THE SELECTION OF THE CHASER. 



295 



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 



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 

 between 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. 



