Examining a Horse 67 
hand is removed and the light strikes the eye, the pupil 
should rapidly contract to its normal size. This shows 
that the eye is sensitive to light. Small, irregular 
masses of dark coloring material, commonly called “soot 
balls,” are usually seen at the edge of the pupil ina 
horse’s eye, and are often regarded with suspicion by 
those not familiar with the appearance of the eye. They 
are normal, and of no importance. The eye should also 
be examined for any signs of inflammation or abnormal 
discharges from the inner corner. Persistent discharges 
from the eye usually scald the skin and cause the hair 
to be shed in this region. 
The throat should be examined for any thickness or 
enlargement, especially of the glands which form a 
goiter. The top of the head and neck should be ex- 
amined for poll-evil, for swellings of any kind, and to 
determine whether or not the horse will allow a bridle 
ov halter to be put on readily. The mane should be 
thrown over and the side of the neck carefully examined 
for fistulae or running sores, tumors or swellings of 
any kind. Brands should also be looked for here. 
The letters I. C. on the neck indicate that the animal 
has been inspected and condemned in service in the 
U.S. Army for unsoundness, vices, or inability to stand 
gun-fire. 
After going over the neck, the withers should be 
examined for fistule, and the back for tumors, galls or 
“sitfasts.” The shoulder, also, should be examined for 
tumors, galls, collar boils and sweeney, the last a wast- 
ing of the muscles on the outside of the shoulder- blade. 
The elbow should be examined for capped elbow, or shoe 
