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- 

 creased by practice and close observation ; and yet some 

 diseases and vices cannot be detected by an 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 call 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 alwaj's be in good flesh or moderately fat, 

 because fat, like charitj', 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 



