14 CONFORMATION OF THE HORSE. 



The Fore-arms. 



The fore-arm extends from the point of the 

 elbow to the knee, and varies in its length 

 according to the breed. It constitutes a very 

 important portion of the limb, and has a good 

 deal to do with the action. A long, strong 

 fore-arm is characteristic of the race horse, but 

 in the Shire and Suffolk, the fore-arms, though 

 broad and powerful, are inclined to be short. 

 If long, in a saddle horse, at any rate it does 

 not give that degree of pleasantness to the rider, 

 that a horse with a somewhat short fore-arm 

 does. It has been argued, that a hunter, with 

 a long fore-arm, is more inclined to touch his 

 fences, than one in which the fore-arm is short. 

 For a long stride, and quick pace, it is necessary 

 to have a long fore-arm, but for power and slow 

 work, short fore-arms are most desirable. 



The Knees. 



The conformation of the knees differs consider- 

 ably ; some horses are wanting in width, and depth 

 of knee. There is a so-called calf knee, which 

 is not of good conformation. When horses have 

 done a lot of work, or been prematurely worked. 



