CHA.PTBE XXIII. 



EXAMINATION OF A HORSE FOR SOUNDNESS. 



The detection of unsoundnesses in horses calls for the 

 exercise of the stockman's powers of observation; 

 to render it more easy, a routine method is usually- 

 followed by horsemen and veterinarians; especially 

 when one is buying is it well to notice the demeanor of 

 the horse in the stable, method of tying, etc., looking 

 out for neck straps, etc., stand him from side to side in 

 the stall, then have him brought out on to hard ground, 

 have him trotted or galloped and walked so that his wind 

 may be examined, if a heavy horse a pull at a heavy 

 load may be given, notice his way of going and whether 

 he stands and walks squarely. His wind being satisfac- 

 tory and no lameness having been shown, the examiner 

 can start to make the examination of the niouth, for the 

 age, decayed teeth, signs of cribbing or discharges from 

 the nostrils, may take the pulse, the disposition of the 

 horse will also be noted by the movement of the ears, 

 etc. The eyes are then looked at as to whether the ani- 

 mal is blind, minus an eye or suffering from some eye 

 disease at the time; going to the off side feel between the 

 jaws for glandular enlargements, pass the right hand up 

 over the poll, being on the lookout for abscesses (poll 

 evil) there, split ears, etc., coming down the side of the 

 neck be sure to feel under the mane, if on that side; 

 raise the jugular vein, then pass the hand over the with- 



