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TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

3 9090 013 407

Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine
Cummings School cf Veterinary Medicine at
Tufts University
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton. MA 01536

THE HORSE

HIS BEAUTIES AND DEFECTS,

BY A KNOWING HAND."

LONDON — WILLIAM TEGG,

"Madun;^cionaId^Mac^egcir,Iidio&3tiiigrs.

We

INTRODUCTION.

By a detailed series of graphic and descriptive illustrations, it is
the intention of the Author of this Work to show the good and bad
points in that most noble and useful animal, the Horse. He has
adopted the mode of detaching the various parts of the subject,
because, by a comparison of the distinct appearances, the general
impression upon the memory of the reader is likely to be much
stronger than could result from the study of any treatise of a less
abstracted nature ; to understand which, a knowledge of anatomy, or
a constant reference to some scientific work is indispensable.

There is no animal whose countenance combines such correct
and powerful expressions of character. The physiognomy of the
Horse, therefore, illustrating the different passions to which he is
subject, as well as the natural bias of his temper and disposition, is
an important branch of study to breeders, country gentlemen, and
to inexperienced purchasers ; for it is generally considered, that the
disposition and temper of the animal is an object of more consequence
to timid riders and drivers than any slight bodily blemish.

In this point of view, therefore, the Author flatters himself that
his Work will be found useful ; and as his remarks are the result
of the most attentive observation during many years, entirely

devoted to the pleasures of the field, he trusts that the general
principles which he has laid down, as well with respect to power,
strength, and the various points of action, as to the physiognomical
character and figure of the horse, will be found clearly elucidated in
the following Series.

The hints to inexperienced purchasers will, it is hoped, be of
considerable use in preventing those disappointments to which, as a
class, they are particularly liable.

1866.

Flatel.

Fig '

Ma. J.

I'M H fl

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3

PLATE I.

Figure 1. — The head here introduced, in its character, very
nearly reaches the perfection of good temper, spirit, and beauty :
such a head ought progressively to diminish in weight and size as
it approaches the nose. If pressed by the thumb, the cheek bones
should appear to be merely covered by skin, and the jaw underneath
should be hollow, with the skin loose. By comparing these remarks
with the figure, and contrasting its form with the other subjects in
this Plate, the reader will possess himself of a perfect knowledge of
these requisites in the choice or judgment of an animal.

Figure 2. — Represents a head, not inferior, perhaps, to the
former in temper, but wholly deficient both in spirit and in beauty.
This head is heavy, and badly set on to the neck ; the jaw-bone
and gullet forming almost an angle : the nose is encumbered with a
great deal of what is technically called leather. However perfect this
animal may be in all his other points, he will prove heavy and
sluggish, and always carry his head most awkwardly and un-
pleasantly.

Figure 3. — Is the front view of a head well-proportioned, and
marked with an expression that bids fair for good temper and spirit :
narrow at the setting on of the ears, which, when the look of the
animal is marked with particular anxiety, should be brought nearly
together at the points, extending in bone towards the eyes, which
ought to look rather sideways than straight forward. Let the reader
compare the decrease down to the nose, with Figure 4.

Figure 4. — Shows the front view of a head, heavy in spirit and
disposition ; broad at the point or crown of the head : the increase
on the eyebrow is composed of flesh and skin ; the direction of the
eyes, looking forward, and thence downward to the nose, displays
but little deviation in substance. The distinction will be easily
perceived by a reference to Figure 3.

Flat* 2

PLATE II.

FigUre i. — Is the expression of rage, with a great deal of vice.
This passion will always be conspicuous in the countenance of the
horse possessed of these bad qualities ; but not to the extent shown
in the Plate, unless provoked. Horses of this disposition, by having
even a finger or stick pointed at them, will give full force to this
character. Many are taught this vice ; but whether inherent in the
disposition, or acquired, the animals which possess it are still very
dangerous.

Fiqure 2. — This character of countenance, from repeated in-
stances that I have met with, I consider to possess more malicious
vice than Figure 1. The horse from which this character was taken,
although a good worker when once in harness, is one of the most
ferocious animals of the tribe denominated tame.

Figure 3. — The character of terror, which is the prominent
mark of this head, is by some classed among the vices of this animal.
If it be not a vice, however, it is one of the most troublesome faults,
incident to the horse ; for it embraces all the consequences of all the
vices which he can possess ; a terrified horse being more to be
dreaded than one actually vicious.

Figure 4. — Represents a horse of a sulky character, as is con-
spicuously shown in the countenance; an animal of this type,
although in some cases rather to be dreaded than otherwise, is
sometimes very good at work. The obstinacy of this character,
however, not unfrequently turns to restiveness. It is a subject
which may be useful, but never can be pleasant.

c-.

