CHAPTER II 
JUDGING HORSES 
Berore attempting to judge a horse, we should learn the method 
of determining age and of locating unsoundness. These are impor- 
tant factors in determining the animal’s present and prospective 
value. Familiarity with the signs that indicate age and unsound- 
ness is, therefore, often extremely useful. While a knowledge of 
such signs is not difficult to secure, skill in their application de- 
pends much on practice. 
HOW TO ESTIMATE THE AGE OF A HORSE 
The order of the appearance of the teeth and their method of 
wearing are considered the most important and accurate means of 
estimating the age of domestic animals, and are the means em- 
ployed by all horsemen. These are, however, not absolutely 
accurate, and much depends on the condition as well as on the 
individuality of the animal. The teeth of animals that have bones 
of somewhat open structure are likely to indicate that the animals 
are older than they really are; while the teeth of those whose bones 
are of fine close texture may indicate them to be younger than they 
are. 
43. Colt. — Before the end of the first year the colt is provided 
with a set of temporary or milk teeth, the first or middle pair 
appearing at about two weeks of age; the second or intermediate 
pair at two to four weeks of age; and the third or lateral pair 
appearing at about five months of age. The difference in size 
of the jaw bone between the foal and the grown horse makes a 
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