CHAPTEK II. 



THE WITHERS, BACK AND GIRTH. 



In proceeding with the examination of the horse, 

 the hand should be passed over the withers with 

 pressure, in a careful search for sores and fistulas, 

 caused by ill-fitting saddles and pads ; and should 

 a bad sore be present, a veterinary surgeon always 

 casts the animal. It is best not to purchase 

 such a horse, for a deal of time and trouble is 

 required to heal a fistula up, and what appears 

 at times not a very bad sore often turns to 

 fistula, and when this is present, and the bone 

 becomes involved, it is a very serious matter. 



After examining the withers carefully, pass 

 the hand along the back, pressing as you go 

 along, for should at any time the horse have 

 received any injury to his back, and there may 

 be nothing to see outwardly, he will probably 



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