ATTITUDES. 447 



If, on the contrary, this line falls behind, it is said that the horse 

 is camped in front (Fig. 149 [3]). 



Let us observe the inconveniences which follow from these two 

 conformations. 



The Horse Under Himself in Front. — The direct axis of 

 the member, in this case too much inclined downward and backward, 

 is too close to the centre of gravity, which diminishes the aptitudes of 

 the column as a support. There results from this an evident over- 

 loading, tending to flex the segments one upon the other and to close 

 the angle of the fetlock, two causes which compel the muscles to 

 contract more strongly, and the tendons and the ligaments to sustain 

 more violent tractions. Besides, the base of support being shortened, 

 the hind-feet, during locomotion, have a tendency to meet the fore- 

 feet, whence results f org i tig ; the equilibrium is less stable and the body 

 continually tends to swing forward, another reason which explains why 

 this defect of the axis renders the animal liable to fall upon his knees. 



In addition, the locomotory movements are less extensive, not 

 because the step is not capable of the same amplitude, but because the 

 direction of the member at rest approaches more that direction which 

 it assumes just before the limb is raised from the ground ; this will 

 more quickly overburden the member which is still on the ground, 

 and precipitate the movement of the one in the air. If the speed be 

 accelerated, the horse has not sufficient time to extend the member and 

 move the different segments one upon the other to their normal limit, 

 whatever may otherwise be the nature of his articular angles, the 

 dimensions and energy of his muscles, the beauty of their insertion, 

 and the length of their lever-arm. His steps are therefore low, close 

 to the ground, and frequently repeated ; he carries the toe close to the 

 soil, stumbles on rough roads, and so much the more easily when he is 

 used on an inclined plane and carries more weight on his back. Hence 

 such a horse is unfit for saddle-work and likewise for the shafts, for, 

 m descending slopes, he is not able to support his burden, the resist- 

 ance exerted against the collar being here insufficient. 



Thus, excessive wear and fatigue of the bones, the ligaments, and 

 the tendons, rapid wearing out, diminution of speed, instability of 

 equilibrium, insecurity of the foothold, and tendency towards falling, 

 — such are the inherent defects of this vice of the axis. 



This does not mean that we should, for this reason, if no better one 

 can be found, discourage the purchase of such a horse. He can, 

 without doubt, still be employed for light- or heavy-draught services ; 

 with many precautions, it is even possible to mount him. We should, 



