AS TO SOUNDNESS. 14 
The hind foot has not a tithe of the number of accidents 
and diseases as the fore foot ; but the pasterns are more 
prone to ring-bone, especially in blood-stock. Ring-bone 
under all aspects is an unsoundness, and does not admit 
of any words in mitigation of our verdict of unsoundness 
for obvious reasons. ‘Look for sandcrack in front of the 
hoof. 
We now turn to the back of the limb, and notice a 
prominence near the tail (tuberosity of the ischium), 
‘which, like the other prominence on the innominate 
bone, is liable to be knocked off by the horse ‘ back- 
ing” against a post. When this prominence is knocked 
off, the part has a flattened, indented appearance, which 
can be felt, but which is best seen on lifting the tail well 
‘up, and comparing it with its fellow on the opposite side. 
This bony prominence is the homologue of the bony 
parts we bipeds sit upon. Should the injury be of old 
standing no objection need be taken, as the injury after 
being once healed never causes lameness or defect in 
action. 
Next proceed down the back of the thigh to the hock. 
‘This distance is usually free from ordinary disease. The 
‘ hock we have considered ; and the back tendons, liga- 
ments, foot, shoe, etc., require examining as in the fore 
limb. 
We have now finished the examination of the near side 
of the body, and examine the off side exactly in the same 
way, beginning at the head and going backwards, as I have 
already advised, and given you my reasons for so doing. 
