62 THE HORSEMAN'S MANUAL. 



The Quarters. 



Horses differ very much in the shape of their quarters. 

 There are all the shades between the handsome and well 

 formed to those which are ugly and deformed. Should they 

 approach within two or three degrees of the latter descrip- 

 tion, the rider will feel a very unpleasant sensation from 

 their imperfect action. But there are horses whose quar- 

 ters could by no means be pronounced handsome, that are 

 quite capable of doing their work well, though, of course, 

 they are not so pleasing to the eye. 



The Hocks. 



The hocks are subject to many diseases, such as curbs, 

 thoroughpin, spavins, &c, which cause weakness and im- 

 perfect action of the joints. Such horses should not be 

 pulled up sharply, cantered much, nor reined back on soft 

 ground ; nor, indeed, put to any work that throws much 

 weight upon the hocks. 



The Pastern. 



A horse with a weak and straight pastern is very unsafe 

 to ride ; and so much the worse if he has in addition a low 

 and straight shoulder. Such a horse requires the greatest 

 attention from his rider. He should be made to preserve a 

 very even cadence in all his paces, and never be hurried; if 

 he is, he will be almost sure to fall. The rider should have 

 a very light and even hand on him and a very steady leg, 

 so as not to cause his step to be uneven and uncertain. 



