64 The Diseases of Animals 
in selling horses should exercise care in warranting a 
horse sound, either directly or by the use of language 
that implies a warranty; for if the purchaser takes the 
horse on the strength of such representations and the 
horse proves to be unsound, the seller is himself respon- 
sible. A distinction is usually made between those cases 
in which the purchaser buys the horse on the strength 
of the representations made by the owner, and those 
cases in which the purchaser assumes to know about the 
horse, and buys on his own judgment and responsibility. 
It is usually economy to purchase of a reliable person 
and, if possible, on a trial of a week or more. Whether 
justly or not, it has come to be proverbial that the 
horse trader is “tricky.” 
EXAMINATION OF HORSE IN STABLE 
In examining the horse in the stable, do not disturb 
him at first, but watch him closely for a few moments; 
he will be likely soon to show any stable vices that he 
may possess. Among vices to be looked for is “weav- 
ing,” a habit which some horses have of swinging the 
head or body from side to side, often for an hour ata 
time, especially when not eating. Cribbing and wind- 
sucking are other vices which should be carefully looked 
for. Kicking in the stall, and crowding an attendant 
against the side of the stall are vices. Some horses 
have the bad habit of kicking at the side of the stall. 
Persistent pawing is also to be looked for. The horse 
should be made to “stand over” by gentle pressure 
against the hip, when he will frequently show signs of 
