HOBBY^HOLSTEIN HORSE 



Hobby. — An old description of riding horses and 

 hacks. In some parts of Ireland the word is still in use. 

 (See Nag) 



Hocks. — His horse's hocks are a constant source of 

 anxiety to many an owner, as if they are badly formed or 

 by nature weak they may be regarded as being naturally 

 predisposed to fall victims to one or other of the troubles 

 which affect the hock. It is, therefore, essential that apart 

 from their present condition a purchaser should exercise great 

 care in selecting a horse with well-shaped hocks. In the 

 first place, they should be large and clean, by which is meant 

 they should be free from enlargements of any kind. Straight 

 hocks are to be avoided, as they do not prevent concussion 

 and therefore are disposed to develop spavin. When too 

 much bent and lying back they are sure to be weak and 

 generally afflicted by curbs. Cow hocks are those which 

 turn inwards. 



There are six bones on the hock ; namely, the Os Calcis, 

 a long bone which projects upwards at the back and forms 

 the point of the hock ; the Astragalus, which lies in front of 

 it and j; ins the tibia ; the Cuboid, a small bone at the back 

 below the Os Calcis ; and three flat, cunieform bones, respec- 

 tively known as the Magnum, Medium, and Parvum, which 

 lie below the astragalus. (See Bog-spavin, Curbs, Sickle 

 Hocks, Spavin, Sprung Hock, Thoroughpin.) 



Hog Mane. — A mane that is cut so short that it stands 

 up erect. 



Hollow Back. — A back which is dipped between the 

 withers and point of the loins. 



Holstein Horse. — The Holstein is of blood-like character, 

 with plenty of substance and power and particularly good 

 bone. In short, he is a fine-actioned, imposing harness horse, 

 and is also a good weight carrier for saddle purposes. The 

 interests of the breed are watched over by the Union of 



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