CARRIAGE 



49 



not only lightens and brightens the outlook of a horse, but it gives him an 

 expression of energy and courage. Moreover, in this attitude the head 

 receives ample natural support, is light on the rein, and relieves the hands 

 of the rider or driver of an objectionable and tedious burden so common in 

 animals otherwise formed. There is the further advantage in an elevated 

 carriage of the neck, that the muscle chiefly concerned in raising the arm 

 (mastoido humeral is, fig. 43), and which is connected above witli the head, 



enjoys a greater range 

 of contraction by vir- 

 tue of its increased 

 length, and l)y bring- 

 ing the shoulder well 

 up increases in a cor- 

 responding measure 

 the upward and for- 

 ward movement of 

 the limb as a whole. 

 It conduces, indeed, 

 to that free shoulder- 

 play and fine knee 

 action which all 

 lovers of horses so 

 much admire and 

 enjoy. 



The " nagsman " 

 with his sharp l)it, 

 the "runner" with his 

 raised hand propping 

 up the horse's chin, 

 and the coachman 

 with his overdraw 

 check-rein, all recog- 

 nize the influence of an uplifted neck on the action of the fore-limbs; but 

 it must be noted that while these artificial devices conduce to a more 

 lofty action they at the same time shorten its range, and, by imposing 

 restraint on the head and neck, deprive the gait of the liberty and elegance 

 of movement displayed in a natural carriage. 



AVith the neck directed forward and carried in a more depending position 

 it is otherwise. Here the head hangs heavily on the neck, the shoulder 

 action is i-estricted, there is a lack of mobility, and the animal is heavy in 

 hand, and may be hard in the mouth and diflicult to guide. Beyond this 



Vol. I. 4 



Ewe Neck 



