THE SKELETON. 21 



(3) Loll}:; holdiii<:; out of the leg behind the per- 

 pendicular. 



All these monients of tlio action should pass over 

 into eiich other with easo, and should not show any 

 interruption ; they should ba elastic, without making 

 the impression of exertion or convulsive strain of the 

 muscles. 



Let us now examine tha ci>nslruction of the /ore 

 kg. 



The shouhlsr-blades euonso au 1 support the chest 

 in its forward part o;i both sides, and are only 

 fastened to it by mnsclesand th3 outer skin. Their 

 motions are upward and downward around a pivot, 

 located about four fingers below their iipper edge; 

 oonsequently the upper part of the shoulder, above 

 th'it pivot, will move backward and downward, when 

 the ]\»rt below tha pivot moves forward and up- 

 ward. This motion of the upper part of tiie shoulder 

 is iiiteifered with, should the saddle be shifting 

 forward. High and sharp withers, preventing 

 suoh shifting of the saddle, are an indispensable 

 quality in a saddle-horse. Besides this movability 

 ot the siioulder forward and backward, it has a very 

 slight capability fur sideward motions, though 

 limited. 



The flexibility of the shoulder is the cause of the 

 Lorse's ability to lift his fore legs considerably with- 



