104 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



The proper length of the neck cannot invariably be determined 

 mathematically, as Bourgelat has pretended when he assigned to it the 

 same length as that of the head. Although this relation may be con- 

 stant, we find some compensations correcting the errors in the one 

 sense or the other, and altering the external beauty no more than they 

 influence the good qualities of the animal. We will return to this in 

 discussing the proportions. 



2d. When the neck is too long, OC, its greatest disadvantage 

 lies in overburdening the anterior portion of the body and in bringing 

 the centre of gravity too far forward. It frequently becomes defective, 

 besides, by reason of its slender and emaciated appearance. Finally, 

 it renders the head heavy because it increases the length of the lever 

 of this resistance, OR. 



Nevertheless, nature often brings compensations which remedy the 

 undue length of the neck and give to it the characteristics of a veritable 

 beauty. This consists, first, in its elevated attitude, which does not 

 permit of excessive weight on the anterior quarters, by displacing, to 

 a proper degree, the centre of gravity backward. There is, in conse- 

 quence, a firm, energetic, and powerful muscularity, which gives suffi- 

 cient volume and counteracts the slender appearance. The sraallness 

 and lightness of the head diminishes the force of the resistance, M, 

 in its relation with the abnormal length of the cervical lever. This 

 compensation, joined to a direction approaching the vertical, contributes 

 to render the head lighter on the reins, because the line of gravitation 

 in this case is applied at the extremity of the neck with an incidence 

 more or less acute. 



It is useful to remark, also, that the length of the neck denotes 

 a correlative development of the muscles, Cn, elevators of the scapulo- 

 humeral angle, and therefore a large extent of contraction and a long 

 swing to the forefoot. The insertion of the muscles on the shoulder 

 being more perpendicular, their action will be for this reason more 

 energetic. In addition, the neck, by lengthening itself, becomes more 

 movable and acquires a greater influence upon the displacement of the 

 centre of gravity. These are its real advantages in the race-horse, 

 whose neck is not really beautiful unless it is long, very muscular, 

 carried high, and provided with a light head. 



3d. Finally, the neck may be too short, OB. In this case it 

 presents advantages as well as disadvantages, according to the purposes 

 for which the animal is intended. In driving- and saddle-horses, 

 especially the latter, it lacks suppleness and mobility, is generally 

 thick and massive, and renders the animal less subject to control. 



