28 iiokse-owner's guide. 



HOW TO BUY A HORSE. 



In order to make a thorough examination, it becomes necessary to 

 consider the height and condition of the horse, not only in the stable, 

 but also when led out of the stall, and outside the stable ; in a state 

 of repose, and in motion. 



Horses are measured with taj^e and rule. The taj^e-measure is 

 somewhat decei:)tive, as a low horse, with a well-rounded, fleshy 

 shouldei*, may measure as much as a taller but thinner animal. The 

 rule is, therefore, to be preferred ; this is a simple stick, with a short, 

 movable arm, at right angles ; the long part is divided into inches. 

 To measure a horse correctly, it should stand jierfectly level, and 

 care taken that the seller practices no tricks, such as putting the fore 

 arm on higher ground ; chucking it under the chin, to make it hold 

 up its head, or even grasping the mane fi-om the opj^osite side, 

 apparently for the puii^ose of noticing the measurement. Notice 

 should be taken, also, whether the horse is shod or unshod ; Avhether 

 the shoes are high or low. To secure a good span, the height of the 

 head should be observed ; also, position and movement of the crest 

 (neck), A good match, as to color, is of less consequence than a simi- 

 larity of temper. The examination, in the stable, is a delicate matter. 

 A horse which lies down, and, on being called, does not rise quickly, 

 generally suffers from bad feet ; a tired animal stands on two or three 

 legs, and is apt to lean its head against the manger ; this, however, 

 is the case also with lazy horses. Crib-biters are easily found out, if 

 the seller has not previously smeared the crib with soap or grease. 



Perfectly sound and kind horses look at persons entering the 

 stable, pleasantly and feai'lessly, and not unfrequcntly neigh. Tricky 

 ones lay back their ears, snort and snap. Shy horses always act 

 timid and frightened. Slow eating, and difficult, audible swallowing, 

 are signs of trouble in the gullet. Biting of crib and halter, also a 

 dra-s\Ti-up belly, betoken animals that feed poorly. Worms, in young 

 horses, are easily detected ; the horse thus affected, rubs its muzzle 

 against the crib. Horses affected with the staggers take large quan- 



