THE SELECTION OF A HORSE 



in front. When put at a fence, this should be 

 especially noticed. A forehead that projects 

 usually indicates a very determined horse, 

 though perhaps a grand hunter if allowed to 

 go his own way. A horse with a concave fore- 

 head, one that " dips in," is to be avoided, as he 

 may be foolish and queer-tempered. 



Whilst examining the head, we should 

 notice whether it is put on right, and whether 

 there is plenty of room between the jaw bones 

 for his windpipe, etc., also we should see if the 

 pipe itself feels big, and hangs free of the neck. 



The neck should be of a moderate length, 

 neither long nor short, nicely arched and thick 

 through, especially behind the ears — a sign of 

 good constitution. 



The next point to examine is the feet. If 

 the feet are not right, have nothing to do with 

 the horse, as he won't be pleasant to ride. 

 Both fore feet should be the same size, round 

 and strong-looking, not over-high or low at the 

 heel, when viewed from the side, and the 

 coronary band just above the hoof should be 

 well developed, soft and springy to the touch, 

 as it is from this part that the horn of the hoof 

 draws its nourishment. The sole of the foot 

 should be concave — convexity points to disease 

 — the frog large and healthy, the heels should 



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