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PLATE III.

These heads are taken from good horses for their separate uses.

Figure 1 . — Is as good a hackney as ever was mounted for work,
but by no means pleasant in temper or manner of carriage. It is
very seldom that a vicious or restive horse can ride light or playful in
hand. I have proved this kind of animal to be exceedingly useful
for long and hard journeys, but one that entails a large amount of
fatigue on the rider.

Figure 2. — This character is good in every respect, beautiful in
its shape and action, extremely light and pleasant to ride, and
although rather playful, perfectly gentle.

Figure 3. — I introduce this head, considering it one of the
handsomest I ever saw, and have endeavoured with my pencil to
embody the most perfect expression of beauty and spirit.

Figure 4. — Is a common-place head and neck. Although the
animal from which this is drawn is a very good slow horse, it is twenty
to one, with such a form, against his being good for anything but a
cart. The head is well shaped by itself, but heavy and badly con-
nected, and such a horse could never either be riden or driven
pleasantly.

Plate <1

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PLATE IV.

Figure 1. — Is a fore-leg formed for speed, and, perhaps, action,
but not calculated for permanency. The plate of the knee being
much lower than it ought to be, the horse must be considered as a
dangerous road animal.

Figure 2. — Is formed to do much work, and last long at it.

Figure 3. — Is good in substance, but rather round, and too
straight.

Figure 4. — Is a pair of legs well formed for strength and action.

Figure 5. — Displays the front view of legs badly formed, being
what the dealers call made as a dancing-master ought to be ; but still
if the toe, or point of the hoof, deviate at all from the straight line,
it should be this way, as the contrary is extremely dangerous on the
road, and indeed anywhere else.

Figure 6. — A leg made for neither speed nor power, being flat
and poor in the arm, round and weak in the leg, thin and long in the
pastern, and large in the hoof.

Figure 7. — A pair of legs worse than Figure 5, being weak,
badly formed, and hardly good for anything.

Figure 8. — This appearance is seldom formed by Nature, it is
occasioned by hard work, straining, &c.

Pure ,:.

PLATE Y.

The four first figures are intended to show the back of the off
fore-legs.

-'&'■

Figure 1 . — Is standing firmly on the ground, but slightly turned
out, which, as I have before observed, is better than turned in. It
is generally considered that it should stand perfectly straight in a
back view.

Figure 2. — Is the contrary of Figure 1, being much turned and
bent at the knee. This is a bad leg, without one point to recom-
mend it.

Figure 3. — Is very different to Figure 2, but equally bad, being
calf-kneed, and having the hoof turned much out.

Figure 4. — Is a leg square and firmly set on the ground, and
likely to stand work.

Figure 5. — Is the best of two evils, standing near together at the
hocks. The legs should stand like Figure 6, and both exactly alike ;
but when that is not to be obtained, the form of Figure 5 is to be
preferred. Some people are fond of the form of Figure 7, but it can
never last, and must produce an unpleasant action both to the sight
and feeling.

• ue 6

Fig.1

8

PLATE VI.

Figure 1. — I introduce this subject for the beauty of its neck and
setting of the fore-leg, both of which are remarkably good. The
shoulder is well formed, but not sufficient in depth ; the arm, or upper
part of the thigh, should be set well forward, the elbow turned out,
and free from the brisket. A horse possessed of those points will
seldom fail of having good action.

Figure 2. — The front view of the breast formed for strength,
beauty, and action. Compare with Figure 4.

Figure 3. — The neck and shoulders badly formed, the neck being
of an equal breadth and substance, heavy and thick in the shoulder ;
broad on the blade, fore-legs standing too far under the body ; the
breast and point of the shoulder heavy, without any mark of muscle.
See Figure 1.

Figure 4. —Is the front view of a breast -with many bad points ;
sound and heavy in chest, tucked up in the brisket, and legs badly
set on. Compare with Figure 2.

F

late 7

Fiq.l.

9

PLATE VII.

Figure 1. — Is the figure of a useful and handsome looking
horse. The carcass should be shaped somewhat like a cask ;
the hucks not too much hid in the flesh, nor yet particularly
prominent ; rather flat in the flank ; plenty of hard projecting
muscle on the thigh. The hocks should look and feel like entire
bone covered with skin.

Figure 2. — Is what may be called very pretty, and perhaps be
useful in its way : heavy and round in the flank and thigh ; the legs
standing almost perpendicular. Speed or action cannot be expected
from a horse so formed, though he may prove safe and pleasant to
a gentle rider, or be well calculated to walk or canter on the London
stones.

