222 XENOPHON's TREATISE 



Let the bones of the leg be large ; they are the pil- 

 lars of the body; yet not over-burdened with veins or 

 flefh *; for in going upon rough grounds, it happens 

 that a defluxion of blood and hard tumours are brought 

 on, the legs grow large and fwolen, and the ikin 

 widens ; which having once loft its tightnefs, the Fibula, 

 or fmaller bone of the leg, frequently gives way, and 

 makes the horfe lame. 



If the colt, in moving, bend his knees j- freely, you 

 may conclude he will do fo when he comes to be rode; 

 for all of them, by time and ufe, acquire a greater 

 freedom of motion in their knees. — This is an excellent 

 quality, and thofe horfes which want it, are more apt 

 to ftumble, and fooner tire. 



The Thighs X under the fhoulders, if they are large, 

 appear ftronger and more graceful, as in the human 

 form. 



A wide cheft is to be preferred for beauty and 

 flrength, as it enables an horfe to continue § the fame 



motion 



* The author means, that the legs fliould be lean and dry, and the 

 veins and finews diftinft, firm, and compacfl. 



-f- This is fo clear and evident, that the rule is obferred by the judi- 

 cious to this day. — As it is certain that no horfe, which has not a fup- 

 plenefs in his joints, and can bend his knees, can go either with fafety 

 or grace. 



t Thefe are now called the Arms; they begin from the Ihoulder, 

 and reach to the knee. 



§ This is owing to the fpace being larger, ano the limbs confequent- 

 ly enabled to move with more fpring and play, than if they were confined 



^ in 



