The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1874-12-11
Rules for Purchasing a Horse.

First-Examine the eyes in the stable,
then in the light if they are in any way
defective, reject.
Second-Examine the teeth to deter
mine the age.
Third-Examine the poll or crown of
the head, and the withers, or top of the
shoulders, as the former is the seat of
poll evil, and the latter that of fistula.
Fourth-Examine the front feet, and
if the frog has fallen or settled down
between the heels of the shoe, and the
heels are contracted, reject him; as he,
if not already lame, is liable to come SO
at any moment. Next, observe the
knees and ankles of the horse you de-
sire to purchase, and if cock-d, you
may be sure that it is the result of the
displacement of the internal organs of
the foot and injudicious shoeing.
Fifth-EXamine for interfering from
theankle to the knees, and ifitproves that
he cuts the knee and the ankle, or the
leg between the knee and the ankle, or
the latter badly, reject. Speedy cuts
of the knee and leg are most serious in
their effects. Many trotting horses,
which would be of great value were it
not for this single defect, are by it rem
dered valueless.
Carefully examine the hoofs
for cracks, as Jockeys have acquired
great skill in concealing cracks in the
hoof. If cracks are observable in any
degree, reject. Also, both look and feel
for ripgbones, which are callouses on
the bones of the pastern near the foot !;
if apparent, reject.
Seventh-Examine the hind feet for
the same defects of the foot and ankle
that we have named in connection with
the front foot. Then proceed to the
hook, which is the seat of the curb and
both bone and blood spavins. The for
mer is bony enlargement of the pos
terror and lower portion of the hook
Joint the second body excrescence on
the lower, inner and rather interior por
ton of the hook, and the latter is a soft
enlargement of the synovial membrane
on the inner and upper portion of the
back. They are either of them suffi-
cient reason for rejecting.
Eighth-See that the horse stands with
the front feet we'll under him, and observe
both the heels of the feet and shoes, to
see if he FORCES or overreaches, and in
case he does, and the toes of the front
feet are low, the heels high, and the
heels of the front shoes 8 GOOD thick
ness, and the toes of the hind feet are
of no proper length, reject him; for if
he still overreaches with his feet in the
condition described, he is incurable. If
he props out both feet, or points them
alternately, reject.
Ninth-In testing the driving quail
ties, take the reins while on the ground,
invite the owner to get in the vehicle
first, then drive yourself. Avoid the
display or the use of the whip, and if he
has not sufficient spirit TO exhibit his best
speed without it, reject. Should he
drive satisfactorily without, it will then
be proper to test his authority and the
extent of his training in the use Of the
whip. Thoroughly test his walking
qualities first, as that gait is more i'm
portant in the horse Of all work than
great trotting speed. The value of a
horse, safe for all purposes without
blinds, is greatly enhanced thereby.
Tenth-Always purchase of the
breeder of the horse, if practicable !;
the reasons are obvious.-MaTyJand
EJyT91ler