Figure 3. — Is formed for power and speed ; a form to be
desired in a hunter ; the thigh and hock well furnished, but rather
too much cramped, or bent, to deserve the character of beauty :
animals thus shaped, almost without exception, prove speedy, and
are generally good leapers.

Figure 4. — Is that of a common, well looking quarter, with
many good points, and showy, but not likely to be famous for either
speed or action.

TUde 8

Fig. 2.

10

PLATE VIII.

Figure 1. — Is the quarter of a horse well formed, being strong
and handsome, well marked with muscle and bone, and not over-
burthened with flesh ; but standing at too great a distance between
the hocks.

Figure 2. — This figure, although rather raw in the hucks, and
possessing a great deal of prominent bone, is still better adapted for
speed and action than Figure 1 ; the hocks being nearer together, but
still standing straight, give him the power of quicker action, and
longer throws in the gallop. The mare from which this was taken
was a remarkably good and well-tried hunter.

Figure 3. — A horse with such a quarter as this, may possibly
be useful, if quiet, to a timid lady or gentleman, who do not extend
their ride beyond six or eight miles in one day. If well formed in
other parts, he may be called a very pretty plump and showy tit ;
but like many other pets, will be of no use for hard work.

11

PLATE IX.

The animal from which this drawing was made was accounted
one of the finest figures in England ; although at the time the
portrait was taken he was ten years old, and had done a great deal
of work, both in the field and in harness. A small head and neck
are considered a great beauty in a horse ; and in the original of
this drawing, I think they were the least I ever saw, in proportion
to the body.

I have depicted this horse in the action of walking, for which
he was particularly famous, and have paid much attention to his
method of delivering the knee and foot. In walking fast he did
not move two legs at the same time ; for example, in lifting the near
leg before, and the off leg behind, he raised one immediately after
the other, bearing the shoulder well forward before he took the foot
from the ground ; and having raised the feet, he delivered the knee
in the form of Figure 4 ; and the foot as Figure 2, which, on a
comparison with Figure 8, the reader will find, gives the animal
a manifest advantage : for in the action of Figure 3, he must lose
much ground ; while in the action of Figure 2, his gain would be
equal to three inches at every step, which, in a mile, would make a
difference of a hundred yards — a very material consideration in a
match. The quarters of this animal were long, and very strong ; and
he delivered the hind foot well under the body, bending it, at the
same time, at the hock, and rising well in the toe, or point of the
foot of the standing leg. At every step in walking, and indeed in all
other action, the shoulder should be seen to play free ; for it may
be laid down as a general maxim, that a horse confined in the
shoulders can never have good action.

■ . ■■■ :■ ■ /■

■ .. .

.■•-■.■'■■■. , ■ J - .-..-

12

PLATE X.

THE TROT.

This pace being the only one used in harness, requires particular
notice, as there is a great variety in this action. The annexed Plate
is intended to show the plain spanking trot, in which the horse
should carry his head well up, and, when out of harness, the nose
pointed forward. In the step, the shoulder should be thrown well
out, the knee rather straight, the hoof pointed forward, and put to
the ground, as a soldier is taught to march ; not by putting the
heel down first, nor the hoof full on the ground, but the point of
the foot should touch the ground slightly before the heel, with an
even motion, without a catch or jerk ; the shoulder, at the same
time, leaning well over the bearing leg, so as to make the reach the
longer, as in Figure 1 ; the quarter being thrown well under, but
not so far as to occasion an over-reach. I have heard many people,
who are great fanciers in trotting horses, admire the wide action
behind : but I cannot agree with them, as I think it excessively
awkward and ugly, and a great sign of weakness. I have never
found horses with such action able to perform long journeys.

If a horse were to use his fore-legs in the form of Figure 2,
he must lose considerable ground at every step, and be liable to
trip and fall at any little roughness in the road, and must lose
in speed, by delivering the hind foot as Figure 3.

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13

PLATE XI.

THE RUNNING TROT.

Most of our very best trotters have this action, which, in some
degree, is between the trot and gallop. It is a very easy pace for
the rider, but very deficient in elegance. The pace is not suited for
any kind of carriage.

The subject from which this Plate was taken was very finely
formed for strength and action ; the legs are delivered in the same
way as in the plain trot, but much faster and nearer the ground, and
with a sort of scramble, far from pleasing to the eye. As in the
plain trot, the shoulder should be thrown well forward, so that in a
side view it should hide the breast. Compare the shoulder of Figure
1 with that of Figure 2.

14

PLATE XII.

THE CANTERER, OR LADY'S HORSE.

