THE SADDLE HORSE. 137 



the ' rein ' will probably be deficient, and the leverage for the 

 muscles of the forehand is defective. 



To see the above points stand on the side and form your opinion before 

 the horse moves off. 



Reject a horse with a narrow or shallow chest. There is not sufficient 

 capacity for the lungs. 



With fore legs very close together. This and the former defect gener- 

 ally go together. To see these points stand in front. 



Whose fore legs are not straight. They will not stand wear. Stand 

 behind the horse as he walks away from you, and you will be 

 able to notice these defects, if they exist. 



Which is light below the knee, especially if light immediately below 

 the knee. The conformation is essentially weak. 



With long, or with short or with upright pasterns. Long pasterns are 

 subject to sprains. Short or upright pasterns make a horse un- 

 pleasant to ride, and on account of extra concussion are apt 

 to cause ossific deposits. 



With toes turned in or out. The twist generally occurs at the fet- 

 lock. Toes turned out are more objectionable than toes 

 turned in. When toes are turned out, the fetlocks are gener- 

 ally turned in, and animals so formed are very apt to cut or 

 brush. Both, however, are weak formations. 



Whose hind legs are too far behind. Good propelling power will be 

 wanting, and disease as a result may be expected in the hocks. 



Which goes either very wide or very close behind. 



With very straight or very bent hocks. The former cause undue con- 

 cussion, the latter are apt to give way. 



Which is ' split up,' i. <?., shows much daylight between his thighs. 

 Propelling power comes from behind, and must be deficient in 

 horses without due muscular development between the thighs. 



With flat feet or over-large feet, also with very small feet. Medium 

 size are the best. 



With one foot smaller than another." 



The recognition of the importance of having the size of 



