268 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



large and disturbs the normal axes. Whence it follows that this angle 

 is badly disposed for the functions of its branches during locomotion, 

 and even tends to resist the efforts intended to draw them towards 

 each other during station. Its bisectrix, if prolonged to the ground, 

 meets the latter at a point insufficiently distant from that where the 

 hind feet effect their contact, and the consequence then is that the angle 

 is quite as badly opened for the production of speed as for that of 

 force. 



Direction of the Hock. The direction of the hock must be 

 studied from two different points of view : in relation with the median 

 plane of the body and in relation with the axis of the member. 



1st. Direction Relative to the Median Plane. Relative to 

 the median plane of the body, the hock can assume three situations, 

 namely : 



It is parallel and thus well directed. 



It is deviated inward and qualified close or cow-hocked. 



Finally, it is deviated outward, which renders the horse open 

 behind. 



In order to have its normal direction, the hock should be parallel 

 to the median plane, for its branches are flexed and extended upon 

 each other in a plane equally parallel, not to speak of the normal devi- 

 ation which the inferior part of the member affects during flexion. In 

 this case the impulsion given by the posterior limbs is transmitted, 

 without lateral oscillations, to the spinal column, whose direction it 

 follows, and there is no waste of force in the projection of the body. 

 The play of the extremities is easy ; the feet are not predisposed to 

 interfering ; their contact with the ground is uniform ; the gait is free, 

 regular, brilliant, and the tarsal apparatus will withstand a prolonged 

 service. 



When the hocks are close or crooked (Fig. 81), their points, when 

 viewed from behind, converge, and the inferior part of the members is 

 deviated outward. The horse is then designated cow-hocked, or close- 

 hammed; his movements are without elegance, although the conforma- 

 tion is often associated with very great qualities. 



If, on the contrary, the points of the hocks (Fig. 82) are diverging, 

 the lower part of the member is turned inward ; the animal is open, or 

 too open behind, in view of the great separation of the two calcanei. 



We will explain, when treating of the axes of the members, the dis- 

 advantages of these defects, which give to such subjects the most 

 ungraceful gaits imaginable. 



2d. Direction Relative to the Axis of the Member. In 