The horse selected for this purpose should be particularly light
in the head and neck, the play or springing appearance of the head
giving great beauty to this action. The horse from which this
drawing was made was pretty and showy, without having the power
of anything like speed or good action ; the buttocks round, without
any show of muscle ; tight in the hocks and legs ; although short
and strong in the pastern, his legs are not well able to carry his
carcass.

This description of horse in the horse-dealer's hands is very apt
to please, and catch the attention of a person not much in the habit of
purchasing. I never had but one of this sort in my possession,
which I bought during a lameness occasioned by an accident in
hunting. He was, like the present subject, very showy, and by most
people called handsome ; but the first journey I took him, (a distance of
only eighteen miles,) he performed with such extreme difficulty in three
hours, that I never chose to mount him again. When any horse has
power of speed and action, the play or movement of the bones and
muscles is perceptible. The horse that is round and puffed in the
quarter very seldom has strength or speed. Compare with Figures
2 and 3. The hock, which is flat and straight underneath, must be
deficient in strength.

5*

15

PLATE XIII.

THE GALLOP.

In the race-horse the necessary points differ from the hunter and
road-horse. In the first place he is not got so much up in the fore-
hand, which makes a great difference in his appearance. The ewe-
necked horses are in general speedy, although this qualification is by
no means desirable for any other purpose. It is commonly supposed
that length in the pastern is indispensable in the race-horse, but this
opinion appears to me to be very erroneous, except as it regards a
light weight and a short course. I have taken notice that the best
horses of the present day are well formed, and strong in the legs.
In full action the leg should be thrown well out, with a quick stroke,
rather near the ground than otherwise. All the legs should point
straight forward, and appear to act with ease to themselves. If a
horse should rock, that is, throw his quarters from one side to the
other, he never can be speedy ; he should seem to glide over the
surface of the ground without any symptoms of violent action.
Horses vary greatly in the gather, or method of bringing their legs
together after being well opened in the reach. If he makes the
stride too far, it will oblige him to throw up his back like a hog, to
form the gather. Any action varying from a direct line forward must
impede his progress. All horses should gallop nearly on the same
principle ; but it is necessary that military horses and dashing road-
sters should raise themselves more on their haunches, and, as it is
commonly called, fight a little more with their forehand.

"I
*,

16

PLATE XIV.

THE HUNTER'S GALLOP.

The hunter, although he may be as thorough-bred as the racer,
is obliged to go through deep and heavy grounds, which will occasion
him to use a different method of galloping from that of the latter.
It is not necessary that he should lay himself out in the reach
like the race-horse ; if he did, the difficulty he would find in
gathering himself again would knock him up in ten minutes ; or, at
any rate, would greatly distress and disqualify him for a long
day. His strokes should be short and regular, not throwing him-
self much off the balance. The hunter should also have the
immediate power of extending or diminishing his length of stride :
for until a horse can accomplish this part of his business, he never
can make a good leaper, much less a safe one. Having myself been
much in the habit of riding young and violent horses with fox-
hounds, I am well acquainted with the great difficulty and danger
there is in leaping them before they are possessed of this power and
knowledge.

' -■'■

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17

PLATE XV.

LEAPING.

The art of steady leaping, and to do it well, is more difficult for
a horse to acquire than any other. As I mentioned under the head
of Hunting, the horse should be fully competent to the task of
measuring his ground ; the quarters should he thrown well under
him at the last stride, so that he can form a centre to his weight on
his hind feet when he is at full rise, and he able in a standing leap
to keep that balance, until he feels able to make his throw or spring ;
and at the moment he opens his fore-legs, the hind ones should be
caught quite under the body : for in slow and steady leaps, it is
almost impossible for the horse to extend his legs behind, and leap
with the same safety that he can when gathered together ; for
instance, in double leaps, where the horse is not able to see on the
other side (which is very often the case), by throwing his quarters
under him, the animal has the power to renew his leap with safety.

18

PLATE XVI.

LEAPING.

The fall or pitch, where there are double ditch fences, and
fences with the ditch from you, requires particular attention. It
appears to me, that more falls are occasioned by the want of know-
ledge of this action of leaping, on the part of the horse, than by any
other description of ignorance or mistake. As soon as the spring
is made, as mentioned in Plate XV., the hind-legs should be so
thrown over the fence, as to give a fine purchase, and the horse
ought to appear to have almost the power of retracting his leap, if
necessary. This shows that the horse has confidence in his own
powers ; and although I have heard many sportsmen declare that
this confidence frequently tends to make the animal a short leaper,
yet, from many circumstances which have come within my own know-
leo'de, I am clearly of opinion that the assertion is not borne out
by the fact. In my judgment, confidence will give the animal the
power to direct his fore-feet to any point he may desire, within
his compass ; and for his own safety he will always cover enough
space, unless prevented by his rider, which too frequently occurs.
In all cases where the leap is difficult, so as to require care and
knowledge in the horse, instead of courage or rashness, there
cannot be a doubt that the animal ought to be left to his own
discretion, without being fettered by any supposed assistance on the
part of the rider.

