436 CHAPTER 60. 



A long oblique scapula (A, fig. 5) gives what is termed " plenty before 

 the rider," and thus, in addition to the action gained by the formation, 

 the horse is pleasant to sit upon. On the other hand, if the scapula is 

 straight (fig. 5a) or short (fig. 5&), or both straight and short (fig. 5c), 

 the rider is placed too far forwards ; and if the horse stumbles, as from 

 defective action entailed by such conformation he is very likely to do, he 

 may probably overbalance himself and come down. 



Again, if the scapula is well thrown back and sufficiently high, the 

 saddle will generally sit well in its place ; whilst if it is straight or short, 

 or both straight and short, it is likely to work forward. The fitting of 

 saddles however is also dependent on depth of girth, as will be explained 

 hereafter. 



For hunters and saddle horses a good oblique scapula is very essential. 

 For harness horses and especially for heavy draught animals this point, 

 though desirable, is not of much consequence. In race-horses the 

 shoulder is not much, if at all, thought of. Speed is the one great requi- 

 site. All propelling power comes from behind. Powerful hind quarters 

 are the great desideratum, and the fore-hand is little cared for, as long as 

 the fore-legs can move freely out of the way of the hind legs. In race- 

 horses we often find the fore-hand on a level with the croup. A high 

 wither and scapula producing much " up knee " action would militate 

 against speed. 



897. The Humerus. 



The Humerus or lower bone of the shoulder (B, fig. 5) should be rather 

 short. If very short, the mechanical action of the shoulder is placed at 

 a disadvantage ; whilst, if over-long, it has the effect of placing the fore- 

 legs too much under the horse, and the weight of the animal is thereby 

 thrown too much forward. Such formation is unsuitable for riding. 



It is to be observed that, whilst it is desirable the shoulder should be 

 long, it is requisite the length should be in the scapula or handle of the 

 crank instead of in the lower bone or humerus. In a well-made horse 

 a plumb-line let fall from the point of the shoulder will nearly touch 

 the toe. 



The angle formed by the scapula and humerus is, we may remark, 

 nearly the same in all horses. If the scapula is upright the humerus is 

 more horizontal, and the fore-legs consequently are more under the body. 

 Figs. 5a and 5c. 



Finally a good shoulder consists of a long scapula with a proportionate 

 humerus ; and it is on this due proportion that freedom of stride, safety 

 in action, and comfort to the rider generally depend. 



898. The Chest. 



The Chest should be deep, moderately broad, and plump in front. 

 Both breadth and depth are absolutely necessary in order to give due 

 capacity to the cavity of the chest, in which are situated those important 

 organs, the lungs and the heart. 



