70 The Care of Animals 



After going over the whole horse, the examiner 

 should carefully compare corresponding members, as to 

 their s^^mmetry and form. The two hips should be 

 compared to see that one is not "knocked down" or 

 "hipped," and that the muscles are equally developed. 

 The tail should be carried squarely; it should be handled 

 and a line or rope drawn under it to prove that the 

 horse is not vicious in this regard. The nostrils, lips, 

 eyes and ears should be compared, and any signs of 

 paralysis or drooping of the parts noted. 



After examining, manipulating and comparing the 

 parts of the animal, he should be thoroughlj^ tested in 

 his paces. He should be driven, or led, with plentj^ of 

 rope, to and from the examiner, and then moved by him 

 at a good, free trot, w^ien anj^ signs of lameness or 

 peculiarities of movement should be carefully looked 

 for. Turning the horse sharply to the right or to the 

 left, so as to bring the weight alternately on the right and 

 the left legs, will usually increase the signs of lameness. 

 The horse should also be tested as to his ability and 

 willingness to back a load. In testing for the wind, the 

 horse should be allowed a full drink of water, and then 

 should be ridden or driven rapidly for some distance 

 and brought to a sudden stop, close to the examiner, 

 who will look for any abnormal sounds or movements in 

 breathing. A "wind-broken" horse can be detected by 

 the peculiar roaring or whistling made as the air is 

 taken in. In heaves, there is usually difficult breathing, 

 with a peculiar bellows -like motion of the flank. By 

 pinching the animal's throat, the peculiar and character- 

 istic grunting cough of heaves will be given. The 



