724 EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS. 



EXAMINATION OF THE NOSTRILS.— Open each nostril in 

 order to examine the nasal passages, and to see that the mucous 

 membrane shows the pink hue of health. No mistake should be 

 mad« about the accidental presence of dust in the nostrils, which 

 should be examined for ulcers, scars, polypi, irregularity in the 

 calibre of the passages, and for the existence of any discharge. 

 To open, say, the off one, hold the lower lip with the left hatid, 

 place the thumb and forefinger inside the nostril, and enlarge the 

 opening by drawing them apart. The orifice of the lachrymal 

 canal should be in a natural condition. It is found on the lower 

 part of the nostril near the point where there is a line of demarca- 

 tion between the dark colour of the skin, and the rosy tint of the 

 mucous membrane. The false nostrils should be thin, pliable, and 

 free from any thickening, injury, or results of injuries. 



EXAMINATION OF THE MOUTH.— Open the horse's mouth 

 and ascertain his age (see Chapter XXXIV.). Observe that the 

 teeth are regular ; the tongue and lips in good working order ; 

 the mucous membrane of the mouth in a healthy state ; and the 

 breath sweet smelling. A good way to open the mouth is as 

 follows : — ^While standing alongside the horse's near shoulder, 

 catch hold of the head-collar or bridle (as the case may be) with 

 the right hand ; place the flat of the left hand on the animal's 

 nose, clear of the nostrils ; let go the head-collar or bridle ; and 

 seize the lower lip with the right hand. Then slip the left thumb 

 down to the near corner of the mouth, and lift up with it the 

 upper lip, so as to be able to take an external view of the incisors. 

 The hold we have thus got of the lower lip will act as a fairly 

 effective twitch, which we should use with discretion. To look at 

 the tables of the incisors, we draw the tongue out with the right 

 hand, placing it for preference between the third and fourth fingers. 



Fourth Stage. 



Examine the horse according to the directions in Chapter I., to 

 see if he is lame. If he passes the ordeal at the trot, we may, 

 while putting him to severe exertion, observe the state of his wind 

 (pp. 385, 386 and 387). A certificate of soundness should on no 

 account be given, as far as the wind is concerned, from the mere 

 fact of the horse going through the grunting test successfully. 



The horse should be tested for lameness, before " looking him 

 over," lest the observation of any defect might bias our judgment 

 as to the evenness of the animal's action. 



