NEW HOLLAND, Pennsylvania − The horse could barely open its mouth.

It was known, on this day, by only a few crude details:

The numbered sticker on its left haunch. The halter digging into its face. And its price tag.

The big bay quarter horse stared silently at the hay in front of it. It jostled for space, tight between two others. They each were tied to a long cement trough at the New Holland Sales Stables in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, waiting their turn in the weekly auction last summer.

The inspecting vet paused at No. 428. The halter around his muzzle was fastened so tightly it dug deep into his skin, creating wicked abrasions.