the horse. 127 



tenness. Fetid discharge from the nostrils. 

 Defective wind. 



As a commentary on this text, the abrupt setting 

 on of the head may prevent the horse from reining 

 well, for which a curve at the extremity of the neck 

 is necessary, with the addition that abruptness de- 

 tracts from the line of beauty. The same with re- 

 gard to the cockthroppled in both respects. Deep, 

 declining, and as it is termed, counter-shoulders, are 

 materially promotive, if not absolutely necessary to 

 speedy progression; firm substance, muscular also, 

 in those parts, is of material consequence, as fleshy 

 grossness and heaviness, are a material defect. Nar- 

 row girth and legginess indicate weakness and liabi- 

 lity to the legs interfering. Weak and unsubstan- 

 tial loins need no comment, in reference to an animal 

 destined to bear burdens. Extent in the hinder 

 quarter is a very important point, not only for the 

 support of the loins, but as placing the feet suffici- 

 ently apart to prevent interfering, knocking, or the 

 speedy cut. It is an old and general rule, that a 

 horse can scarcely go too wide behind, or too close 

 before. Smallness of the bone below the knee, and 

 of the sinews, evince too much delicacy in those 

 parts, and inaptitude to endure the concussion of the 

 hard road, or to support a heavy weight ; and if, of 

 all other horses, it may be deemed of the least con- 

 sequence to the racer, there can be no doubt that 

 even to that class, a large and clean cannon bone, 

 with tough and prominent sinews, form an inesti- 

 mable qualification. Crookedness in the hocks and 



