FOUTS OF THE HORSis. y 
will nut keep the saddle in its place. If, therefore, there is a hollow just 
behind the top of the blade, even if this is slanting enough, you must ex- 
pect the saddle to slip forward, and should, in all doubtful cases, be careful 
to put one on before concluding a purchase. The point of the shoulder 
should be well developed, but not showing any rough protuberances, which 
are equally objectionable with a flat or ill-developed point. The length 
of the true arm is mainly dependent upon that of the blade ; but sometimes, 
when this is oblique enough, the true arm is short and upright, and the 
UPRIGHe SHOULDER. QKRLIQUE SHOULDER, 
elbow stands under, or only a little behind, the shoulder point. This 13 
a very faulty conformation, and is seldom attended with good action. The 
chief defect in the elbow is seen when it turns inwards, and rubs so closely 
against the ribs that the finger can hardly be insinuated between them and 
it. Here the elbow is said to be tied or confined, and the horse is very 
apt to turn his toes out; while the opposite formation is indicated by 
turned-in, or “pigeon” toes, and turned-out elbows, frequently accom- 
panying long-standing rheumatism of the shoulders. It does sometimes 
happen, however, that the toes are turned in or out without affecting the 
elbow, but this is an exception to the rule. A long and muscular fore-arm 
is a sure accompaniment of strong and sweeping action, and should be 
carefully prized ; in other respects there is little to be noted here. Next 
comes the knee, which should be broad, and when looked at from the 
front should be much wider than the limb above and below. It should 
‘taper off backwards to a comparatively thin edge, and should have a good 
development of the pisiform bone, which projects backwards at its upper 
part. The leg, immediately below the knee, should be as large as any 
other part, and not “tied in” there, which indicates a weakness of this 
part. A bending of the knee backwards is called a “calf-knee,” and is 
not objected to in cart-horses, in which it is by no means uncommon ; but 
it is very apt to lead to strains of this jomt in the racehorse or hunter. 
A knee naturally bending somewhat forward is much preferred by good 
judges, though, when it is the result of over-work, it is almost equally to 
