30 THE TURF 



up, and, if he be not, to refrain from paying too much 

 heed to the theory that slackness here may very 

 probably be a sign of speed — many breeders have a 

 pretty invention. Good second thighs may be trace- 

 able even at this early age, undeveloped as they 

 necessarily are ; and particular attention must be paid 

 to the hocks, to see that they are not coarse or curby, 

 that there is good length from hip to hock, and that 

 the hocks are not sickle or cow-shaped for one thing, 

 and are well under the horse — not too far away from 

 him — for another. A powerful broad back is also 

 desirable. If the breeder notes his prospective 

 customer standing by the yearling's shoulder and 

 looking at his back, he will perhaps tell him that he 

 " might play billiards on it." He will scarcely want 

 to do so, but he will desire to be assured that there is 

 strength. Size is a further requisite, and in this 

 respect an animal may be too big or too small. A 

 little horse is apt to be deficient in length of stride, 

 though here action comes in ; and those who saw the 

 Derby of 1886 will not easily forget how the little 

 Bard for a few exciting moments fairly held his own 

 with his in all ways greater rival, the far striding 

 Ormonde. On the other hand, it requires specially 

 strong legs and sound joints to carry an exceptionally 

 large frame. Many yearlings, however, come triumph- 

 antly out of the ordeal of examination, have fascinating 

 pedigrees to support their title to consideration, claim 

 close relationship — are often own brothers and sisters 