**

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19

PLATE XVII,

THE BUCKING LEAP.

This leap is similar to the action of the deer ; and the horse,
in the performance of it, displays a very grand and prepossessing
appearance. There ought to be a great distinction between the
action of the animal, in this leap, and in that which I before
described : for although I have just remarked on the propriety of the
horse gathering his quarters under him, I do not consider this rule
as applicable to the fly leap. It is but rarely indeed that any but
very hot horses follow this method, which certainly is not a good
one. In the first place, the action requires great exertion, both
on the part of the rider and the horse, an effort which is not
at all calculated for endurance : secondly, it is very dangerous, as
the horse addicted to it seldom knows where to spring, or to take
off from, or how to measure his leap ; and it very often occurs that,
having his head cleaving the air, he entirely forgets to put his fore-
legs clown to the ground, and consequently comes bolt on his knees
and chest. I rode a mare which practised the bucking leap for two
seasons ; she was four years old, and excessively violent, although
a powerful leaper as to height and distance. For the first season
I had four or five falls a day, upon an average, and all in con-
sequence of her violent mode of leaping.

20

PLATE XVIII.

THE FLY LEAP.

To compass this mode of leaping, it is necessary that the horse
should be possessed of great strength and courage ; for here the
horse springs from all four legs at the same time, or at least so nearly
so, that the difference is not perceptible. The fore-legs should be
tucked tight under the body, the hind ones thrown as high and as far
out as possible. To hunt in a country where such fences are used as
the double timber fence, ditch between, it requires a horse well
qualified ; for to get on with any speed, the leaps must be made at
once. I have been heartily tired even to see the trouble and
patience it requires to perform the in and out.

For river leaping the same action is necessary, but it is not
necessary that the legs should be so much gathered.

21

HINTS TO PURCHASERS OF HORSES.

There is no reason why the golden rule, " Do unto others as ye
would that others should do unto you," should not obtain in horse-
dealing, as well as in other trading transactions; that it does not,
those who have suffered from a contrary practice will, of course,
regret. There are, doubtless, many dealers of strict integrity who
would not knowingly practise any deception, but would afford ample
time for examination and trial, and would decline to give a warranty
unless convinced of the animal's soundness. There are others who
aver that they never give a warranty, and others who have a variety
of tricks at command to deceive the unwary. It should be
remembered there are few faultless horses, and though breeders
must dispose of their young stock, whether faulty or faultless, it is
not such horses that fall into the hands of the inexperienced buyer.
The class of purchasers for whose assistance these hints have been
written, generally buy from dealers, and most commonly the stud
submitted for their inspection consists of horses that have been used
and sold for some fault, or because " they did not suit their former
owner." Yet, by the exercise of a little common sense, purchasers
would often escape the cheats attempted to be put upon them by the
outsiders in what should be an honourable occupation.

There are two questions which the intending purchaser of a
horse should ask himself, and take care that they are fairly
answered. The first is — " Can he, or can he not, ride well ?" The
next is — " What sort of work does he require a horse to do ?" It
is of more importance than at first sight appears, that these two
questions should be fairly put, and honestly answered. For there are
many men who have no other idea than to become the proprietor of

22

a good-looking animal, and there are some who think they can buy a
horse as they would a walking-stick ; while there are few, indeed, who
think it necessary to put these two important questions to them-
selves, and fewer still who would feel comfortable under an imputa-
tion against their horsemanship, if made by another ; still, they may
" own the soft impeachment" to themselves. Yet a man cannot do
a more foolish thing than to buy a horse merely because he is
pleased with its outward appearance. An awkward rider will look
more ungraceful on a high-spirited horse than on one of more modest
pretensions, and he is more liable to throw such a horse down by the
rough or careless way in which he manages his bridle.

I will suppose my reader has already determined the sort of
work he wishes a horse to perforin, and whether he can ride well or
the contrary. Next he should fix on the price he intends to give, and
allow no powers of persuasion on the part of the seller to alter his
determination. The next thing is to consider that the seller, be he
dealer or not, is, perhaps, equally as good a judge of his customer as
he is of his horses. If, when the horse is brought out, his general
appearance is satisfactory, it is prudent to see him through his paces
before going through a closer inspection. A close observation of the
action of a horse generally results in the discovery of those defective
points which require the most severe scrutiny.

