CHAPTEE 1. 



DETECTION OF THE LAME LEG. 



In cases of slight lameness an educated eye and constant 

 practice are imperative. Severe lameness is readily recog- 

 nized, as even at rest distinct symptoms, such as pointing 

 or frequent raising of the suffering limb, are noticeable. 

 By pointing is understood the resting of the foot either in 

 front, behind, to the outside or iuside of an imaginary 

 vertical line drawn from the point of the shoulder to the 

 ground. The animal's instinct leads him to place his foot 

 into a position which relieves pain. Unless lameness is 

 severe the animal is either trotted, ridden or driven. If no 

 conspicuous irregularity in the gnit is present, the ear is of 

 value, the louder hoof-beat coming from the sound leg, 

 while the lame leg, being put to the ground more lightly, 

 produces a weaker sound. 



High-strung animals, when improperly led, as, for 

 instance, with too short a halter rope or too slowly, often 

 step shorter with one leg than with the other; such animals 

 are best ridden or driven. Horses with wide chests and 

 hips have normally a rolling, wabbling gait ; horses which 

 have done a good deal of hard work, or those which are old, 

 lose elasticity of movement ; horses with upright shoulders 

 show a quick, short step ; some horses, when going beyond 

 a certain speed, hop behind, this hop disappearing when 



