JUDGING HORSES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. 27 



the eye so as not to create air waves which might cause a blind 

 horse to close the eyelids. An inclination to shy readily may indicate 

 defective vision. 



Ears. — If the ears are kept rigid it may indicate deafness. If the 

 ears are used excessively it may indicate defective sight, as a horse 

 which does not see well will use his ears to the fullest extent to assist 

 his eyes. 



Nostrils. — The nostrils should show a healthy pink color and be 

 free from discharges which might indicate some disease. 



Mouth. — The lips should not be torn and should be free from any 

 sores caused by the bit. See that the tongue shows no evidence of 

 mutilation. Good teeth will meet well all around. A strong odor 

 from the mouth may indicate decayed teeth. Look at the under jaw 

 for abcesses and tumors. 



Neck. — The neck majr be left stiffened by a case of poll evil, which 

 is a fistula or enlargement of the poll containing pus. This trouble 

 may reappear. 



Withers. — A similar fistula may occur upon the withers. These 

 fistulas may be chronic and difficult to heal, or when healed leave bad 

 scars and stiffness, which would constitute unsoundness if the service- 

 ableness of the horse is interfered with. 



Shoulders.— There may be a wasting away of the muscles, causing 

 what is known as sweeney. 



Knees. — The knee may be bent forward, causing what is known as 

 " sprung knee," or it may be bent backward indicating " calf knee," 

 which is caused by an inherited defect of conformation. Look also 

 for puffs or swellings. 



Cannons. — Associated with the cannons are two small splint bones. 

 There may be abnormal bony growths about these bones which are 

 known as splints. Small splints may not cause lameness, and if 

 found on young horses may be classed as blemishes, since they may 

 disappear as the horse grows older. A splint is considered serious if 

 located so as to interfere with the action of the tendon or so close to 

 the knee joint as to interfere with action. 



Fetlocks. — Wind galls and sores due to interfering may be present 

 and are classed as blemishes unless they produce lameness. 



Pasterns. — Ringbones may be found upon the pasterns. These are 

 bony growths which may encircle the bone partially or entirely. They 

 may be up near the fetlock, but are more commonly down lower where 

 the hoof joins the pastern. A well-developed ringbone has a bulging 

 appearance and is readily seen. A small form may need the hand for 

 detection. 



Hoof heads or coronets. — Side bones are abnormal bony growths 

 appearing as a swelling under the skin in the region of the coronet. 

 They are common only upon the front feet. They have been de- 



