The management and treatment of the horse in the stable, field, and ...

In the Stable, Field, and on the Road. 247
the animal has good wind, and its lungs are sound, but if
they are irregular and stops before it is completed, with
considerable drawing in of the flanks extending up the
sides so as to shew plainly the ribs, then it is certain that
the horse is unsound, or, as it is termed, broken-winded.
The third and final test is to trot the horse smartly
and watch the motion of its flanks, and observe if it
utters a noise in breathing with considerable blowing ;
it does, reject the horse at once. To examine the horse
to ascertain if it is a roarer, whistler, or piper, place it
with its side against the wall, hold its head up with the
left hand, and with the right hand give it a sharp blow
on the ribs, or touch it smartly on the belly with a stick.
If it utters a grunt at every blow, it is a sign it is a
roarer; if it jumps about in consequence of the blows,
sobbing, and drawing its breath quickly, this will be
found an indication that it is a whistler or piper. For
testing all diseases of the lungs there is nothing like
giving a good gallop round a field, beginning slowly and
increasing the speed until it is at its top speed, then stop
short, dismount, slacken the girths, and place your ear
against its chest upon the wind-pipe, and the least defect
in the lungs will be apparent. Consider no time wasted
that is spent in testing the wind of the horse, and indeed
all points connected with its health. There are so many
points to be looked at and so many things to look for in
buying a horse, that if the purchaser is in a hurry he is
sure to overlook some important part, Having satisfied
yourself that the wind is all right, next stand behind the
animal and carefully scrutinize the prominences of the
hip bones, and see if they are on the level, and especially
if