228 CONDITION. AND 'GOOD LOOKS, 



CHAPTER XXII. 



CONDITION, AND GOOD LOOKS. 



Condition. — I use this term here to signify the bodily 

 state in which a horse can, in the best possible manner, do 

 work that will test the power of his lungs and muscles to the 

 utmost. I shall make no reference to '' dealers' condition," 

 which is a subject that does not come within the scope of 

 conformation. 



A horse to be in condition should be healthy and sound ; 

 should have his breathing apparatus in the best possible 

 working order ; his muscles developed to the highest degree 

 of perfection, with regard to the nature of the task they have 

 got to perform ; and the amount of fat in his system should 

 be reduced to a minimum consistent with health. 



I shall now glance at the chief signs of condition in the 

 horse. 



I. Health and Soundness, — The latter, apart from the 

 former, need not be considered here ; for it belongs to the 

 domain of veterinary science. The ordinary indications of 

 health are : coat, bright ; skin, cool (except when heated by 

 exercise, or by the sun), soft and loose over the muscles ; 

 eyes, bright and soft in expression ; visible mucous mem- 

 branes of the eyes and nostrils, healthy looking ; mouth, 

 sweet smelling; internal temperature (in health about 99.5° 

 F.) ; pulse (from about 35 per minute for heavy cart-horses, 

 to about 45 for small ponies) ; and rate of breathing (10 to 12 

 per minute, when at rest), normal. The dung should be fairly 

 well formed, free from mucus, and from any offensive smell 



