32 HOW TO JUDGE A HOESE. 



limbs, we find the longest bones ; the angles formed 

 by them the narrowest, and the connectiDg joints the 

 strongest. Where the connections are the straight- 

 est, as in the lower parts, which are most exposed 

 to the concussions, there we find, for the purpose of 

 diminishing the concussions, three joints in the 

 distance of a span of the hand, viz.: the upper and 

 lower pastern and the coffin joint. 



With the advantages of a narrow angular forma- 

 tion, grow also the extending ability of the limbs, 

 and the space for the development of powerful 

 muscles, as we have seen above, thereby making the 

 mechanical proportions the most favorable. We 

 find very favorable angular formations principally in 

 the exquisite structure of the race-horse : the long 

 fetlock, the oblique thigh and armbone, etc., enabling 

 the horse to cover much ground, and to exhibit ex- 

 traordinary staying power, and at the same time 

 protecting it against hard concussions. The low 

 bred horse, on the contrary, is characterized by the 

 straight formation of its limbs, short and unelastic 

 action, and by showing the effects of great exertions, 

 oftentimes by inflammation of the joints. 



On the other side, the oblique position of the long 

 bones has also its limit in the reduction of the carry- 

 ing power. The more favorable the angular forma- 

 tions, the greater the demand on the ability, espe- 



