THE SADDLE BREEDS OF HOESES 



117 



and well finished at the withers; strong back, loin and 

 coupling, altogether making a short top-line compared to 

 the length of the under-line, although having length suf- 

 ficient to insure freedom of stride; a very deep fore-rib 

 and chest, lung capacity being secured in this way rather 

 than by thickness 

 and fullness of chest ; 

 croup long and a bit 

 straight; deep, full, 

 muscular quarters 

 and gaskins; clean, 

 smooth joints ; a 

 broad, flat, bony leg 

 of more quality than 

 substance ; oblique 

 pasterns and a rather 

 small foot of dense 

 horn . A fine, smooth 

 coat of hair with a 



total absence of any feather, and a soft, delicate skin 

 with the superficial blood-vessels well marked, complete 

 a general appearance of quality and refinement (Fig. 17). 

 131. Use for sporting purposes. There may be some 

 question as to the propriety of claiming any real usefulness 

 for a horse, the only purpose of which is to serve as an 

 active factor in the sports and pastimes of the people. Be 

 that as it may, no one can deny to the Thoroughbred full 

 meed of praise for a most efficient service in his own pe- 

 culiar field. The turf, originally an English institution, 

 was early transplanted to other countries, and all peoples 

 among whom flat-racing, steeple-chasing, hunting, and 

 polo are in vogue, may be expected to testify to the use- 

 fulness of the Thoroughbred. 



FIG. 17. Thoroughbred stallion. 