It is not so easy as at first sight appears to judge of a horse's
action ; in some of them it is much less easy to detect defective
action than to discover the limp caused by disease. Difference in
breeding will make considerable difference in the action. In a well-
bred horse there is usually an absence of high action ; he walks and
trots slower, but his canter and gallop are more graceful, easy, and
rapid than that of the half-bred ; the head is smaller, the crest
higher, the mane and tail more silky, the hocks and legs are flatter,
or, as the dealers say, " cleaner;" the tendons of the muscles in the
leg are more tense to the touch, and more distinctly developed ; the
pastern joints are usually longer, the feet smaller ; the outline of the
hind-legs, from the hock to the fetlock, is more upright ; the root of
the tail is better defined, and there is a general lightness and elas-

23

ticity about them. When mounted the mouth feels lighter, more
lively, and there is a springiness of movement and appearance alto-
gether different to that seen in a horse of inferior breed.

There are many men who do not take their weight into calcula-
tion when selecting a horse, and as they may always reckon one stone
more for saddle and bridle, it] is evident this is a matter of great
importance, and should not be overlooked. Nothing will bring a
dull, sluggish horse down sooner than being overweighted, even if it
be only a few pounds ; he feels unwilling to move under the
additional weight ; his rider, perhaps, loses temper, and urges him,
and hence the catastrophe. Again, I remark, consider well the kind
of work you require a horse to perform, remembering that there are
very few, indeed, equally good for saddle and harness. If a daily
ride of say ten or a dozen miles is the utmost required, almost any
sound horse is equal to it if he is not over-weighted, or ridden at too
fast a pace. If longer journeys are required, rest-clays are necessaiy,
and thirty miles a-day three days a-week is quite enough work
for any horse, and too much for the majority.

I would advise my reader to be very cautious in availing himself
of the many tempting offers made in the various newspapers. In
going through the advertisement columns, it would appear at first
sight as if every want could be most easily supplied, and especially is
this the case respecting horses, the flattering encomiums passed upon
them, leading one to expect perfection. Experienced hands never notice
these advertisements, and I would strongly recommend those who
do, to make no bargain till the animal has been seen by a respectable
veterinary surgeon. Indeed, to the inexperienced buyer — and for such
only are these hints intended — I would say, the vet.'s fee is the best
spent money throughout the transaction.

Being satisfied as to figure and carriage, let the horse be walked
and trotted down the ride at his own pace, repeating the experiment
on the stones, and, if possible, down hill, the groom going before
with the bridle at its extreme length.

Many grooms in showing a horse get a firm hold of the
bridle close to the animal's head, and so supporting the head,

24

trot him along* This is the way to conceal lameness if there he
any*

The motion from the shoulder should he hold and decided, the
head well and evenly carried, the knee fairly hent, the feet placed
fairly and firmly on the ground, and the toes in a direct line with the
body, neither inclining to one side or the other. The hind-legs
should he well gathered under the body, the toes fairly raised from
the ground, and the hind feet spread pretty accurately in the impress
of the fore-feet. If they pass beyond this the very unpleasant noise
termed " hammer and pincers," is heard. This is caused by the toe
of the hind-foot striking against the shoe of the fore-foot, and though
it may be prevented while the horse is being shown, by allowing the
toe of the hind-foot to project a little before the shoe, which of course
deadens the sound, yet it soon wears down when in actual work, and
the disagreeable noise begins again. When the toes of the hind-feet
drag the ground, disease in the hocks is indicated : an irregular
carriage, or dropping of the head, indicates lameness. Very high
action is objectionable : it wears and bruises the feet on hard roads ;
it is often very unpleasant for the rider, and (especially in horses with
broad feet and soft heels), it causes the speedy cut from the foot
striking against the inside of the opposite one. Very low action is
equally objectionable ; the toe has a tendency to strike any stone or
accidental elevation of the ground, and even if the horse does not
fall down, the hoof is worn nearly to the quick, and not seldom per-
manently injured. Some horses are apt in trotting. to throw their
feet very much outward or inward ; either mode of going is
unpleasant to the eye, and the latter is unsafe, but it is often found
in fast trotters.

If the hind-legs are like those in Figure 7, Plate V., or like
Figure 5, on the same Plate, the action in the trot will be
ungraceful, and by no means easy for the rider. These faults are
not uncommon in fast horses, and though they may not indicate
unsoundness, yet they show a tendency to spavin and thorough-pin.

