GENERAL EXAMINATION 13 



clean Done. In the instance of the horse possessing quality, 

 the lines of the face are clearly defined and in every region 

 there is a complete absence of coarseness. It is possible in 

 such a horse to easily distinguish the muscles, tendons and 

 bones and when slightly exerted, so that the coat lies smooth, 

 the veins in the skin show clearly in an intricate net work 

 as delicate and fine grained as the skin. This freedom from 

 coarseness in the joints and tendons shows a soundness in 

 these features that guarantees durability. Coarse hair is 

 associated with coarse skin and that is a true indication of 

 soft, spongy bones which quickly become diseased when 

 subjected to the strain of hard usage or neglect. 



14. Endurance Indicated by Quality. The connection 

 betAveen a horse's staying power or endurance and its 

 quality is frequently seen when subjected to severe road 

 work, but the reason for the connection is not so plainly 

 evident. The fine skin that is one of the features of high 

 quality is considered to be of value for what it tells of the 

 internal organization of the animal, for it may be said in a 

 general way that the one skin covers the horse internally 

 as well as externally. The inner coat of the skin which 

 covers the ribs and all external parts is a continuation of 

 that which lines the stomach and intestines. If the skin 

 covering the internal region is soft, fine and pliable it in- 

 dicates that the secretions are healthy and it would seem 

 natural to reason from this that the lining of the stomach 

 would be in the same state, and if such is the case it is in 

 a better condition to digest the food that goes into it, 

 thereby increasing the horse's recuperative powers and 

 endurance. 



15. Durability Associated with Quality. Quality in a 

 horse's limbs and feet is especially desirable for the reason 

 that such prove more durable under stress or strain. In 

 looking for this feature in the leg, it is a common practice 

 to run the hand over the cannon bone. In doing this the 

 skin and hair are felt against the bone and if there is the 



