HUNTERS 167 



shaped to the fetlock, which only cover the 

 inside and outside of the joint, leaving the front 

 and rear part bare. Each piece of leather is 

 cut in a semicircular form at the lower edge ; the 

 upper part being attached to a strap, that buckles 

 round the fetlock. This is a most excellent boot, 

 and when it gets hit, and revolves, the other side 

 comes into the vacant place ; while no dirt can 

 lodge behind it. 



Q. The pasterns are the next consideration. 

 What should be their formation ? 



A. They should be strong, and nicely sloped, 

 the horse standing well up on them. Straight 

 pasterns are uncomfortable to ride upon, as a 

 horse soon goes proppy upon them ; and they 

 do not suit deep ground. Long pasterns, on the 

 contrary, are deliciously easy for the rider, but 

 are only suitable for riding on firm grass land ; 

 in deep ground a horse with such pasterns is 

 almost helpless, and very likely to over-reach. 



On the way the pasterns combine with the 

 fetlocks depends whether the action is true or 

 not. If they are out of the direct line, the toe 

 will either turn in — pigeon-toed — or turn out ; 

 and it is in this latter case that brushing is 

 most likely to occur. With the former mal- 

 formation a horse is usually slow ; but often 

 with the latter great speed is associated. Pasterns 

 are often the seat of ringbone, which is the 

 same bony growth on them that is termed a 

 splint when it occurs on the leg (or cannon) 

 bone. The pastern is composed of two separate 

 bones which fit into each other, and the upper 

 bone is always rather prominent at the point 

 of articulation. Sometimes this is rather extra 



