FUNDAMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS 109 



carefully, after which he should be observed at the walk, 

 and at the trot, in both cases, as he comes toward, passes by, 

 and goes from the observer. Defects in action, lameness, or 

 other peculiarities may thus be detected. Any indications of 

 stable vices, lameness, unsoundness or defects can usually be 

 detected in this examination. 



After completing the examination in the stall and while 

 in action, the horse should be hitched to an appropriate 

 vehicle and be given rather severe exercise to bring out any 

 weakness or unsoundness in the wind. In making this 

 examination, care should be taken to see that an apparent 

 wind trouble is not due to an improperly adjusted harness. 

 After the exercise has been completed the ear should be 

 held close to the nostrils to determine whether wind troubles 

 are present. A thorough examination should thus be made 

 of the entire animal to determine any unusual condition 

 which may exist. If in the case of a breeding animal an 

 examination of the records from the standpoint of breeding 

 qualities is important. 



Involving the Judge. — ^The judge of horses in the modern 

 show ring does not usually have the responsibility of detecting 

 disease or unsoundness. This work is done by the official 

 veterinarian who makes a report on such animals and their 

 condition from the standpoint of soundness thus determined. 

 The judge may not apparently follow a definite procedure 

 in making the examination. However, such a course is 

 desirable. The examination should be started by viewing 

 the animal from in front, thus noting the expression, the 

 features of the head, width and depth of chest, and the 

 directness and conformation of the feet and legs. He 

 should then pass to the side, noting the length, depth, 

 weight, and scale. The slope of the shoulder, length of the 

 back and carriage of the head and neck, height of the withers, 

 and the conformation of the feet and legs, back, loin, croup, 

 thighs, and flanks should be examined. 



From the rear view the width and depth of the hind- 

 quarters, the direction and conformation of the legs and 

 feet should be determined. The width and slope of the 

 croup should also be noted, the tail setting and the fulness 



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