CHAPTER XIV 

 EXAMINING A HOBSE FOE SOUNDNESS 



WHEN examining a horse for soundness it is well to 

 follow a settled routine, for then there is less likeli- 

 hood of overlooking any ailment, every part being taken 

 in due sequence. If possible the horse should be seen first 

 in the stable, when at ease. The position in which he 

 stands can then be studied, and whether he points a foot 

 or favours a leg generally. After the first cursory glance — 

 when any glaring fault should be detected, and the general 

 appearance, and whether the animal stands true on its legs 

 be noted — it is usual to commence with the head, looking 

 whether signs of injury are anywhere apparent, especially 

 to the nostrils or mouth. The pulse should be felt, to see 

 whether the beat is normal, and not irregular, which latter 

 may disclose disease of the heart. The palms of the hands 

 should be pressed against the line of the back-teeth, and 

 if the edges are too sharp, requiring attention, the flinching 

 of the animal will at once betray their condition. The 

 mouth should then be opened, and the tongue glanced 

 at, lest it has been injured at some period through a halter 

 rope having been carelessly used as a makeshift bit ; and 

 next the teeth must be examined, and the age of the animal 

 duly recorded. The eyes may be left until the rest of the 

 examination is concluded. The glands under the jaws must 

 be felt to see whether they are enlarged and hard, which 

 may be a token of glanders ; and then the width between the 

 angle of the jaws is an important point to observe, for if 

 narrow there may not be sufficient room for the windpipe, 

 and the horse will also never give properly to the bit. After 

 looking at the top of the poll for any indication of soreness (or 



