EXAMININU FOK LAMENE88. 7 



solve it is to mount the animul or put him in harness, and trot 

 liim, alternately, slowly and rapidly, for a short distance on hard 

 ground, with a change on soft ground, and give liim a few mode- 

 rately sharp turns. 



If the existence of spavin is suspected, we may take up the foot 

 and bend the hock (Fig. 2), retaining it in that position for about 

 a minute. If, after that, the animal trots sound, the joint may be 

 considered all right. 



In obscure cases of lameness, bone disease — such as incipient 

 ringbone — may be suspected, if the horse stands level in his stall, 

 but trots very lame on hard ground. 



Fig. 2. — Holding up hind leg to test for spavin. 



In all cases, it should be noted whether the animal backs with 

 freedom and regularity of gait. Failure to do so, will often be 

 indicative of " shivering" (p. 563). 



At this stage bf the examination, if no lameness be discovered, 

 the horse should be sent a strong gallop (say, for a mile), a fast 

 four or five miles' trot in harness, or an equivalent pull in heavy 

 draught, according to the class of animal. Tlien put him into a 

 stall, allow him to stand at least half an hour to thoroughly cool 

 down, and try him again at trotting as before. If he passes 

 satisfactorily through this second ordeal, he may justly be regarded 

 as sound in limb. 



Certain obscure cases of lameness can only be detected during 

 the first few steps the animal takes on quitting his stable ; for he 



