14 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



girths, and as the ribs decrease in size they ought to 

 become more circular, which gives the belly a round 

 appearance, and is more esteemed, not only for the 

 beauty, but because it is accounted more healthy : the 

 loins cannot be too broad and full, especially when 

 strength is required ; they should be a little rounded 

 and long : the tail should form a graceful curve with 

 the loins. 



5. The fore legs are straight, gradually approach- 

 ing each other as they descend to the feet ; the arm 

 should be muscular and large, when small it generally 

 denotes want of strength : the knee large and flat, and 

 the shank muscular and firm, and by no means fleshy. 

 The thighs of the horse should be exceedingly strong 

 and muscular, and no part will discover the breeding 

 of the animal easier : the stifle should be of consider- 

 able length, as that denotes speed : the hock is the 

 most material joint of the animal, and should be broad 

 and wide, it is subject to many diseases, and ought to 

 be well looked to. 



6. The Feet also require attention, and are more 

 frequently found too small than too large ; they should 

 not be too upright, which tends to open the heel, and 

 thus the feet become faulty and diseased : the horn 

 should be of a considerable size, otherwise the foot is 

 easily hurt, and rendered unhealthy. By reference to 

 the Plate No. 2, which is a skeleton of the horse, the 

 reader may become acquainted with the bony structure 

 of this noble animal, which is very essential in most 

 cases connected with the treatment of wounds, lame- 

 ness, &c. 



