38 Animal Husbandry 
a year or two matters little. Muct 
depends on the individuality of the 
animal, as some animals are wortl 
more at fifteen than others at twelve. 
One’s judgment of the value of. 2 
horse at these ages should be formec 
on general appearances and activi 
ties rather than on age. 
In old horses, the nipper teett 
have become nearly triangular 
Fic. 27.— Side view at ineentseaan showing long wear and meeting a’ 
years of age. Note the sharp anacuteangle. The tusks are large 
SULA IES we EES blunt, and round (Figs. 25, 27). 
DETECTING UNSOUNDNESS 
A satisfactory definition of soundness or unsoundness is no 
easily given. The term “ unsound’’ as used by horse-dealer: 
in this country is often loosely applied. It may mean anythin; 
from a bad habit to a defect that renders the animal absolutel: 
worthless. The best usage warrants dividing these imperfection 
into two classes, — blemishes and unsoundnesses. 
54. Blemish. — This may be defined as something that de 
preciates the value of a horse without interfering with his useful 
ness, such as wire cuts, car bruises, and the like, which mar th 
appearance of a horse but do not limit his functions. 
55. Unsoundness. — This may be defined as an’ imperfectio: 
of so serious a nature as to interfere with the usefulness of a horse 
such as ring-bones, side-bones, splints, curbs, and the like. 
56. Impaired vision. — A horse by its action will usually betra 
imperfect eyesight. Blind horses have a peculiar high steppin 
gait or are inclined to shy readily and often without cause. Th 
ears are exceedingly active, as if trying to aid the eyes. Blinc 
ness may be discovered by moving the hand gently in front of th 
