THE FORE-LEG. 69 



and will meastire far more than they look. But it is 

 very different with the low-bred horse. In his case 

 the legs, and the body too, will always measure less 

 than a person would be led to expect by their ap- 

 pearance. 



In the racer, the leg must always be short, and the 

 arm long. Indeed this rule holds good in reference 

 to all animals in whom speed and durability require 

 to be imited ; and, for my part, I think this is by far 

 the most advantageous arrangement for every descrip- 

 tion of horse. 



A good judge will invariably look to the length, 

 strength, and slanting direction of the pasterns. Bad 

 pasterns constitute an unpardonable defect. They 

 should be veiy strong in eveiy sort of horse ; but their 

 length and position must vary considerably in different 

 cases. In the carter, they should be short and slightly 

 laid back. The hackney requii'es an increase of length, 

 with a much more slanting position. The hunter need 

 not differ much from the hackney ; but the racer must 

 have very long, weU-slanted, and elastic, though not 

 weak or sinking, pasterns, to give him elasticity of 

 action, and extent of stride. "Experience among 

 horses," says Mr. Youatt, " will alone point out the 

 most advantageous direction of the pastern for the pur- 

 pose required ; but the slightest observation will show 

 the necessity of considerable variety in the structure of 

 this part. Let the reader imagine the hea^-y dray- 



