50 THE HORSE. 



external and internal ligaments. Therefore it may be 

 affirmed that the thickness of the knee is very nearly 

 the size of the base of the radius, rarely exceeding ten to 

 twelve centimeters. 



The bend of the knee is distinctly indicated in well- 

 bred horses and sinewy animals ; it is therefore necessary 

 to exactly know the position of the uniciform (G) in order 

 to profile it without hesitation. This can be achieved by 

 observing that this bone has one point of attachment on 

 the base of the radius (R), and the other resting upon the 

 first rank of the carpals (S). Consequently, the superior 

 portion of the bend of the knee, underneath the uniciform 

 (B, fig. 28), will never afford any indication lower than 

 the half of the knee, seen in profile. 



The canon (A, fig. 31) vertically prolongs the line of 

 the fore-arm and terminates at the fetlock. It is generally 

 short and, in profile, should be wide, strong, neat of out- 

 line, straight from the knee downwards, and the tendon 

 which pertains to it, posteriorly, must be detached from 

 the bone. 



The fetlock (24, fig. 31) is composed of the union of 

 the canon, the pastern and the sesamoids. It should be 

 well-shaped, slightly rounded on all sides, and sufficiently 

 large to support the concussions resulting from its 

 proximity to the ground, whence it receives the first 

 reactions. In the posterior and inferior portion is 

 situated the ergot, surrounded by the fetlock, or tuft of 

 hair, which is only allowed to grow among horses of 

 common races. 



The thickness of the fetlock is its development as 

 seen from the external face to the internal. Its width 



