105 



for three or four miles, will observe a heaving of 

 the flanks, when the wind is affected even but 

 shghtly, for two or three hours after. People are 

 too apt to be satisfied if, during such a ride as this, 

 no unsoundness is visibly displayed. Even where 

 no cause of suspicion arises, it would be prudent 

 to return to the stables and view the horse a second 

 time after three hours' rest. 



I It is obvious that most of the remarks which I 

 have offered on unsoundness in the fore legs, will 

 'apply to the hind legs ; but it must be observed 

 that similar diseases, either in the legs or feet 

 behind, are of far less consequence. My friend 

 'Gambado, whom I have already quoted, gives a 

 I hint on this subject which has more of truth in it 

 than its absurdity of enunciation w^ould lead us to 

 suspect. He considers it a work of supererogation, 

 to examine the hinder parts of a horse, because, 

 I'"' if the fore legs go, the hind must follow ! " In 

 the language of the schools this is decidedly a 

 non-sequitur ; and yet, from the very attitude and 

 structure of the horse, it is undoubtedly true that 

 I in motion the fore legs have to endure the greatest 

 exertion, at the same time that their free action is 

 . almost impeded by the weight and position of the 

 J rider. This is clearly proved by a circumstance 

 'well known to every experienced rider. Many 



