292 SPAVIN. 
footsteps whenever you change from right to left. The duty of this 
groom is to hold up the front leg; the more stress is placed upon his 
attention, because no horse can kick with the hind foot of that side upon 
THE POINTS OF VIEW WHENCE TO LOOK FOR SPAVIN IN A ILORSE. 
which one fore leg is off the ground. The attempt would deprive the 
body of all lateral support, and a fall would ensue; whereas many quad- 
rupeds can, for a short time, balance themselves upon two legs, each 
being on opposite sides of the body: therefore the examiner, probably 
engrossed in his occupation, would be in considerable danger, should the 
groom forget to follow his movements. 
Most horses are averse to having the hocks fingered; such liberties 
are apt to call up vehement indignation; it is necessary, therefore, to 
guard him who undertakes to inspect them. This the groom does most 
effectually; but the examiner should also take some caution—he should 
stand as close to the foot of the horse as may be convenient. Thus, 
should the animal kick out, he may escape, or, at most, be very rudely 
pushed on one side. The horse’s kick is only severe after the heels have 
reached some distance, or have obtained power by propulsion ; for that 
reason is the advice given to stand as near the hind foot as may be 
convenient. 
Being in this situation, one hand is laid upon the top of the hock, and 
the entire weight of the body is brought to 
bear upon that part. The object is three- 
fold—to obtain, by this means, the earliest 
intimation of any design on the part of the 
animal to use the limb; to impede in some 
measure the extension of the leg; and to 
gain a point of rest on which to lean, while 
the head is bent forward to inspect, the free 
hand being employed to feel the part ap- 
propriate to spavin. Afterward comes the 
trot, the peculiarities to be detected in which 
THE MANNER ES ee TO FEEL FORA have been anticipated. 
Now we encounter the important ques- 
tion, What can be done for a spavined horse? If the animal be not 
