114 THE HORSE. 



able to bear the stress which is thrown upon it in 

 making the spring for the gallop or leap ; but if the 

 joint, at this locality, is rounded in its form, or if the 

 hocks are greatly turned in towards each other whilst 

 the toes are turaed out, the stress on the annular liga- 

 ment will be so great as to sprain it ; and perhaps the 

 sinew will start completely from its natural position, 

 and thus fonn a very unsightly tumour. This tumour 

 constitutes a curb, which is a most serious and intract- 

 able affair. After it is really formed, I believe it is 

 impossible for the joint ever to be made as good as it 

 was at first. The application of Major's remedy, blis- 

 ters, or the fii'ing-irons, together with long-continued 

 rest, will improve it materially ; but still it can never 

 be fully depended on again. A sinew which is not 

 only severely sprained, but actually put out of its place, 

 will be nearly certain of giving way again when it is 

 called upon for sudden and severe exertion. 



The best plan of judging whether or not a horse is 

 curbed, is to take a fair side-view of the joint. The 

 slightest elevation will then be distinctly seen. When 

 there is anything suspicious-looking, the part must be 

 carefully examined by the finger. Sometimes there is 

 an appearance of an incipient curb towards the outside 

 of the joint, although there has been no starting of the 

 sinew, or sprain of the ligament. A horse must not 

 always be rejected as unsound on this account, but he 

 is to be regarded with a deal of suspicion. His hocks 



