THE SHOULDER. 45 



of the scapula, at the point of the shoulder, to the top 

 of the foreleg. It is by its means that the shoulder- 

 blade is united to the bones of the leg. Some parties 

 imagine it is an advantage to have this bone as short as 

 possible, for the purpose of keeping the point of the 

 shoulder light. But from this opinion I am disposed 

 to dissent. I think lightness in the shoulder-points is 

 quite compatible with a considerable elongation of the 

 humerus. If this is the case, it is a matter of some 

 importance, as an addition to the length of this bone 

 would increase the length of the stride, and add to the 

 elasticity of the fore-quarter. If the humerus were 

 long, and placed in the horizontal position, the leg would 

 undoubtedly be thrown a gi-eat deal too far back. 

 There would then be too much weight at the point of 

 the shoulder, which is an insuperable fault in a saddle- 

 horse. This conformation, moreover, is not favourable 

 even for the harness or di'aught-horse, because he will 

 be obliged to elevate his shoulders considerably every 

 time he puts forward his foot. He will have a 

 sort of rocking action, which is rough and disagree 

 able, and unfavom-able for draught. But the case is 

 quite altered if the humerus is well slanted upwards 

 and forwards, in the opposite du-ection to that taken by 

 the shoulder-blade. This an-angement will permit it U) 

 be long, at the same time that sufficient lightness is 

 preserved in front of the leg. Such a development is 

 most important for every horse but the carter. He 



