him, with his head quite at liberty, 

 and you will be able to judge of his ordinary habit of standing, 

 when unexcited. At the conclusion of this careful examination 

 while at rest, the action must be as minutely investigated, by first 

 having the horse walked with a loose rein, and then trotted in the 

 same way slowly, when .if he is sound he will put his feet down 

 regularly and firmly. Grooms, when they want to conceal defects, 

 will not let the head be loose, nor will they trot slowly, but bustle 

 the horse along with their hands as close as possible to the mouth, 

 so as to prevent any nodding of the head as much as they can. A 

 very good judge will be perhaps able to select a pleasant pack or 

 harness horse by seeing him thus run, and afterwards ridden, but a 

 far better test is to ride or drive him yourself, when his freedom 

 from vice, or disease, may be ascertained, as well as his manners, 

 and the ease of his various paces. No trouble should be spared to 

 get this real trial, which is worth ten per cent, on the purchase- 

 money, for many a horse which looks to go well does not feel so, and 

 it is well worth that sum to be saved the trouble attending upon the 

 possession of a horse which does not suit. When, however, after 

 such a careful examination by a competent judge, and subsequent 

 trial in the saddle or in harness, the horse is found to be really 

 likely to answer all the purposes for which he is wanted, a few 

 pounds should never prevent his being obtained. 



