65 



SOUNDXESS, EXAMIXATIOX OF A HORSE FOR. 



If the horse has been brought but a short distance, and slowly, 

 the examination may be proceeded with at once, not otherwise ; 

 but take him to a window or shed, that the eyes may be thoroughly 

 inspected. Take your position opposite the eye, so as to look directly 

 through the pupillary opening. In this way may be seen the 

 muscular movement of the iris, should there be proper and sufficient 

 light. Next take a step towards the shoulder, and look across the 

 cornea. This must be done on both sides — turning up the lid, 

 however, may be resorted to when considered necessary. Next pro- 

 ceed to the mouth, to ascertain the age ; to see if the incisors are 

 broken or worn. Searching from the knee downwards will require 

 much discrimination. In the first place, we must notice if the front 

 of the knee is free from blemish — that the integument moves freely 

 over the point when a blemish does exist; look well for morbid 

 growth of bone upon the large and small metacarpals : then turn 

 round and examine the back part of the limb, from the elbow to the 

 foot, in order to find marks of speedy cut, ruptured tendons, inter- 

 ference from shoeing, enlarged fetlock. &:c. Now raise the foot, and 

 examine it. If any difficulty is found in placing the foot and elbow 

 together, no doubt will exist that some organic change has taken 

 place, either from injury above the knee, the knee itself, the fetlock- 

 joint, or the foot. You cannot attach too much importance to this 

 portion of the examination ; and this having been accomplished, 

 return to the withers. The hand is passed along the course of the 

 spinal column, and the centre of the loins pressed, which will give 

 an idea of the state of parts underneath ; looking under the abdomen 

 in search of hernia. 



Proceed then to the hock- joint, down to the foot, looking first 

 for capped hock and curb, then in search for bursal and other en- 

 largements about the inside and front of this joint. Now take a 

 general survey of the animal, to ascertain his colour, particular 

 marks, height, and mark well if the feet are all right — if he 

 stands in good position, &c. The horse is now slowly trotted upon 

 stones and otherwise, to see if his action is even — that is to say, 

 if he is free from lameness. If this is satisfactory, a saddle is 

 placed upon his back. If he happens to be untrained, then it is 

 necessary to put a cavesson upon him with a long rope attached ; 

 and either get a fast runner or two to run him a distance, or ring 

 him, which is the better plan, if there is room enough, and the 

 gi'ound suitable. The hor<e is made to gallop sufficiently to test his 



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