100 THE HORSE 



to define. Thus we hear it often remarked, that a particular horse is 

 deficient in " quality," or that he has it in perfection ; and in proportion to 

 the one or the other of these conditions is he meant to be praised or con- 

 demned. It is not simply a word synonymous with " breeding," for a horse 

 may show high-breeding, and yet be deficient in " quality," but if with a 

 look which convinces you that he has a pure pedigree, he conjoins a perfect 

 symmetry in all his parts, and in the shapes displayed by the thoroughbred, 

 he then comes up to the description which stamps a horse in these days 

 with the highest seal of approbation, for " he has plenty of qualit}? 1 ." 



But what is the recognized form of the race-horse ? I must here explain 

 to the tyro that the word " form " is used with two different significations 

 by racing men, and like the word " box " is very puzzling to foreigners. In 

 the common acceptation it is synonymous with " shape," and merely means 

 the mechanical development of the individual. But in the language of the 

 turf, when we say that a horse is "in form," we intend to convey to our 

 hearers that he is in high condition and fit to run. So again, the word is 

 used in still another sense, for we speak of a horse's " form " when we wish 

 to allude to his powers on the turf, as compared with other well-known 

 animals. Thus, if it is supposed that two three-year-olds, carrying the same 

 weight, would run a mile and a half, and come in abreast, it is said, that 

 " the form " of the one is equal to that of the other. It is necessary, there- 

 fore, in order to make a description intelligible, when using the term in its 

 mechanical signification, to add the adjective, external, although, at first 

 sight, it may appear to be an instance of tautology, for it might be alleged 

 that internal forms can only be ascertained by dissection. With this ex- 

 planation, I must now proceed to discuss what are generally considered to 

 be the best shapes, for the purpose of combining speed with stoutness, 

 remembering that we are examining the thoroughbred horse, and are not 

 alluding to any other. As an instance of a very opposite conformation to 

 that of Fisherman at page 99, 1 insert here a portrait of Saunterer, both after 

 careful paintings by Mr. Barraud. These are generally admitted to have 

 been the two best horses of their time, yet it is scarcely possible to imagine 

 a greater difference to exist in first-class animals, than is displayed by them. 

 Fisherman, short and strong, looks more like a hunter than a race-horse ; 

 while Saunterer, long and elegant, appears incapable of carrying more than 

 10 stone. The student will do well to study these animals carefully, but 

 it must not be omitted that the portrait of Fisherman was taken when he 

 was thrown out of training. 



THE BODY or trunk is the grand centre of all the muscular pulleys and 

 bony levers, which are used to move the horse, and it must, therefore, 

 first come under consideration, although, as a matter of convenience, the 

 horseman generally commences with the head. It is quite true that it in 

 turn receives its orders from the brain, as will be hereafter explained, in 

 treating of the nervous system, but as a mere machine it may be regarded 

 independently of that organ altogether. It must, however, be viewed in 

 three different aspects, inasmuch as it has three different offices to perform. 

 These are, first, to carry its load, and propel it by means of the levers 

 connected with it. Secondly, to afford room for the heart and lungs to 

 perform their f unct ons in its " chest," without interfering with the play of 

 the shoulders ; and, thirdly, to lodge an efficient apparatus of nutrition. 



