ATTITUDES. 



463 



In the other, the direct axis of the members deviates internally to the 

 vertical, and the space between the two hoofs is too small. It is this 

 which is represented in the figure. 



Whatever may be its form, this defect of the axis is to be taken 



into very serious consideration. It is in- 

 variably observed in subjects with narrow 

 chest, croup, and loins, with feeble mus- 

 cular development, without action, without 

 vigor, and without energy, lacking stability, 

 disposed to interfering, awkward in loco- 

 motion, and, especially, unable to trot on 

 uneven roads. 



Fig. 168. 



Hocks Close, or Hooked — Horse Cow-hocked (Fig. 168). 

 — The greatest disadvantage of the cow-hocked, close-hammed horse, 

 which, according to the vulgar expression, has the legs en pieds de banc 

 (or is " bench-legged"), is his being ungraceful in his gaits, at the same 

 time that he is outbow-footed behind. The normal movement of abduc- 

 tion of the canon is here exaggerated when this region is flexed. A 

 sort of rocking is also produced from the fact of the too great separation 

 of the posterior feet. Finally, the impulsion communicated by these 

 members is less direct, less powerful, less rapid, than when the osseous 

 levers move in a plane almost parallel to the median plane. 



Vallon says, with reason,^ that this conformation is common to 



1 Valion, Cours d'hippologie, t. i. p. 475. 



