i6 CONFORMx-\TION OF THE HORSE. 



gish circulation, which leads to " filhng of the legs," 

 especially when the animal remains in the stable 

 for a day or two. It is, also, indicative of inferior 

 breeding. 



The Fetlocks and Pasterns. 



The fetlocks should be free from swelling, no 

 matter of whatever nature. Signs of wear soon 

 become evident in this situation, so that if there 

 is any pufhness about the joint, the reader may 

 know that the animal has done a considerable amount 

 of work. The pasterns may be long or short, 

 broad or narrow, too obHque, or too upright. Broad 

 strong pasterns, with a moderate degree of obliquity, 

 are those which are best. Short, upright pasterns, 

 are most objectionable ; so are those which are 

 too oblique, or deficient in bone. A long pastern, 

 makes the horse springy in its movements and at 

 the same time an agreeable animal to ride, but it 

 favours sprain of the tendons. A short pastern 

 and one that is upright makes a hack very un- 

 pleasant to the rider. Sometimes one pastern 

 will be found more upright than the other one, and 

 this is usually indicative of lameness either past or 

 present. Diseases affecting the pastern are common 

 both in light and heavy horses, but particularly 