When the fore-legs incline a little forward at the knee, or are
readily bent at a slight touch behind the knee, (a peculiarity which

25

is styled by the dealers "Knuckling"), it generally indicates that the
horse has done a good deal of work, and if this is attended with a
tremulous, tottering motion of the leg, the idea is confirmed, and
though in a young horse it may be relieved by rest and blistering, he
will never be able to do regular work.

To judge the height of a horse, let him stand on the level, and
not as usually shown, with the fore-legs on rising ground ; a differ-
ence of an inch or two is important both as regards his strength and
his re-sale.

A man who is even a tolerable horseman would do well to
choose a high-couraged (not a bad-tempered or vicious) horse, but
one that is ready to go ; such an animal will do more work, and
do it much more pleasantly than one that is heavy and sluggish.

If the inspection is satisfactory so far, let the legs and
feet be examined, and here a study of Plates IV. and V. will
be of great use. Let the purchaser stand in front of the horse, and
note the position and size of the hoofs when at rest ; if the feet are
very small, or one seems smaller than the other, there is good ground
to suspect some serious defect. If there be no difference in the size
of the feet, if the heels are not much contracted, if the frogs be
sound, and there be no trace of matter oozing from the cleft, and if
the horse puts his feet down boldly and firmly when trotted down-hill
on rough ground, these points may be considered satisfactory, and
the sole, or bottom of the foot, is next to be examined. In its
natural state it is rather hollow or concave, but occasionally we find
it flat, and sometimes convex. In either case it is proportionably
thin, and less fit for the performance of its office than if it was con-
cave. The convex form of sole is, however, a much more serious
defect than the flat. A convex, or projecting sole, is extremely thin
and, therefore, incapable of bearing much pressure ; and though a
horse may step firmly with this kind of sole, he is constantly liable
to lameness from gravel getting under his shoe, and it frequently
happens that the front or wall of the hoof has lost its natural form,
and becomes flatter, thinner, and more brittle, so that it is difficult to
nail a shoe securely without wounding or pricking the foot. This

26

defect constitutes unsoundness. While the sole is undergoing
examination it will be advisable to look if there be any corns, but it
is not so easy to discover them with the shoes on. If the corns are
extensive, the foot convex, and the heels weak, the horse had better be
rejected. The utmost care is necessary in examining the foot, there
are so many causes of lameness that the inspection cannot be too
particularly carried out. A horse may be lamed by bad shoeing,
improper management, or some unknown cause, and though he may
not appear lame at the time of purchase, yet from the appearance of
the foot, lameness may reasonably be suspected.

Sand-crack is a serious defect, especially if it runs longitudinally
from the coronet into the hoof, and is deep enough to affect the sen-
sitive parts of the foot. Sometimes the sand-crack is only trifling,
but its presence indicates an unnatural dryness of the horn, and ten-
dency to sand-crack, and if such a horse be purchased, proper
means should be at once employed to improve the state of the hoof.

Foot-lameness is frequently removed for a time by a long
rest, or a run at grass. Horses that are foundered are fre-
quently much relieved, and sometimes apparently cured by the same
means, but in either case the lameness invariably returns when the
horse is put to work again, or kept in a stable.

It should be remembered that there are few six-year old horses
whose feet are not more or less imperfect, and that a considerable
alteration in form may take place without causing lameness.

In examining the fore-legs, it is necessary to notice if there be
any scar or wound, which generally arises from cutting ; when the
scar on the inside is large, or appears to have been recently
opened, while the surrounding parts are thickened and appear
swollen, it is a serious imperfection. The speedij cut, or cut on the
inside, just below the knee-joint, is a serious defect, which not
unfrequently causes a horse to fall while galloping or trotting.

In examining the back sinews the hand should be passed down
the back part of the leg. If the tendon can be distinctly felt with
the suspensory ligament which lies just before it, and the tendon
feels clean and free from thickening, and if the leg, on a side view,

27

appears flat, clean, and sinewy, it may be passed as a sound, well-
formed leg. But if the leg, on a side view, appears rather round
than flat, or rather bent and inclining inwards ;. if one- leg is larger
than the other, or the sinew and ligament cannot be distinctly and
separately felt, it follows that the part has been injured in some way,
and it is probable the horse will fall lame on being put to hard
work.

Should there be any mark on the knee it will be safer for the
purchaser to infer that it was caused by falling, whatever the seller
may say to the contrary.

Splents need not be regarded, unless they are of a large size,
immediately below the knee-joint, or so near to the back sinew or
suspensory ligament as to impede their action, or unless they are
tender on being pressed. Few horses are entirely free from splents.

