98 THE HORSE. 



considered an unpardonable offence on the part of the 

 servant, if persisted in, as it is extremely liable to in- 

 jure the horse's wind. 



POSITION OF THE BODY. 



In forming an estimate of the appearance of the horse, 

 we should pay attention to the relative position of his 

 body and limbs. The body should give a distinct im- 

 pression of being placed on the limbs — not suspended 

 between them. If the body is placed on the limbs, 

 the horse will have the power of doing his work within 

 himself, as it is termed, and will not be easily fatigued. 

 But, on the other hand, the horse whose body is swing- 

 ing, as it were, between his limbs, will have a very 

 slack, uncomfortable gait, and will be very easily 

 fatigued. He will have a long, loose, showy action, 

 which would lead the casual observer to imagine he 

 was going at a tremendous pace ; but a few miles of 

 fast work would make him drag his legs heavily after 

 him, and, in a long run, he would give up with down- 

 right exhaustion before his journey would be more 

 than half-performed. He might have great speed for 

 flat, short races, but he would not be fit for any other 

 purpose. 



