35 



THE PASTERNS, ETC. 



From the fetlock to the hoof shouki be rather 

 long, but not over- slanting : the pasterns of 

 many Arabs, when long, are sometimes too 

 sloping, the fetlock nearly touching the ground. 

 The short pasterns, even, I have seen too oblique ; 

 and then, though the limb should be otherwise 

 powerful, the beautiful springy action will be 

 lost in a month by the riding of the least heavy 

 weight; yet, on the other hand, if too upright, 

 the fault is far worse, for the knuckling over 

 will then assuredly soon commence on work, 

 and when it does, he will often evince an evi- 

 dent anxiety to make his nose a substitute for 

 a fifth leg. The pasterns of a horse, for a heavy 

 weight, should be rather short; but for a light 

 rider they can hardly be too long, provided they 

 are properly placed. They should look small, 

 round, and smooth ; if there is the slightest 

 enlargement, you may suspect a ring-bone. 



The easiest and surest way of detecting a ring- 

 bone, is to place a couple of fresh young colts 

 (and they are quickly got at the stables) beside 

 the one you are buying; then feel each all up 

 the centre of the pastern ; and also at the side 

 close to the hoof, about two inches from the heel. 



d2 



