10 MODERN FAllRIER. 



renounces his very existence to the pleasure of man. 

 He deUvers up his whole powers ; he reserves no- 

 thing ; and often dies rather than disobey the man- 

 dates of his governor. 



*^' The true thorough-bred, or what is called the 

 blood horse, is indisputably the strongest animal in 

 nature of the same size and weight. His fibres are 

 so peculiarly elastic, and his limbs so admirably dis- 

 posed, that he possesses an incredible degree of 

 vigour, speed, and power. But as it is intended to 

 examine the different breeds of this useful animal, 

 with the best means of procuring and perpetuating 

 a proper, healthy, and valuable race, in another part 

 of this work, it will only be necessary here to give 

 an idea of the most approved shape of a horse. 



The head should be small, lean, and straiglit from 

 the top to the nostril ; the forehead broad and am- 

 ple ; the eyes prominent ; and the eye-lids elevated 

 and flexible. The branches of the lower jaw-borie 

 should be open and expanded; the nostrils large 

 and open ; the mouth small ; and the lips deep and 

 pliable. 



The lower extremity of the neck should issue high 

 out of the chest, which gives it a grand and elevated 

 appearance. A thick neck is usually indicative of 

 strength. 



The blade-bones should not be perpendicular, but 

 oblique, so as to permit the legs to stand well ad- 

 vanced before the body. This position of the shoul- 

 ders is essential to good and safe action. The chest 

 should be moderately broad, and the muscles of the 

 breast bold and prominent. If the chest be too 

 broad, the horse goes with an unpleasant rocking 

 motion ; and if too narrow, the fore-legs are liable 

 to cut and bruise the fetlock joint. Tiie fore-legs 

 should be straight, approaching each other in a 

 small degree at the feet ; the upper part bold and 

 muscular, the knee broad and flat, and the tendons 

 distinct, firm, and elastic. 



