INTRODUCTION. 13 



of these joints possesses a little motion ; the aggregate 

 motion of the whole, however, gives sufficient ease to 

 the rider, without destroying the firmness of the back. 

 The strength of the spine is secured by a mechanism 

 that deserves peculiar attention. Small processes 

 project- and repose within indentations suited to their 

 figure ; moreover the round head of one bone accu- 

 rately corresponds with a cup or hollow in that before 

 it, and between them is placed an elastic substance ; 

 there are also strong ligaments as well as short 

 muscles above and below, and on either side, so that, 

 although we sometimes hear of a fractured spine, the 

 joints are rarely dislocated. 



Man, however, will sometimes overload the horse, 

 or urge him to too great exertion : then there is so 

 much stress on these joints, that the ligaments are 

 injured, and inflammation ensues; bony matter is 

 thrown out, and the joints are destroyed. The back 

 then becomes stiff, and the horse turns with difficulty ; 

 he will rarely lie down : he is " chinked in the chine" 

 and materially lessened in value. 



The Length of the Back. — Few, except those who 

 have closely examined the structure of the horse, are 

 aware of the difference which exists in the length of 

 back among animals of the same height. Compare 

 the short Suffolk punch and the lengthy Cleveland 

 bay in this respect. There can be no doubt that the 

 long-backed horse is easier in his paces, for a long 

 spring has a gentler motion than a short one. The 

 long-backed animal will usually be speedy, for he will 

 be able to bring his hind legs with more advantage 

 under him: but just in comparison to the length of 



