HOW TO BUY A nOKSE. ' 31 



Lifting the hoof, (stepping or reaching), and putting the foot down, 

 are three actions which should take place at the same time, regu- 

 larly, vigorously, and quickly. Horses with lame withers or shoul- 

 ders, cannot lift well the leading fore-foot, and are not sure in the 

 act of reaching. A bad hoof is seen in the incomplete act of stc]?- 

 ping and treading. The tread of a horse with the staggers, is in- 

 secure and heavy. Avoid horses that strike the fore-feet with their 

 hind-feet ; those that throw their fore-feet outward too much ; those 

 with a too fleshy hock ; and those that interfere or kick. Aside from 

 all that has been said above, it is of the utmost importance that 

 the buyer should always bear in mind for what purpose he wants 

 to buy a horse. 



For a fuller and better understanding of all the faults and diseases 

 of horses, see Plate No. II, " The Sick Horse." Stifi* horses are im- 

 proved by exercise, prior to the sale ; lame horses are exhibited on 

 soft ground. Lazy animals, or stupid and inattentive ones, are kept 

 attentive and active by the sound of the whip. Common, or even 

 cayenne pepper, is introduced into the passage, to make the horse 

 carry his tail high, and improve the position of the croup. The 

 latter trick may be discovered if the horse passes dung frequently 

 during the examination. Grey hau-s over the eyes of old horses, 

 light spots, and even the feet, are dyed, which trick can only be found 

 out after the horse sheds its coat. To guard against all the tricks of 

 the trade requires a knowledge of the outward aj^pearance of the 

 horse, as well as its anatomy and physiology, to which may be added 

 pathology; and no connoiseur or veterinarian should be without 

 these qualifications. 



