114 TRAINING YOUNG 



indications of weakness. Hocks that turn in 

 considerably — cow-hocked — generally denote 

 weakness somewhere, but need not necessarily 

 be weak themselves. 



Horses that have their hocks too far back, so 

 that the hind-limbs appear to be away from 

 the horse instead of under him, may be con- 

 sidered unlikely to make good fencers. 

 The shoulders should not appear too heavy or 

 bulky nor be too prominent at the point, at the 

 same time they should appear muscular but 

 "clean." The shoulder-blade should slope well 

 back towards the withers so as to carry a 

 saddle well. 



But though a horse may appear to have 

 moderate hocks and shoulders, the real test is 

 — Does he use them well or not? This can 

 only be judged, first by watching the horse's 

 movements, and then by riding him oneself. 

 A horse with a sulky head or bad-tempered eye 

 should be mistrusted, as they seldom belie their 

 looks, and will necessarily be more trouble to 

 train than a horse with a nice, kind eye. 

 Width between the eyes is desirable. 

 Powerful loins and quarters are a condition in 

 which one can seldom hope to buy young horses. 

 Consequently one must look to the necessary 

 frame for building up such condition. 



