264 THE PASTERNS. 



At the back of the shank just below the knee, and in the space 

 between the sphnt bones, is the susiJenwrTj ligament, admirably 

 adapted to prevent concussion. It originates from the head of 

 the shank-bone, and is inserted in the sessamoids. The pasterns 

 (see Fig. 37) are united to the shank in an oblique direction, dif- 

 fering in degree in the different breeds of horses, and in each adapt- 

 ed to the purpose for which that breed was designed. The weight 

 falls upon the pastern in the direction of the shank-bone, and the 

 pastern being set on obliquely, a portion of that weight must oe 

 communicated to the sessamoids. Much concussion is saved by 

 the yielding of the pasterns, in consequence of their oblique direc- 

 tion ; and the concussion which would be produced by that por- 

 tion of weight which falls on the sessamoid bones is completely 

 destroyed, for there is no bone underneath to receive it. They 

 are suspended by this ligament — an elastAc ligament, which 

 gradually yields to, and is lengthened by, the force impressed 

 upon it, and in this gradual yielding and lengthening, materially 

 lessening, or generally preventing, all painful or dangerous con- 

 cussion. 



The length and obliquity of the pastern vary in the different 

 breeds of horses, and on it depends the elastic action of the animal, 

 and the easiness of his paces. The pastern must be long in pro- 

 portion to its obliquity, or the fetlock will be too close to the 

 ground, and, in rapid action, come violently into contact with it. 

 In proportion as the pastern is oblique or slanting, two conse- 

 quences will follow, less weight will be thrown on the pastern, 

 and more on the sessamoid, and, in that proportion, concussion 

 will be prevented. 



Every advantage, however, has, to a certain extent, its corre- 

 sponding disadvantage. The long, slanting pastern has less 

 strength, and will be more subject to strains. 



The long and slanting pastern is advantageous in the race- 

 horse, from the springiness of action and greater extent of stride 

 by which it is accompanied. A less degree of it is given in the 

 nunter who is to unite continuance of exertion with ease of pace. 

 For the hackney there should be sufficient obliquity to give pleas- 

 antness of going, but not enough to endanger continuance and 

 strength. In the cart-horse the pasterns are short and upright. 

 Except a horse for general purposes, and particularly for riding, 

 is very hardly used, a little too much obliquity is a far less evil 

 than a pastern too upright. While the jolting of the upright pas- 

 tern is an insufferable nuisance to the rider, it is injurious and 

 most unsafe to the horse, and produces many diseases in the feet 

 and legs, and particularly ringbone, ossification of the cartilage* 

 and contracted feet. 



