68 THE HORSE 



other, and the whole presenting a good broad aspect. From 

 a spectacular point of view, too, this is desirable, for it 

 gives a bad impression to ride behind a rider whose 

 rotundity of form is not equalled by that of his steed! 

 In addition to being broad the thighs must be long, for 

 on the length of a muscle rather than its breadth depends 

 its retractability and its power. It is extremely important 

 that the thighs should continue almost imperceptibly into the 

 second thighs when viewed sideways, nearly forming the 

 shape of a " V " with the hock. If the thigh should appear 

 to terminate suddenly, and then the second thigh be all 

 of one breadth, forming an additional piece, as it were, 

 have nothing to do with that animal and do not let it find 

 a place in your stable, however taking in other respects, 

 for no really good hunter was ever built in that way. The 

 action must be free and elastic, the hind-foot at the walk 

 covering the print made by the fore-foot by at least 6 or 

 7 inches. It is the freedom thus indicated which saves 

 many a fall, when accompanied by a strong back, more so 

 even than the shoulders, and many a time has the writer 

 been thankful, when a mistake had been made, and a fall 

 seemed inevitable, to see a hind-foot come sweeping past 

 his leg, and with a brave heave of the back the good steed 

 has saved the situation — and a cropper. 



Amongst other necessary requirements are large well- 

 developed joints, especially hocks and knees; while the arms 

 must be long, with plenty of muscle, the tendinous ter- 

 mination of which should be markedly shown immediately 

 above the knee itself. This part should appear broad from 

 whatever side it is regarded, and on this very much depends 

 the power of the leg, for any weakness here will result in 

 the animal speedily tiring. 



A most essential point in a hunter is that the bone 

 should be very strong immediately below the hock-joint, 

 which should run into it gradually and not give the 

 appearance of a little bit having been scooped out in front, 

 as is so often the case. When this is seen it is odds on the 

 horse springing a curb in deep ground, and a lack of power 

 in the limb generally is thus indicated. A hunter should 



