ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 93 



The principal function of the foreleg is to support weight, 

 to carry the forehand and its load ahead and out of the way of 

 the propelling haunches. It must be so shaped that it can per- 

 form this work without injury to itself and carry its load as 

 nearly level as possible. 



Elasticity in carrying its load is secured through the car- 

 tilages and muscles. The shock of impact is transmitted at each 

 joint, partly to the bone above the joint and partly to the 

 muscles controlling the bone below it, through the tendons con- 

 necting them. The smaller the angle between two adjoining- 

 bones, the greater will be the portion of the shock transmitted 

 to the muscles. In the foreleg, three joints are between bones 

 inclining more or less to each other — the fetlock-joint, the elbow, 

 and the shoulder-joint. If the upper pastern-bone is long, it 

 will slope well from the cannon to the hoof; if it is short, it will 

 stand straight. Similarly, a short arm-bone will bring the point 

 of the shoulder nearer the elbow and straighten the shoulder- 

 blade. 



The foreleg of the camel is straight from the foot to the 

 upper end of the shoulder-blade. Consequently, the shock of 

 impact is carried to the shoulder muscles, lessened only by the 

 elasticity of the cartilages between the bones. As a result, the 

 camel is the most uncomfortable saddle-animal known. 



The slope of the shoulder should be about forty-five degrees 

 and that of the pastern about the same. The horse shown in the 

 half-tone on the following page may be taken as a model of con- 

 formation. His shoulder-blade slopes at the proper angle, and 

 is very long. His forearm is very long, sand strongly muscled. 

 His elbow, knee, and pastern are smooth, clean-cut joints. The 

 cannon is short and prolongs the forearm. 



A straight shoulder and a straight, short pastern should be 

 avoided. The horse will not only be uncomfortable to ride, but 

 he will " pound' ' himself at the faster gaits and become lame from 

 the concussion. 



