EXAMINATION FOR PURCHASE 37 



boldly on his back sinews and pasterns. If there is any 

 appearance of shaking or tottering of the fore limbs 

 indicative of grogginess, it will be endeavoured to be 

 disguised by the groom continually pulling at the bit, to 

 make him shift his legs and stand advantageously. A lame 

 horse is never permitted to stand still a moment, and the 

 groom, though pretending to soothe, is in reality agitating 

 him, while the shrewd and crafty seller will most probably 

 endeavour to withdraw your scrutiny from the defective 

 point, by calling your attention to his spirit or playfulness. 

 If any of these manoeuvres are apparent, be upon your 

 guard. The groggy horse inclines a little forward at the 

 knee, or it is readily bent by the least touch behind ; he 

 rests his weight on his toes, and when standing undis- 

 turbed brings his hind legs under him. Some young 

 horses, before they have been backed, have this deformity, 

 from malformation of the knee ; but if, in addition to this 

 bending forward, there is any tremulous motion of the 

 limbs, it is a decided proof of the existence of that most 

 destructive affection, navicular disease ; for an account of 

 which the reader is referred to the veterinary portion of 

 this work. 



To return, the horse being led out, he will most probably 

 be placed upon rising ground, for the purpose of showing 

 his fore quarters to advantage, which also affords the 

 buyer an opportunity of another examination in a good 

 light. The shoulder is by this position made to appear 

 more sloping ; and dealers, to give that appearance, try to 

 make the near leg to stand before the off leg. Now is the 

 time for perceiving whether his " understanding " is sound ; 

 for though the dealer may declare that he is as sound as a 

 hell, still we should disregard what he may say on that 

 subject, and judge for ourselves. 



Though the dealer is perfectly justified in these little 

 manoeuvres to show off his goods to the best advantage, 

 more especially in so fancy an article as a horse — being no 

 more than is done and allowed by every tradesman — the 

 prudent purchaser will not please his eye at the expense of 

 his judgment, but see the horse on level ground and with 

 his feet placed evenly. 



If one foot is more upright than the other, that foot 

 is diseased ; the same weight is not thrown on it, and 

 remember that the horse never shams a complaint. If the 



