ATTITUDES. 



455 



Finally, during flexion the horse displaces the canon outwardly, 

 uses it in an ungraceful manner, and loses time in bringing it back 



FIG. 159. 



FIG. 160. 



FIG. 161. 



into its proper position. Let us add that this malformation ordinarily 

 implies an outward deviation of the toe, another disadvantage which 

 aggravates this vice of the axis and constitutes a more important 

 cause of depreciation. 



Horse Cross-footed in Front (Fig. 161). This defective con- 

 formation, characterized (see page 332) by the convergence of the two 

 hoofs, is due to too great a separation of the elbows, or to an outward 

 arching of the knees or of the fetlocks. It is easy to understand the 

 evil results from this conformation by the new relations which each half 

 of the foot assumes with the line of gravitation of the member : the 

 external mamma is closer to this line and the internal is more distant ; 

 whence an apparent overburdening of the outer side of the foot and a 

 corresponding easing of the inner side. 



The cross-footed or parrot-toed horse does not wear the inner 

 side of the shoe, and interferes, in a manner inverse to that of the 

 crooked-legged horse, with the internal mamma. The wounds which 

 are thus produced, although often insignificant in appearance, consti- 

 tute none the less, in the long run, some serious lesions by their con- 

 tinued repetition. Even when the farrier can remedy it, even when 

 the inferior part of the member can be protected by means of special 

 leather boots against the knocking of the hoofs, it is still troublesome 

 to use the animal, by reason of the care which he requires and the 

 expense which he necessitates. If he is destined for the saddle, his 



