112 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



constitute their essential base. As H. Bouley l remarks, the superior 

 border, under this definition, should alone present the inert parts, as 

 the bones and ligaments. At the base, on the contrary, the thickness 

 denotes a large development of the muscles which separate it from the 

 internal face of the scapular cartilages. 



The abundance of the subcutaneous and interstitial connective 

 tissue, the volume and non-compactness of the muscles, as well as the 

 development of the muscular system in general, are the principal factors 

 in the production of the lateral diameter of the region. Let us add, 

 also, that it always has this aspect in an ordinary degree when its 

 prominence over the surrounding parts (shoulder and back) is not very 

 marked. Such withers are called coarse, thick, and low. They are 

 found in horses with great assimilative powers, thick skin, stiff and 

 coarse hairs, abundant connective tissue, voluminous and flabby mus- 

 cles, lymphatic temperament, and strong and massive forms. 



On the other hand, an ordinary stature, a slender, fine, and distin- 

 guished form, prominence of all the external anatomical eminences, a 

 fine skin, an energetic nature, and dense and firm muscles always 

 accompany well-defined withers. This form is the most desirable ; it 

 indicates the race, the temperament, and, in a word, the distinction 

 of origin, and all the qualities of the animal so characterized. 



When the latter peculiarity is extreme, the withers are called sharp. 

 This conformation, which is often seen as a consequence of emaciation 

 from old age or excessive labor, is an attribute of those animals which 

 become very lean when subjected to severe work, and accompanies a 

 general deficiency of muscular development. As Vallon 2 has remarked, 

 it is particularly defective in cavalry horses, for it exacts the use of 

 a very narrow and elevated arcade of the saddle in front, differing 

 much from the ordinary model, and which is not always at our dis- 

 posal in a campaign. Such animals are difficult and expensive to 

 harness, give the rider an uncomfortable position, and are exposed 

 to traumatisms of this region from the pressure of the saddle during a 

 long march. They necessitate the continued observation of the veteri- 

 narian and those who mount them. 



2. Height and Extent. The examination of the height is 

 not less interesting from the double relation of its utilization and its 

 direction. Writers are not in accord as to the exact sense which should 

 be attached to the word height when applied to the withers. In the 



1 H. Bouley. Nouveau Dictionnaire pratique de medecine, de chirurgie et d'hygiene veteri- 

 naires, t. viii. p. 72. 



2 Vallon, Cours d'hippologie, t. i. p. 339. 



