FORMATION. 17 



two thoroughbred hunters in the same stable, that 

 fully exemplified this. One measured 5ft. 9in., the 

 other 6ft. 1 Jin., both being in a fine condition. The 

 former had more muscle, was thicker through, seemed 

 up to more weight, and I was informed could stay- 

 longer than the latter. 



Thus I conclude that these measurements, without 

 proper formation and proper development of the lateral 

 muscles, is utterly useless and inconclusive. 



RIBS AND BACK. 



The false ribs, or as they are more frequently termed 

 back ribs, in a true made horse will form a beautiful and 

 gradual decline from the girth. As you stand before 

 the horse, the back ribs should not appear to swell out, 

 which the jockeys justly call f swill bellied.' 



It may seem somewhat strange that I should speak 

 of the back and ribs together ; but they are, on in- 

 vestigation, so mixed up with each other, that separately 

 their powers of action could not be described. 



Between each rib, externally and internally, there 

 are very powerful muscles (called intercostals) in con- 

 nection with the diaphragm internally, and externally 

 with the whole muscular formation of the back. The 

 internal and external muscles of the ribs are most 

 beautifully formed for action — their fibres running in 

 adverse directions or crossing each other, which gives 

 additional strength to their united action, which is to 

 contract or draw closer the ribs, and thus acting in 

 direct connection with the diaphragm — a muscle that 



c 



