828 



THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



ment of the loins ; large and strong muscles of the hind-quarters, par- 

 ticularly of the croup (which, without inconvenience, may be a little 

 inclined), the thigh, the buttock, and the leg; development of the 

 articulations, especially of the hocks and the pasterns ; strength and 

 beauty of equilibrium of the anterior members ; finally, a rather short 

 body, such are the principal qualities to be sought for. It is evi- 

 dent that training constitutes an essential element of this condition. 

 If the subject is not trained with the special purpose to jump high, 

 freely, and with skill, it is useless to enter him in this kind of race, 

 whatever may be the perfection of his form. 



The horse which we have chosen (Fig. 334) as a type is Bois- 

 Koussel, which won the French Derby in 1864. Although he never 



FIG. 334 Steeple-chase horse. 



Bois-Roussel, winner of the French Derby in 1864. (Reproduced from a photograph belonging 



to M. Delton.) 



ran in a steeple-chase, his whole conformation indicates how great 

 would have been his fitness for this service had he been trained with a 

 view to it. It is, then, quite intentionally that we here recommend his 

 portrait to the reader's attention, in spite of the different use to which 

 he has been put by his owner. 



Preferred Coats. Most subjects in this category are bay, sorrel, 

 or roan, but excellent ones are found among the other colors. 



