418 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



SO to speak, inexhaustible endurance, it is not astonishing to see this 

 quality considered only in fast horses, since this is the sine qua non 

 condition of- their utility, therefore of their value. 



The External Form as an Index of Endurance. — We 

 have studied the question under most of its aspects ; let us now return 

 to the external form and try to analyze it in so far as it is an indicator 

 of endurance, in order to call the attention of the beginner to the 

 features which will permit him at first sight to recognize that essential 

 quality in the animals submitted to his examination. 



We must first consider the muscles. Firm, dense, compact muscles 

 will be sought for ; clearly-defined outlines ; deep interstices, not filled 

 with fat or connective tissue. In draught-horses especially, care will 

 be taken not to mistake for a genuine development of the muscular 

 system at large that excessive corpulence which results from an 

 aliment that is little nutritive, little exciting, or, again, from that 

 especial preparation which precedes the sale. Small faith must be 

 placed in those thick, clumsy, rounded forms which so often please 

 inexperienced persons, and give rise to an idea of vigor, energy, and 

 powder. At the end of a few days all these beautiful appearances dis- 

 appear, and then, but too late, the error committed is perceived. 



Then the chest, in its length, its height, and its width, as well as 

 the other parts of the respiratory apparatus, will be considered. The 

 horse runs as much with his lungs as with his members, let it not be 

 forgotten. Without good wind he is incapable of accomplishing the 

 least laborious work, for his muscular system, although well disposed, 

 will be quickly overloaded with effete material and soon rendered inert. 



Then we must appreciate in what proportions the blood and the 

 coarse elements exist in the animal, — that is to say, that part of the 

 influence which is exerted by the nervous system, the condenser of 

 that energy which the muscles discharge little by little. Thinness of 

 the skin, the hair, and the mane ; bright, expressive physiognomy ; 

 energetic countenance, mobility of the ears and the nostrils ; general 

 sensitiveness, docility, attention, intelligence, prompt and easy reac- 

 tions : such are the principal characteristics of distinction, without 

 which he cannot possess great power or endure severe trials. 



Finally, the perfection of the mechanism from the point of view 

 of the harmony of the details and of the whole must be ascertained. 

 If the muscles, the lungs, and the blood are the active elements of 

 power, tliey can manifest it externally only through the harmony and 

 the energy of the machinery of locomotion ; one of these elements is 

 of no value without the others, and vice versa. Beautiful proportions 



