SPRAINS. 193 



muscles which flex the fore-legs become tired, almost 

 the whole weight of the horse and his rider, which is 

 propelled forward by the hind, has to be borne by the 

 suspensory ligaments of the fore-legs. No wonder then 

 that race-horses, as a rule, break down within the 

 * distance,' especially if the ligament has been previ- 

 ously injured. We also may readily see why they are 

 more apt to break down when out of work, than when 

 in condition." 



Fast work should be very sparingly given on hard 

 ground, owing to the great danger there is of horses 

 exercised on it spraining their suspensory ligaments. 

 " Soft ground gives more time for the muscles attached 

 to the perforans and perforatus tendons to contract ; 

 and thus to save the ligament ; while on hard ground 

 the whole strain falls on that part with extreme rapi- 

 dity ; hence the danger of inducing sprain of the sus- 

 pensory ligaments by galloping on such soil." ( Veteri- 

 nary Notes for Horse Owners.) 



Besides the risk of accidents, and the undue strain 

 on the system, there is another most important consider- 

 ation that tends to limit the amount of fast work which 

 we may give in training, namely, the fact that the practice 

 of constantly extending a horse tends to make him 

 slow. Horses vary so much in the manner they stand 

 fast work that it is impossible to lay down any detailed 

 rules for guidance on the subject. Sluggish horses are, 

 as a rule, far better in this respect than are impetuous 

 ones, and thorough breds than " cocktails." Men 

 stand more training thau horses, and will often bear 

 being extended day after day without losing their 



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