444 CHAPTER 6C. 



The well-made thorough-bred horse is straight and long in the portion 

 of the back from the pelvis to the tail (see Skeleton). Due length in 

 this part is essential both to power and to appearance, Fig. 18. Want of 

 .length is found in horses of all breeds, Fig. ISa ; but short round rather 

 drooping quarters are essentially an under-bred formation, Fig. 186. 

 Very drooping or " goose " rumps are unsightly, and (except sometimes 

 in Irish hunters) are only found in low-class animals, Fig. 18c, Plate 37. 



Length from the pelvis to the hock is also essential for speed and 

 power. Although a race-horse, hunter, or riding horse may be disadvan- 

 tageously broad across his hips, yet he can never be too long or too much 

 " let down " in his quarters. The muscles will be thereby increased in 

 length and volume, and the animal will gain in power and speed. Due 

 proportion is, however, necessary between the strength or development 

 of fore and hind quarters. Very great propelling power behind, if the 

 fore-hand is not equally good, will cause failure in the structure. For 

 example, in the hunting field horses with abnormally developed hind 

 quarters are apt to over-jump themselves and to come on their heads, 

 especially over "drop" fences. This applies in .a greater degree to 

 Steeplechasers of similar build. For more detailed information and 

 illustrations, see Chapter on Conformation of the Hock, and Plates 22, 

 23, and 24. 



916. The Femur, Tibia, and Stifle. 



The Femur (No. 6) and Tibia (No. 7 in Skeleton) jointly form the 

 upper part of the hind quarters. The femur should lie obliquely for- 

 ward in order to bring the hind leg well under the horse. The tibia on 

 the other hand should lie obliquely back, so as to bring the hocks under 

 the direct line of the incidence of weight. In addition to lying obliquely 

 forward the femur should be strong and long, so as to give due length to 

 the quarters. The tibia should be strong and cannot be too long, having 

 due regard to the general proportions of the horse. It is essential that 

 it should be well let down into the hock. 



The muscles of the femur and tibia should be very well developed. 

 They should appear especially prominent immediately above the hocks. 

 This swelling out, or what are sometimes called " second thighs," is a 

 formation essential to excellence in the racer or hunter. (Plates 22, 23, 

 and 24.) 



The Stifle, in which the Patella is situated, marked No. 5 in Skeleton, 

 should appear prominent and well defined. This will always be the case 

 when the two bones, namely the femur and tibia, which articulate at this 

 joint, are respectively properly placed, that is one obliquely forward and 

 the other obliquely back. -. > 



917. The Hock. 



The outline of the Hock should be clean, rigid, and well defined. 

 Puffiness or swelling in any part is a sign of weakness or disease. The 

 bones should be large and prominent. Size is essential to strength, and 

 prominence is necessary in order to afford due leverage and attachment 

 to the ligaments and tendons. Large and prominent bones are usually 



