THE SKELETON. 37 



being also iu close connection with the flexors mu- 

 lling ilownwaril on the rear side of the hock anil 

 fetlock joints. An increased traction of the muscles, 

 and, consecjnently, an increased tension of the above- 

 mentioned flexors, has to neutralize the deviation in 

 the position. On the other hand, such permanent and 

 increased tension of the sinews will make itself felt 

 in its consequences, and iu the course of time b}' a 

 straight position of the fetlock. It is apparent that 

 an increased and continual activity of the flexors 

 must take jdace, not only at rest, but also in motion, 

 because, during the latter, the leg is constantly placed 

 farther forward under the body, than in the case of 

 the leg being jointed normally. 



For this latter reason, horses of this build perform 

 the very gathered paces and short stops with ease, 

 but the holding out of the leg behind the perpen- 

 dicular will sutler, viz.: thepro])ellingand the spring- 

 ing power — the extensibility will not be equal to the 

 carrying capability. Such horses will never be 

 prominent, neither iu a fast trot nor iu rnnning, and 

 will bring little pressure into the harness. The 

 direct cause, of this position of the leg, is the abnor- 

 mal angular forn^ation of some joint in connection 

 with an abnormal length of the bones enclosing that 

 joint. All the difl'erent combinations cannot be e.*:- 

 Jiaustively discussed on account of their magnitude. 



