56 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



perfect of all formations. Such a bone structure, in 

 connection with such muscular development, is perfec- 

 tion itself 



Let us now look at the 



THIGH. 



This bone extends from the hip-joint to that point 

 where it unites with the upper section of the bone 

 called the tibia ; the union of the two composing the 

 stifle-joint. As in the case of the scapula (shoulder- 

 blade), the thigh-bone is buried in and wrapped about 

 with an enormous mass of muscular substance. This 

 bone is one of the most important of the entire frame. 

 It is connected with those great muscles which alone are 

 able to propel the entire system. 



This bone cannot be too long, because the length of 

 it decides the reach of the hind-quarters. If this bone 

 is short, and the bone below it short, the horse may be 

 strong ; but he cannot be fast. He will be a short-step- 

 per; and no quickness of motion can make good the 

 absence of a long, sweeping stride. Be sure, then, before 

 you purchase the animal, that these two bones are long, 

 and properly placed. The muscles also, as I have al- 

 ready suggested, play a most important part in connec- 

 tion with these bones. From these alone, remember, 

 comes the power to move them. The degree of their 

 length gauges their contracting force, by which the 

 bones are made to move. Be sure, then, that these mus- 

 cles are long, large, and hard. Their size can be de* 



