FORM OF THE RACER. 47 



shoulders of Eclipse to have resembled those of the 

 grey-hound, wide at the upper part, and nearly on a 

 line with the back. Large, or even what are called 

 coarse shoulders, contribute greatly to strength, 

 and are no impediment to speed, if there is proper 

 declivity of the scapula or shoulder-bone. The 

 withers, when high or thin, should enlarge gra- 

 dually downwards, and there should be four or five 

 inches between the fore-thighs, but less between 

 the fetlocks or ankles and the feet. 



The true position of the limbs is a most material 

 point in the race-horse, as it causes him to stand 

 over more ground than one which is otherwise 

 formed, although possessing a more extended frame. 

 One of these essential points is, the setting on of, 

 and length in, the fore-arm, or part from shoulder 

 to knee in the foreleg ; and another is the declen- 

 sion of the haunch to the hock in the hind-leg, 

 which is termed " well let down in the thigh." It 

 is from having those points in excess that enables 

 the hare to describe a far greater circle, and cover 

 more ground at one stroke than any other animal 

 nearly double her size. In fact, the arm should 

 be set on at the extreme point of the shoulder, 

 which insures this act of extension, and also adds 

 to the declivity of the shoulder. The knee should 

 be broad and flat, and if appearing somewhat pro- 

 minent, the better. All the Herod legs had pro- 

 minent knees, and no legs stood work better than 

 they did. Concussion in galloping is diminished 

 in legs so formed. The cannon or shank, from 

 knee to fetlock, should be of moderate length in 



