THE HORSEMAN'S GUIDE. 



ON SOUNDNESS. 



Under this heading we propose to treat on Soundness 

 and Unsoundness, and give a clear explanation of the legal 

 interpretations on the subject. 



In what does Soundness consist? According to Mr. 

 Spooner, — '* This question has been a subject of the most 

 contradictory opinions, has given birth to numerous argu- 

 ments, and has sadly puzzled the heads of lawyers them- 

 selves. Indeed, the most opposite opinions have been 

 expressed by the learned judges at various times ; though, 

 at the present day, when the opinion of veterinary surgeons 

 are allowed more weight than formerly, the decisions of the 

 bench are much more uniform. Perfect soundness appears 

 to consist of the total absence of disease ; but as this very 

 seldom occurs in horses that have been used, and as, from 

 the rarity of its existence, the strict definition would be 

 useless, it is now understood to mean that a horse has no 

 disease or alteration of structure that makes him in any 

 respect less useful, or is likely to make him less useful, 

 than he would be without such defect. Soundness has, 

 therefore, strict reference to utility ; it does not apply to 

 blemishes, although these blemishes may be alterations of 

 structure, and produced by disease. Freedom from blem- 



