BOW-LEGS 



89 



hunters, where the hind -limits while being raised require at the same 

 time to be advanced well under the body. 



COW-HOCKS 



This term is applied to that defect of conformation in which the 

 points of the hocks are turned in (fig. 69). Animals so constructed are 

 not unfrequently defective in other respects, often leggy, badly coupled, 

 split up, and narrow behind, with the toes directed unduly outward. 



Althouo-h in -turned 

 hocks in moderate de- 

 gree do not interfere 

 with a horse's useful- 

 ness, in the more pro- 

 nounced cases it is not 

 only an eyesore, but 

 when coexi.sting with 

 the other defects re- 

 ferred to, it is a mark of 

 weakness, and materi- 

 all}' impairs the action 

 of the limbs, which are 

 made to move too 

 much away from the 

 body instead of in a 

 line parallel to it. 

 As a result of this an 

 awkward roll is imparted to the gait, and both power and speed are thereby 

 more or less impaired. 



Fig. 69.— Cow-Hocks 



Fig. 70. — Bow-Legs 



BOW-LECxS 



In this state of development (fig. 70) the points of the hocks are 

 directed outward, the legs are set wide apart, and the toes are turned 

 inward. This is not only a more unsightly defect than the one last 

 referred to, but it impairs to a still greater extent the locomotive powers 

 and usefulness of the animal. A striking feature of this variety of con- 

 formation is the peculiar rotary movement or outward twist of the 

 hock which occurs at the moment when the foot comes to the ground. 

 Moreover, viewed from behind, the gait is rolling and unsteady, the steps 

 are short and wanting in liberty and grace. 



