The Points of a Horse. 285 



these generally throw their feet outward, exhibit- 

 ing the sole of the foot whilst in action. Such 

 horses have generally a laboured action ; they 

 soon tire when upon a journey, as the fatigue 

 is equal to a third, more or less, of the journey. 

 The fore-legs should be well set under the fore- 

 part of the shoulder, affording ample support to 

 it. Such as have their legs placed forward have 

 neither support nor action ; when the legs are 

 vieAved sideways or profile, they should be nearly 

 straight; but when horses have what is called 

 ^^ calf-knees," that is, the knees sunk backwards, 

 and with the shank-bone sloping forwards, it 

 is a certain sign of weakness, and such horses 

 will more easily knock up when on a long 

 journey ; yet I do not recollect ever seeing a 

 *' calf-kneed " horse with a broken knee. The 

 hind-legs should be either straight from the hock 

 downwards, or have a slight inclination under the 

 belly. Horses so formed are for the most part low 

 in the rump, and will throw out their legs well 

 under them when in action ; on the contrary, horses 

 that throw out their legs are disagreeable to ride 

 and seldom good workers. Horses that stand with 

 their legs much under them, and at the same time 

 droop in the quarters, may be suspected of being 

 diseased in the kidneys or spine, and should be 

 carefully examined upon that point. While 

 doing so on no account let the dealer's servant 

 hold up the horse with a bridle or stand on 

 rising ground ; this should be especially attended 

 to whilst examining the legs. It is invariably 

 the practice of dealers when exhibiting a horse 



