§ MR. STEPHENS (Middlesex, Hornsey)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether thoroughbred stallions receiving the Queen's Prizes are examined so that their soundness can be relied upon by breeders; and whether the examination for soundness in wind is made by lunging; and, if not, by what other means the soundness in wind of horses receiving a Queen's Prize is ascertained?
§ MR. CHAPLINAll the stallions, before receiving the Queen's premiums, are strictly examined by three veterinary surgeons, and they are disqualified if they are found to be affected with either of the following diseases, which the commissions consider are of a hereditary nature. The diseases are roaring, including whistling, ringbone, unsound feet, navicular disease, spavin, and cataract. The rule observed by the veterinary surgeons in examining the horses for their wind is this—that in all cases, where possible, they are lunged. If, however, for any reason lunging is found to be undesirable, other means are adopted; but this is only in very exceptional cases.