102 LAMENESS. 



cases, the horse's action shows that all is not 

 right; and in time it is demonstrated by the 

 descent of the sole. When an attack of founder 

 has permanently injured, yet not totally ruined, 

 the foot, it will he discovered by the peculiar 

 way the foot is placed on the ground, when the 

 horse is in motion. Instead of coming down 

 almost flat from the toe to the heel, it will be 

 observed, that the heel comes first in contact 

 with the ground: and if the horse has raised 

 heels on his shoes, this peculiar tread will be 

 rendered more conspicuous. It is best seen 

 when the horse is trotting in a straight line 

 towards the examiner. Besides setting the heel 

 of the foot down before the toe, the foundered 

 horse projects his foot forward in a loose, jerk- 

 ing manner, which, of itself, is a characteristic 

 symptom of this disease. The state of the hoof 

 is another : mentioned at p. 92. 



This disease, for disease it is, though only 

 the remnant of a more violent one, is without 

 doubt an unsoundness : it can never be entirely 

 cured, and will, after the horse has had a hard 

 day's work, so much increase, as to make him 

 actually lame : and if he be, as he generally is. 



