CARRIAGE 51 



head, is regulated by the length of the neck. The neck in some respects 

 is to the horse what the balancing-pole is to the gymnast, viz. a means of 

 maintaining equilibrium of the body in the performance of its varied move- 

 ments. This is strikingly illustrated in the swing of the neck from side to 

 side in the walk, its elevation when the body is raised from the recumbent 

 posture, its rapid alternation from one side to the other in turning to the 

 right or to the left. Ample length gives pliability to the neck, and enables 

 it to respond quickly in regulating the centre of gravity while the body 

 passes from one attitude to another. Moreover, it renders the animal 

 easy of control, and imparts to the movements steadiness, ease, and grace, — 

 qualities which the riding-horse and the driving-horse should both possess 

 to be worth anything. 



A short neck, for reasons stated above, is not conducive to rapid move- 

 ment, nor to that mobility of the body which is seen in more extended 

 proportions. Moreover, lack of length is usually identified with great 

 muscular development, by which the part is rendered heavy and wanting in 

 pliability. It is not to be understood that shortness in this region is alto- 

 gether inconsistent with a fast pace, but since in this condition the range 

 of action in the fore-liml)S is considerably diminished, its repetition must 

 therefore be greatly increased to make up the difference, thus adding to 

 the wear and tear of both body and legs. 



In the draught-horse, whose movements are slow, and whose highest 

 attribute is the energy and power he can put forth, any disadvantage re- 

 sulting from a short neck is compensated where the muscles clothing it are 

 massive and strong. 



Besides the length and carriage of the neck, the expert judge of horse 

 form will not lose sight of the importance of its mass. A strong, heavy, 

 muscular neck in the case of the slow-moving draught-horse is, as we have 

 seen, an attribute of strength, and therefore a condition suited to the 

 purpose for which the animal is required; but to the race-horse, the chaser, 

 the hunter, and the hack any surplus weight attached to the cervical lever 

 will not only interfere with progression, but materially add to the wear and 

 tear of the fore-limbs. For these and other reasons the neck in the cases 

 indicated should be long, light without being weak, and carried well up. 

 If at the same time it is surmounted by a well-proportioned head the 

 best conditions appertaining to this region will be secured. 



