22 CONFORMATION OF 



frequent use of a three-pronged angular Iron was the best 

 means of keeping the hair thin, and assisting it to lay well. 



CONFORMATION OF THE BODY AND LIMBS. 



In proceeding to a description of the external conforma- 

 tion of the trunk and members of the horse, are we to 

 regard him as the type of an important genus ? or are we 

 to examine his frame with a view to his adaptation for some 

 one of the numerous purposes to which mankind apply him ? 

 It is in this latter way that the purchaser of a horse would 

 most likely proceed ; but it is by general principles that the 

 author can best accomplish his purpose, being well aware 

 that it is by an extended view of the whole that the indi- 

 vidual purposes can be best exemplified. Whatever may 

 be the services required of the horse, strength and safety 

 are indispensables : the degrees of these qualities may re- 

 latively vary, according to the work he is employed in, but 

 each of them is, in every instance, requisite. Power is the 

 result of muscular contractions acting on organs adapted for 

 motion. The safety, generally, is connected with the degree 

 of perfection in the form and direction of the limbs, united 

 with a just proportion of their lengths. 



The withers are formed from the long spinous processes 

 of the first dorsal vertebrae ; and as, conjointly with the 

 muscles originating from them, they act as levers in elevat- 

 ing the fore parts generally, it is evident that any increase 

 of their height is an addition to their power. It is thus 

 that horses with high withers usually elevate their legs con- 

 siderably in action, which is unquestionably favourable to 

 the safety of their progression : this form is also considered 

 as an agent in the quickness of motion ; for, as we usually 

 raise every part we wish to throw forward, so the elevation 

 of the fore quarters allows the hinder to act with greater 

 advantage. It is, however, evident, that to a just appre- 

 ciation of the form of the withers we should consider the 

 immediate services of the horse. In the hackney, the light- 

 ness of his carriage, the safety of his footing, and the readi- 

 ness with which his saddle remains in its proper situation, 

 render their height invaluable. To the hunter, in addition 

 to the above, we may add the advantages which result from 



