42 THE FARMER S VETERINARIAN 



to the length of the horse from the point of the 

 shoulder to the point of the buttock. 



Looking at the horse in front if a line be dropped 

 from the point of the shoulder it should halve the 

 fore leg, the knee, the cannon, and the hoof. And 

 the width of the third hoof, if placed between the 

 two front feet, should give the attitude that is 

 desirable. 



Looking at the horse from the rear, the same 

 attitude is to be observed. Of course, many horses 

 do not possess these qualities and proportions ; and 

 because they do not is the very reason that their 

 beauty, efficiency, and value are less. 



EXAMINING ANIMALS IN THE STABLE 



In going into the stable look the animals over 

 quietly. Observe how they stand, breathe, eat, and 

 act generally. Are they nervous ? Does one swing 

 his head from side to side? Does he kick, paw, 

 put back his ears, or does he have any of the other 

 common stable vices that are unpleasant and un- 

 desirable? As you look about and pass back and 

 forth, you will get the evidence of these stable 

 vices, if such are to be found. 



Look particularly for cribbing, wind sucking, 

 kicking and crowding. Pawing is just as bad. If 

 you want animals with good stable manners pass 

 by those possessing these ugly faults. The next 

 step is to examine the animals individually; those 

 that " look good " to you. No doubt you will find 

 some that do not interest you for one reason or 

 another. These need no further attention, unless 

 you have overlooked some fact, in which case your 

 attention will likely be called to it. 



