THE SKELETON. 21 



(3) Long holding out of tlie leg behind the per- 

 pendicular. 



All these moments of the action should pass over 

 into each other with ease, and should not show any 

 Interruption ; they should be elastic, without making 

 the impression of exertion or convulsive strain of the 

 muscles. 



Let us now examine the construction of the fore 

 leg. 



The sTioulder-hlades encase and support the chest 

 in its forward part on both sides, and are only 

 fastened to it by muscles and the outer skin. Their 

 motions are upward and downward around a pivot, 

 located about four fingers below their upper edge ; 

 consequently the upper part of the shoulder, above 

 that pivot, will move backward and downward, when 

 the part below the pivot moves forward and up- 

 warcL This motion of the upper part of the shoulder 

 is interfered with, should the saddle be shifting 

 forrrard. High and sharp withers, preventing 

 suoh shifting of the saddle, are an indispensable 

 quality in a saddle-horse. Besides this movability 

 ot the shoulder forward and backward, it has a very 

 elight capability for sideward motions, though 

 limited. 



The flexibility of the shoulder is the cause of the 

 horse's ability to lift his fore legs considerably with- 



