PREFACE. 



The object of the present work is to explain, in the 

 simplest manner, what constitutes a sound and what an 

 unsound horse; to note doubtful points, and such things 

 as operate against the proper development of the animal 

 in all parts; and further, as an " unsound horse" is often 

 less dangerous and more useful than the common ac- 

 ceptation of the word " unsound" would imply, I shall 

 take pains to distinguish real from imaginary defects. 



To recapitulate the objects of this little treatise, they 

 are 



1. To ascertain what constitutes strict soundness in 



the horse. 



2. To note deviations from soundness unimportant 



except as to their effect on the market value of the 

 animal. 



3. General observations on used horses. 



As, of necessity, these subjects sometimes run into 

 each other, a copious index at the end of this book will 

 save the reader any perplexity, and enable him to find 

 what he wants. 



There have from time to time been published plenty 

 of books upon the real and imaginary perfections of the 

 horse; but it must be admitted that no horse ever came 

 up to the standard of excellence set up by the authors 

 of these works. Of course not. These writers have 

 brought together a collection of equine excellences, and 

 made it appear to the general reader that a sound and 

 good horse possesses them all. Such argument is not 

 based on common sense. As well expect to find the av- 

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