96 THE HOCK. 



before, and the hock behind are subject to more 

 disease than any other part of the horse. It is 

 an observation founded on experience, and should 

 not be forgotten by the purchaser, when examin- 

 ing those parts. 



Capped Hock is a swelling on the point of the 

 hock, produced generally by the horse kicking 

 in the stable or in harness. It never produces 

 lameness after the inflammation which accom- 

 panies its commencement is subdued, and is 

 therefore not an unsoundness ; but it is an ugly 

 blemish, and one that, in many cases, belongs to 

 a vicious horse. 



There is another kind of swelling on the point 

 of the hock, differing from the former by being 

 attended with lameness, and especially so after 

 a hard day's work; consequently it is an unsound- 

 ness ; but the Veterinary Surgeon is the only 

 person fit to distinguish between this and the 

 mere blemish : though as both hocks are rarely 

 aflfected in this case, and are generally so in the 

 other, the purchaser runs less risk in ge4;ting u 

 horse with two, than only one capped hock. 



Curb is a longitudinal swelling, found at the 

 back of the hind leg, and three or four inches 

 directly below the point of the Iiock. It is best 



