452 



THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



Besides, it should answer to this other requisite, that the interval 

 comprised between the two feet be equal to the width of the hoof measured 

 from one quarter to the other. 



It is easy to see that this line falls on the one which most authors 

 draw from the narrowest portion of the anterior face of the forearm 

 (Fig. 155). 



Such is the reason why we have not adopted this latter. 



When the member, as a whole, is outside of the vertical, or when 



FIG. 155. 



FIG. 156. 



the interval between the hoofs is more considerable, the horse is said 

 to be too open in front. 



If it is the region of the knee alone which deviates, the horse is 

 called bow-legged. 



If it is the toe, the subject is crooked-legged, outbow-footed. 



Reversely : 



When the member, as a whole, is situated inwardly to the vertical, 

 or when the interval between the two hoofs is too small, the animal is 

 called closed in front. 



If it is the region of the knee alone, the horse is ox-kneed. 



Finally, if it is that of the toe, the animal becomes parrot-toed, 

 cross-footed in front. 



Horse too Open in Front. This defect of the axis may 

 depend upon two opposite causes. It should most ordinarily be 

 attributed to the large development of the pectoral muscles, and it is 

 observed more especially in heavy draught-horses. Here the interval 

 comprised between the two hoofs is simply more considerable than is 



