CAUSES OF UNSOUNDNESS. 87 



The Shoulders. 



Although it is not usual to find evidence of any 

 cause for unsoundness in this region^it is necessary 

 to compare one shoulder with the other, because 

 in a diseased condition called " shoulder-slip " 

 the muscles of the shoulder waste, a distinct hollow 

 being visible over the shoulder-blade. Many lame- 

 nesses are often attributed to the shoulder, but 

 in all probability a considerable portion of these 

 have no connection with it. It is the absence 

 of lameness in other parts that causes one to so 

 frequently fix upon the shoulder as the seat of 

 the lameness. Still more important is the con- 

 dition of the skin around the collar bed. Very 

 often sores (collar-galls) are exceedingly trouble- 

 some and many a newly-purchased horse has, to 

 the owner's dismay, been found unworkable 

 through this cause. In a considerable number of 

 instances this trouble arises through a badly- 

 fitting collar, so it is necessary to pay attention 

 to this matter before seeking redress. Again, the 

 conformation of the shoulders may predispose the 

 animal to injuries of this nature, so that the buyer 

 should look at the shape of the shoulders when 

 purchasing. It is an excellent plan to leave the 



