THE SHOULDER 69 



In estimating the form and character of this region due consideration 

 will require to be given to the general condition of the animal, which 

 may very materially modify, if it does not altogether obliterate, the finer 

 features of the jjart. This is very much the case in young highly-fed 

 horses, and especially stallions and brood mares, in what is termed " show 

 condition", whose tissues, loaded with &t, almost completely efface the 

 outline and bony landmarks of the shoulder. To the real judge of horse 

 form tliis is not of serious importance, for, recognizing the difficulty, he 

 will endeavour to determine the extent of its Ijoundaries by close obser- 

 vation of its movements and their relation to neighbouring jaarts, as the 

 withers, the neck, the back, and the chest. In the reverse condition, 

 whetlier the S2:)areness be the result of poverty or work, every jaart of 

 the region becomes clearly defined, so that its general form, extent, and 

 direction may be fully made out. 



One of the first essentials in the make-up of a horse is ample length 

 of the shoulder, in which a long blade - bone provides accommodation 

 and attachment for muscles of proportionate size. The greater the 

 length of the latter the more they will be able to shorten during con- 

 traction, and the greater will be the range of movement they will eft'ect 

 in the act of progression. A long shoulder is much to be desired in 

 horses of speed, and most of all in the thoroughbred. Without it the 

 limbs do not develop that sweeping stride which distinguishes the race- 

 horse and the trotter. On the contrary, the action is short, cramjied, 

 wanting in elastic reaction, and conducive to concussion and wear of 

 the limbs. 



Necessary as length is to the velocity of the gait, it is only when 

 supplemented by oblicjuity (Plate X, fig. 2) that the shoulder can fully 

 profit by it. In all horses of whatever variety, from the heavy draught- 

 horse to the boys' pony, ample inclination of the blade-bone is of primary 

 importance. High, sloping withers and a deep chest usually coexist with 

 a long, well-inclined shoulder. 



In this condition the shoulder muscles are enabled to enhance greatly 

 the forward movement of the arm-bone, and to favour the elevation and 

 extension of the entire limb. 



But there are other advantages of equal importance arising out of 

 sloping shoulders — they impart liberty and elasticity to the gait, lighten 

 the tread, and save the limbs from the injurious effects of concussion 

 and wear. 



With length and obliquity the shoulder should combine a well- 

 developed symmetrical set of muscles, in Aolume and strength adapted 

 to the special services of the animal. In the race-horse, whose purpose 



