4* 



CHAP. XIV. 



ON THE BACK. 



AS it Is necessary to observe every part of 

 a horse before we can determine on his quali- 

 ties, the back must not pass unnoticed. It Is 

 a very important part, and much depends en 

 its formation. The finest shape for a horse's 

 back is nearly straight, and round above, and 

 so short that there is scarcely room for the sad- 

 dle from the shoulder to the kidneys. This 

 kind of back shews that the horse is strong 

 and active^ it denotes also that he has strength 

 in the quarters, and hns sufl^cient command of 

 his limbs. A horse thus formed will be pow- 

 erful all ever, and is generally superior in his 

 paces and actio-:: : on the contrary, a horse 

 with a long back is ordinary to the eye, weak, 

 generally without action, and has no command 

 of his limbs, but moves heavily and unplea* 

 santly, and is unfit for long journies. The 



