The Horse (Soundness and Conformation)

The examination of horses as to soundness and their selection as to suitability is part of the work of veterinary surgeons which requires sound judgement and the employment of knowledge tempered with experience. It is a melancholy fact that, today, such work is done by fewer with confidence and satisfaction. A horse is sound when it is free from hereditary disease, is in the possession of his natural and constitutional health and has as much …

…in poor condition. Such horses, under good management and feeding, grow just as you could wish them to; and remember that fat or gross condition may hide a multitude of faults. Without an understanding of conformation no one can develop that knowledge of soundness and unsoundness which is desirable in those who undertake examinations to the horse. I t must never be forgotten that within the framework of its conformation lies the horse's essential soundness.