CONFORMATION 173 



much more in evidence than the extensor tendon which 

 passes in front. They should stand well out, appearing like 

 hard wiry cords, which should feel clean to the touch with- 

 out any suspicion of gumminess. Though to the casual 

 observer there appear to be only two, in reality there are 

 four separate tendons and ligaments in the upper portion, 

 though in the lower part it may be said there are but two, 

 since the metacarpal ligament becomes attached to the 

 flexor perforans, and the latter is then enveloped by the 

 flexor perforatus. 



Ligaments differ from tendons in one very important 

 point, they are inelastic. 



The muscles of the hind-quarters are for the most part 

 strongly marked, and the situation of the principal ones 

 easily recognised. Arising from the processes of several 

 of the vertebrae of the loins and from the prominent parts 

 of the ilium, or hip, is a very important one, the glutoeus 

 medius (Plate IX., w), often termed the "kicking muscle," 

 which terminates at its insertion in the projection on the 

 upper bone of the thigh (femur), and acts with con- 

 siderable power in bringing the latter forward. Attached 

 to this muscle and interposed between it and the 

 next great muscle, is a little slender one, the glutoeus 

 externus (l), which has generally a similar origin and 

 function. The next, the one just referred to, the triceps 

 femoris (n), is the most important of all, for on it develops 

 the duty of drawing back the stifle-joint and straightening 

 the leg, in which function it is also assisted by the biceps 

 (o), which lies parallel with it and immediately behind. 

 The glutoei muscles bend the leg, preparatory to making the 

 spring, while the triceps acts in the opposite direction, 

 straightening the limb and propelling the body forward. It 

 is the division between the triceps and the biceps which 

 makes so marked a line in the quarters of high-bred horses, 

 sometimes designated as " cuts and slashes." Another flexor 

 of the leg is the semi-membranosus, which forms the inner 

 posterior border of the haunch, and unites under the tail, 

 along the mesial line, with its fellow-muscle on the 

 other side. When these two do not meet, and a clear space 



