THE SELECTION OF THE CHASER. 



30 r 



which is so common at the time when chases are held, are very 

 requisite. If the pasterns are well set on at the proper oblique 

 angle with the fetlock-joint and foot, it matters little whether 

 they are rather long or rather short. If the former, they may 

 be a trifle easier and more springy ; but probably also more 

 liable to be weak. For choice they are perhaps best when 

 they have a tendency to be short. A ewe-neck is bad for a 

 jumper, and it is important that the stout, well-shaped neck 



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A steeple-chaser. 



should be firmly set on to the shoulders. A compact horse, 

 not long in the back, is likely to prove the best. A long lean 

 head, with a good bold intelligent eye, and plenty of width 

 betw^een the eyes, is another requisite. 



If not altogether easy, it should not be a very difficult task 

 to breed horses with these points. If once the work were well 

 begun, there would be a prospect of correcting deficiencies and 

 defects, and the result could hardly fail to be an improved 

 collection of steeple-chase horses. 



