THE SKELETON. 



43 



Fia. 8. 



hind the line. At all events, the fore-standing position 



is by far more injurious in the 



fore leg than the understanding 



in the hind leg. In all the 



different gaits, the fore leg has 



to exert its greatest activity, 



and is most imperiled, while 



being stretched forward and in 



taking up the burden. But, it 



is apparent, that this position 



must increase the force of the 



weight and the danger of over- „ 



° ^ ^ ^ Fore-standing, Con- 



burdening the sinews. nected With Calf-Knee. 



The under-standing position is, under circum- 

 stances, a defect without consequences — more of an 

 eye-sore— but may become a serious blemish. The 

 consequence of this position is, generally, a pro- 

 truding crooked knee, less visible in young horses, 

 but more developed in older horses, even to huck-knees. 

 If, with the huck-knee is connected a long and elastic 

 fetlock, and a long arm bone (Fig. 10), then such 

 horses are quite fit for any service, and go safe. 



If we only find a crooked knee, while the fetlock 

 IM short and straight, as in Fig. 9, then they go very 

 uiigafe and are not fit for saddle use. 



THE PROPORTIONS OF FORE AND HIND LEGS. 



To facilitate a regular movement of the fore and 



