HEAD IN GENERAL. 87 



A propos of the proportions, we will again revert to this subject. 

 For the present we will only indicate the harmonious relations of the 

 head without ignoring the possible digressions or exceptions to this 

 principle, which is really less absolute than M. Richard has been 

 willing to admit. 



B. — Length of the Head. 



Since the time of Bourgelat, all have been generally in accord as to 

 the classic length of the head : that the height of the body measured 

 from the withers to the ground, or the distance between the angle of 

 the shoulder and the hip-joint, should be two and one-half times the 

 length of the head. If these distances were more than two and one- 

 half times the vertical diameter of the head, it was too short ; if the 

 reverse was true, it was considered too long. 



When it has an appropriate length, it is carried with grace, responds 

 easily to the action of the bit, and does not overburden the anterior 

 members. A head too long is too heavy, displaces the centre of 

 gravity forward, restrains the movements of the anterior extremities, 

 bears heavily on the reins, and diminishes to such an extent the speed 

 and usefulness of the animal. If too short, it becomes lighter, more 

 movable, and favors rapidity of movement by the removal of the 

 centre of gravity from the anterior limbs. 



These are reasons of so little value that an excess or a deficiency 

 in length can be compensated by a short or a long neck. In the 

 saddle-horse, the head should be short ; if too long, it displaces the 

 centre of gravity forward, and throws too much weight on the fore 

 limbs. In the draught-horse, however, this objection disappears and 

 is rather favorable to traction. We have seen many excellent horses 

 which, according to the measurements indicated by Bourgelat, had this 

 region very long or very short. In such instances, the length of the 

 head is to be considered as to its harmonious development with the 

 other portions of the body, which vary with size and race, rather than 

 by its influence upon the real qualities of the animal. 



C. — Volume of the Head. 



The volume of the head is represented by different names, which 

 also express its coexisting peculiarity of construction. It is called fine 

 when the osseous processes, the muscles, and subcutaneous blood-vessels 

 and nerves are well outlined. This is an index of a good constitution, 

 and is a reliable sign of good breeding ; whereas, indistinctness of these 



