Fitting for Market 71 
horse should also to be tested to determine whether 
he eats and drinks properly. 
The ability to detect unsoundness can be largely in- 
ereased by practice and close observation; and yet some 
diseases and vices cannot be detected by au ordinary ex- 
amination, and it is only after a person becomes 
familiar with the animal that these will be observed. 
In giving certificates of soundness, the examiner should 
carefully describe the horse so that it can be recognized; 
and he should cali attention to any peculiarities, scars 
or actions that are unusual. A certificate of soundness 
usually carries with it considerable responsibility, and 
some expert judges will not give such certificates un- 
less they know either the horse or the circumstances 
under which the certificate is required. Certificates are 
usually worded, “So far as I am able to determine by 
careful examination, the above described animal is free 
from any disease, defect or vice that will interfere with 
its intended usefulness.” 
FITTING HORSES FOR MARKET 
There are probably few circumstances in the care 
and handling of horses in which food and labor will 
give greater returns than when devoted to the fitting of 
horses for the market. Horses intended for the general 
market should always be in good fiesh or moderately fat, 
because fat, like charity, covers a multitude of defects. 
A plump horse appeals to the average buyer. In fitting 
a horse for the market, he should be fed an abundance 
of easily digested, nutritious and laxative food. He 
