462 



THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



our only reason for giving the preference to such a conformation as the 

 one in question. 



In the second case, the excessive separation of the members is very 

 decidedly objectionable in the animal : first, because the members no 

 longer support the weight in the direction capable of completely destroy- 

 ing its effects ; secondly, because the inferior divergence depends too often 

 upon a narrowness of the pelvis at the level of the cotyloid cavities 

 and upon the mode of defective articulation of .the posterior osseous 

 segments. Besides the rocking, the lack of power, the diminished 

 velocity of the gait, and the unpleasant aspect in 

 locomotion, the animal is also predisposed to be- 

 come affected prematurely with diseases of the 

 hock, of the fetlock, and of the foot, whose in- 

 ternal parts are more overburdened than when 

 in a normal state. It is for these reasons that he 

 becomes less serviceable, . a fact which of itself 

 means a notable diminution in his value. 



Hock arched Outward Bow-legged 

 Horse (Fig. 166). This defect is characterized 

 by a curvature of the region of the hock exter- 

 nal to the line of axis, as well as by a consider- 

 able separation of the calcanea. It is sometimes 

 found in horses too open behind, and is accom- 

 panied in most instances by a convergence of the 

 hoofs in front, a conformation which renders 



the horse cross-footed as well as bow-legged. Hence the hock thus 

 arched is defective in the first degree, on account of the numerous 

 deviations which result from it and which deprive the posterior limb 

 of a part of its aptitude to support the trunk. Besides, it is rotating 

 when the foot is on the ground. (See Defects of the Gaits.) Finally, 

 it renders the gait ungraceful and sometimes induces rocking. 



Horse Crooked-legged, Outbow-footed Behind (Fig. 168). 

 We will not detail here this vicious direction of the foot, which 

 exposes the inferior regions of the hind-members to the same accidents 

 as those which we have indicated in the fore-members. Let us only 

 recall that it is often the consequence of hocks too close together, which 

 corresponds, as we know, to the close or cow-hock. 



Horse Closed Behind (Fig. 167). The closeness behind, like 

 the same condition in front, presents two distinct cases, although 

 differing little in relation to their gravity. In the one, the axis of 

 the members remains normal, but it is too close to the median line. 



FIG. 166. 