The examination of the hind-legs should be commenced at the
hock. The bones forming the projection on the inside of the hock,
are larger in some horses than in others, and should not be mistaken
for bone spavin. There is no insuperable difficulty in noticing the
distinction, for if both hocks be spavined, it very rarely happens they
are both of the same size, or exactly alike, and when only one hock
is so affected the difference is sufficiently distinct to determine the
question. The best way to ascertain if there be any spavin is to
look from between the fore-legs to between the hocks, rather inclining
to one side. A side view of the hocks will best enable you to see if
there be a curb, and a close inspection will show if there be any
ring-bone upon the pastern. This latter, though a considerable
defect, does not always produce lameness, but more frequently in the
fore than the hind -leg.

Some horses have a tendency to a discharge from the heels,
attended by swelling of the hind-legs, which constitutes the disease
termed grease. Horses with white legs seem more disposed to this
complaint than others. If the hind-legs appear swollen, with the
hair about the heels rough or furzy ; if there be scars on the heels,
and they appear to have been subject to cracks or ulcers, it may be
inferred that the horse is subject to swelled legs and grease.

28

The bottom of the hind-foot should be examined to see that it
is not affected with canker or thrushes.

Too much caution cannot be observed in examining the eye.
After seven years of age the eye of the horse seldom becomes dis-
eased, except from injury, to which all ages are equally liable. From
five to six years is the age most liable to eye-disease, and next from
four to five, so in purchasing a five-year old horse, caution on this
point is specially necessary. The most favourable situation for viewing
the eye is at the stable door, or under a shed, for where too much
light falls on the eye so much is reflected by its surface, or cornea,
that it is difficult to see the internal parts.

If there be a perceptible difference between the eyes, if they
appear watery, cloudy, or dull, if the lids be more closed than is
natural, or if the inner corner of the eye-lid appears puckered up,
there is strong reason for suspicion that the sight is imperfect, and the
horse unsound on this point. The pupil, or dark blueish oblong spot
in the centre of each eye, should be closely and carefully scrutinized,
and if any difference is perceived in their size, if they appear cloudy, or
if white specks are seen in them, disease is indicated. An important
point is to ascertain that both eyes appear exactly alike, that they
become (alike) smaller when exposed to a strong light, and (alike)
larger when in the shade. The seller is generally ready to affirm
that any blemish arises from some external cause, as a blow, a bite,
or some hayseed or dust getting into the eye, but this should not
be relied on, for in most cases any disease in a horse's eye arises
from internal causes.

Some horses possess greater freedom in breathing than others,
and it is easy to understand that a deep, wide chest, short neck, wide
gullet, and large open nostril, betoken superior wind. There is no
difficulty in discovering when a horse is thoroughly broken-winded ;
the laborious breathing or working of the flanks, and the short
asthmatic cough exhibited under any violent exertion, are too evident ;
but between this state and perfect health there are many stages of the
disorder, and these are most difficult of detection. There are two
kinds of disease affecting the ^wiud : one having its seat in the

29

windpipe, producing whistling and roaring; the other in the
lungs, producing broken wind. To detect the former there is no
surer way than to gallop the horse, and agitate and pull
him about, keeping the bridle tightly curbed. In this way the
wheezing is almost certain to be heard if it exists. The same mode
of action will detect roaring, and a roarer should be at once rejected.

The state of the wind is frequently ascertained by grasping the
windwipe at the throat tightly, and then immediately letting it go ; the
horse is certain to cough, and the sound of the cough determines
pretty accurately the state of his wind. If it be long and sin-ill, the
wind is good ; if it be short and hacking, like that of a parson in
asthma, his lungs are affected, and the horse must at once be
rejected ; but unless the purchaser can distinguish between the dif-
ferent kinds of cough, he may as well pinch his own throat as the
horse's, and, indeed, the former would often be the safer course.

If a horse coughs under any circumstances during examination,
ascertain, if possible, if the cough be of long duration ; and if there
is any difficulty in obtaining the desired information, see that you are
secured on that point by the warrants.

The age of the horse is known by the appearance of the mouth,
and certain marks on the teeth ; but so many tricks are resorted to,
to make the age appear what it is ivished to be rather than what it is,
that a veterinary surgeon's opinion, or a distinct warranty on this
point are the only safeguards for the uninitiated.

In concluding these few hints, I would say, in every doubtful
point, be sure your warranty covers it. Never buy a screw, and take
care that the animal, the weight, and the work are put on at least
equal terms. But I must be permitted to add, that to a man who
only thinks he knows something of horses, the veterinary surgeon
(not the farrier or smith), is the best guide he can have.

Webster F ary of Veterinary Medicine

Cummim ledicsne at

Tiifts

200 We

North Grafton, hln ;36

V