The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1905-12-22

make short turns, to make sweeping
turns, to walk, to trot, and to assume all
other gaits. Test the movements on soft
ground as we'll as solid, lift be convenient.
Note the movements of the limbs in pick
ing up the feet and for the disappearance
or development of lameness after exer-
else Make tests for wind, roaring heaves
and for special forms of lameness. Har-
ness horses should be tested single or
double in harness. the saddle horse, un-
der the saddle.
DETAILED EXAMINATINON.
The examination of the horse should
begin in the stable at home when such is
practicable. If purchase is to be made
at sale stable, it is likewise better
policy to look over the animal in the stall
prior to the time when it is to be led in
to the ring Observe how the horse is
tied in the stall, whether with a halter,
rope, or chain; how he stands in the stall,
whether we'll forward, or back as far as
the tie will permit. Observe the condi-
ton of the manger, boards and partition
separating the stalls, whether SCARED
with the teeth in wind sucking or biting
at his side mate. Observe also whether
the floor is badly worn in front from
weaving or restless paving, and whether
the boards at rear show evidence of kick
ing. This is the time also to observe the
head when eating, the expression of
countenance, and the movement of the
ears. The position of the feet should
receive special attention, as evidence of
disease may be shown here that will es
cape attention when standing outside or
be very slightly shown in action. Point
ing, knuckling, carrying the feet under
the body and resting in unnatural posi-
tons have their significance in the
differentiation of the various diseases
that cause lameness. Notice should also
be taken of the condition of the animal
and the stall with reference to the dis
charges. Some horses succeed ia soiling
themselves to the ears while others re-
main clean under the same conditions.
The habit of being unclean is as much
to be avoided as some of the things that
constitute an unsoundness. Some atten-
ton should also be given to the confor-
nation of the limbs at this time. the
hips, hooks, fetlocks, and feet When
the attendant comes in to remove the
blanket, if there be one on, or to smooth
the hair with a brush, the behavior
should be noted, as should also the ac-
tion in backing and turning to get out of
the stall.
The examination which is ordinarily
made at the door is brief and incomplete.
Observe the eye for its size, condition and
general expression. The nostril is ex-
amined for size and hexibility, and the
teeth are examined for age If the first
is unfavorabe, the age I'M
or the price too high, it is not
advisable to proceed further with the ex-
animation. If these considerations are
or nearly so, the horse should
be led slowly away from all others and
the complete examination be made. At
the sale stable the proverbal piece of
ginger is ordinarily used by the atten-
dant and the horse made to move quickly
and promptly. This gives an appearance
of quality that is not altogether real.
If the purchase is being made from home
or from the regular dealer, it is desirable
that the animal be walked away, at the
same time noting whether any lameness
exists that may later disappear.
OF THE ANIMALAs A WHOLE.
The first part of the examination
should be at a distance of few feet.
sufficient to take in the whole body and
to be able to see all the proportions at
one time. Make the examination from
squarely in front and full profile, first
on one side and then on the other, square
ly from behind, and finally obliquely
from in front and behind. Take plenty
of time in passing around the horse.
The examination of the whole body will
give the general conformation, the pro-
portion of the different parts to each
other the general carriage of the animal
style, temperament, and approach to the
type of the breed or class which he re-
presents. The horse should be measured
for height, and also the weight obtained
if it has recently been taken In viewing
the horse as a whole, cognizance should
be taken of the length and size of the
head, length of the neck, its thickness
and how It is set on the body; the shape
of the chest, whether deep and fat or
cylindrical; the shape of the body and
whether it is long or short coupled the
height of the withers; broadness, straight
ness of the back; direction of the shoulder
as 1t receives the collar; width of chest
length of legs; straightness of the knee !;
direction of the pastern; turning out or
in of the foot; level of the hips; direction
of the stifle, of the hook and hind foot
In the examination of the animal as
whole it should be done with regard to