A B C OF THE HORSE 51 



Having satisfied himself as to the 

 soundness of the action of the animal, 

 the buyer should proceed with his 

 examination in detail. The general 

 conformation should be carefully 

 studied from the front so that any 

 wasting at the shoulder, narrowness of 

 the chest, or turning in or out of the 

 toes could be observed. Coming 

 around to the near side, the general 

 shape of the body, and the position of 

 the fore and hind limbs, should be 

 noted. A flat-sided animal will never 

 do its food justice, whilst unless the 

 legs are set on properly it cannot carry 

 itself or its rider safely. Horses with 



