22 HOW TO JUDGE A HORSE. 



out the spinal colamu abandoning its horizontal 

 position, or without molesting to any degree the 

 hind hand with the weight of the forehand thereby 

 reducing its propelling powers. 



At its lower end, the shoulder-blade is connected 

 with the arm hone, through the shoulder joint, under 

 an angle of 80 to 100 degrees. 



Shoulder blade and arm bone in their relation 

 have much similarity wilih the thigh and leg bone 

 of the hind leg. What is said about the position of 

 these two latter bones and their combination holds 

 good also for shoulder blade and arm bone. The 

 shoulder must be long and oblique, which is only 

 possible if its upper and rear edge reaches far back 

 at the side of the withers. The arm bone also must 

 distinguish itself by considerable length and an 

 oblique position. Under these conditions both bones 

 are jointed under a right angle. The shoulder joint 

 has then a large opening capacity, and, the length 

 of the bones being considerable, the faculty of ex- 

 tension of the leg is a great one. Furthermore, 

 between these two long bones the masses of muscles 

 can accumulate in larger proportions and receive 

 the most favorable direction for action. The main 

 stress in judging the upper part of the fore leg is 

 always to be laid on tlie oblique direction and length of 

 the arm hone. If these qualities are there, the leg is 



