OP THE HORSE. 3 



creased or diminished, according as the bone they 

 are attached to is longer or shorter than is usual. 

 The strength is likewise much, and, generally 

 speaking, the extent of action more, influenced, 

 by the position of the bone, as in the case of the 

 shoulder blade, which by being long, and slanting 

 from the withers forwards and downwards, gives 

 the horse extensive action as well as strength, 

 while a more upright position (and if upright, it 

 musthe short likewise) of the same bone, confines 

 the action of the whole limb, and reduces the 

 power of the muscles. The bones, besides, 

 sustain and give form to the whole structure, 

 and add considerably to the weight: consequently 

 their bulk in the draught horse is not a serious 

 objection, for he does much of his work by throw- 

 ing his weight into the collar, and as it were 

 pushing it before him. 



Notwithstanding the importance of conforma- 

 tion, it is not all that is required. Experience 

 reminds us, that many seemingly faultless animals 

 have lamentably disappointed the expectations 

 their figure had raised, while others, as insig- 

 nificant in appearance as may be, have surprised 

 good judges by their extraordinary and iinlooked 

 for performances. Hence, many horsemen ex- 



