138 EXAMINATION OF HORSES 
the head of the external small metatarsal bone and the 
back of the cuboid bone enlarged from hypertrophy, 
as there is from birth undue stress on the ligaments 
which bind the lower end of the os calcis down to the 
cuboid and head of the external small metatarsal. This 
conformation gives to the hock joint the appearance of 
forming an angle with the phalanges beneath it. 
The point of the hock down to the fetlock joint is 
usually a straight line as viewed from the side; but in 
strong hocks the head of the external small metatarsal 
is large, and’ encroaches at the curb place upon this 
line, giving the hock when so viewed somewhat the 
appearance of having curbs; but manipulation detects 
the straight line in the middle line of the hock behind, 
and so dispels the illusion. Vou will always find a 
straight line between the point of the hock and the 
fetlock, where no curb is present. Now, whilst you can 
and always do reject a curby hock having upon it a 
curb, although curby hocks are not necessarily unsound- 
ness, you will find much difference of opinion regarding 
old standing curbs on otherwise good hocks. In law 
all curbs are regarded as unsoundness, so that you can 
never regard such as /ega//y sound, or give a certificate 
of soundness. If, however, you are trusted by your 
employer, as you ought to be, and you are examining 
a seasoned horse with a pair of good hocks, though one 
has an old curb visible upon it, you will do well to pass 
the horse; but be sure you secure for your employer a 
special warranty of the curb to stand sound for a defined 
