894 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



§3. Examination of the Horse. 



The examination of the horse cannot always be made at one's 

 leisure, although enough time should be taken, if possible, to make 

 the examination thorough. This depends upon the place where the 

 purchase is made. As a rule, purchases are made at the horse-market 

 or at the horse-show, and very often at the dealer's stable. 



We will say a few words upon the plan to be followed in each of 

 these circumstances, 



1st. Examination of the Horse at the Horse-Market.— 

 When a horse which seems to answer the requirements has been found, 

 he should be brought out of the stall, taken away from the other 

 horses, and, if possible, led to a quiet place, where he can be easily 

 observed. It will then be seen at once whether, by his size, weight, 

 and general development he fulfils the required purpose. At the same 

 time it will be well to determine his age and his race. Finally, his 

 price should be asked. If these first conditions are not favorable, or 

 if the price is too high, it is useless to proceed further with the exami- 

 nation. Only a general inspection of the whole animal will be made, 

 by a glance of the eye ; either he pleases or he displeases. That should 



suffice. 



When the impression is favorable, a more minute examination of 

 the mouth, eyes, nostrils, and intermaxillary space is indispensable, and 

 this should be made according to the rules we have indicated, so as not 

 to omit anything that is important. Then the horse should be placed, 

 and a careful survey made of him both in general and in details, em- 

 bracing his equilibrium, his gaits, etc., all this in accordance with the 

 instruction which we shall now give. 



2d. Examination of the Horse at the Dealer's. — At the 

 dealer's, the purchaser can take his time, and it is there especially that 

 he will find what he wishes as to kind, nature, quality, and price; 

 provided, always, that the dealer is one whose reputation is made and 

 whose honesty is well known. The animal should be seen in the stable, 

 and in action on the show-ground. 



a. Examination in the Stable. — Passing through the stable, 

 the purchaser will examine the horses with attention, and as soon as his 

 choice is fixed upon one of them, he will note the manner in which the 

 animal is tied to the manger, how he stands in the stall, the way in 

 which he carries his head, the' expression of his countenance, and the 

 movements of his ears ; this is the time also for him to observe the 

 conformation of the hind-quarters, the hocks, the fetlocks, etc. 



