THE SKELETON. ^§ 



tion to the proportion of its width in the hips and 

 the shoulders, to the perpendicular position of the 

 limbs, and to any deviations mentioned before. 

 After this examination has been satisfactory, then 

 examine the horse also in motion. Whips must 

 disappear, exciting calls and noise must cease, and 

 the man leading the horse be warned from jerking 

 the horse under the chin. If we notice, that by such 

 practices, the regularity of the paces, especially that 

 of the trot, is frequently and purposely interrupted, 

 then we have to look out for hidden lamenesses. 

 Light, easy and measured action, are signs of 

 harmonious strength, cannot be valued enough, and 

 should not be sacrificed for the prominent action of 

 one siugle part. The roominess of the paces is 

 discerned by observing the hind legs, the safety, 

 by the action of the fore legs. The carrying 

 power of the back, and the elasticity of the hock and 

 pastern joints, are better judged under the rider, 

 as, in general, we obtain a far better and correct 

 judgment of the power and elasticity of the muscles 

 and sinews, by mounting the horse ourselves. 



While riding the horse, we have an opportunity to 

 examine the condition of its lungs or the ivind as it 

 is generally called. The wind is subject to many 

 modifications. As it is a poiut of great impor- 

 tance, in regard to usefulness, any horse, with the 



