24 THE HOKSE 



When lifted up, the buyer should note whether 

 the frog of the foot is well developed and free 

 from offensive odor. A deep cleft in the frog, 

 and an unpleasant, characteristic smell indicate 

 thrtish, and although it is rare to come across a 

 horse entirely free from it, yet if badly developed, 

 and the frog shiiveled in appearance, the horse 

 should be rejected. In a perfectly healthy foot 

 the cleft of the frog is only a slight depression, 

 and not the deep split so constantly seen. Con- 

 tracted feet are less objectionable than wide-spread 

 feet, as the former may be improved by care and 

 attention, whereas nothing much can be done to 

 the latter to make them permanently sound, and 

 a horse with such feet, if put to fast road work, 

 will be likely to develop fever in the feet, or some 

 such complaint. 



AcTioisr 

 Conformation makes the action. For road work, 

 exaggerated knee and hock action is out of the 

 question, and undesirable in every respect. At 

 the same time, it is highly desirable that a horse 

 should throw both fore and hind legs well forward. 

 A long stride is obtained by good shoulder action, 

 but it is of little advantage if the horse drags his 



