EXAMINING FOR UNSOUNDNESS 393 
weight the better. In color he should be black with light points, 
as such jacks produce uniformity of color in the colts. 
Examining for Unsoundness.—Before buying horses for 
breeding purposes or for use, examine carefully all points for 
unsoundness and evidence of bad habits. Many are unsound with- 
out showing it at first. Horse dealers naturally call the buyer’s 
attention to good points. To examine a horse for physical defects 
or blemishes begin while the horse is in his stable. Has he been 
biting or kicking the stall? Are there signs of persistent pawing ? 
Cribbing and wind sucking and vicious kicking may be thus 
F16. 266.—Good types of mares for production of mules. (Gay's Productive Horse 
gFrognedon, 
detected. When made to stand to the other side of the stall he 
may show signs of stringhalt, being unable to lift the hind foot 
on the affected side, or if it is lifted being unable to bring it down 
promptly. To test for the latter point lift the hind foot slightly 
forward and bend it upward, then let it go quickly. Examine in 
the stall for signs of the halter-breaking habit. 
Now lead the horse out of doors. Begin at the head on one 
side and examine him from head to heels on both sides. Watch 
the nose for signs of colds. Swelling under the jaw may show 
distemper. Look for bad teeth and examine his mouth for age. 
What kind of a bit has he used? Wave the hand in front of each 
eye to detect for good sight. Are there bad discharges from the 
eyes? Poll-evil may be detected by pressure on the head. Are 
there sores and swellings there? Examine the withers, back and 
shoulders for signs of running sores and boils. A stumbling habit 
may be detected by scars on the knees. Compare right and left