Description, puchase and Shoeing - Page 5

2. Note (a) whether he 'crib-bites', from the condition of the manger, etc.; and (b) whether he 'wind-sucks', by watching him for a little while.
3. Turn him round - stiffness of the hock is most noticeable during this movement.
4. Bring him to the light and look at his eyes.
5. Take him out, and let the groom immediately trot him with a slack rein, slowly, about twenty-five yards only. Take care that the groom does not hold him short, or catch at his head; he should trot level.
6. Then let him stand still. Again he should stand firmly on all four legs. Place yourself about eight feet from him and look at his feet to see if they are pairs; also to observe any defects.
7. Move along the near side, observing conformation of ribs and loins.
8. Stand behind and see if hips are of equal height.
9. Move round the off-side looking out for defects.

That ends the general survey. Now begin at the head:

10. (a) Open the mouth to see if the tongue and molar teeth are perfect, and to determine the horse's age. (b) Examine the nostrils for discharge - they should be dry. (c) Look at his face for temper - a great deal can be gleaned in this way. (d) Make the horse cough, to test his wind.

Then proceed:

11. Search the knees for signs of scars (broken knees).
12. Pass the hand down the cannon bone, over
the fetlock and coronet; feel for enlargements, splints, ringbone, or side bones.
13. Examine the back part of the leg for sprains. Note - look for mark of speedy cut, brushing and windgalls.
14. Pick up the foot and examine it.
15. Look for the scar caused by unnerving.
16. Bend the knee back until the point of the fetlock touches the forearm.
17. See if the abdomen and groin are free from swelling.
18. Look at the sheath.
19. Stand eight feet away and examine the hind legs for 'curb' and thoroughpins.
20. Carefully feel for spavin.
21. Pass the hand down the front of the shank for enlargements or ringbone.
22. Pass the hand down the near part of the shank for windgalls and thickening.
23. Lift up the tail.
24. Test him for his wind: see if he is a grunter, thick, a whistler, or a roarer.
25. Take off the foreshoes and examine for corns, sandcrack, seedy toe, thrush, bad frogs, etc.
26. After his gallop give him time to cool down, then give him a final trot to see if he still trots level.
27. Back him, i.e. press him backwards and then turn him round both ways quickly and sharply, to test his back.

A horse which passes all these tests can safely be proclaimed a sound horse.