CHECK LIGfAMENT. 



39 



check ligament, at a time when it is unassisted, in bearing the 

 strain, by the upper portion of the perforans tendon. The more 

 the horse's strength is taxed, the higher will the heel be raised 

 from the ground on the toe first touching it, and the greater the 

 consequent jerk will the check ligament receive. The steeper the 

 hill which the horse faces, the longer space will the heel fall 

 through, before it reaches the ground, and, naturally, the greater 



Fig. lo. 



Fie. II. 



The Canter. 



will be the strain on the check ligament. If we raise the heel by 

 calkins, or by thick^heeled shoes, we shall thereby shorten the 

 distance through which the heel falls, and shall, consequently 

 diminish the liability to sprain. Practical experience teaches the 

 advisability of doing this. It also proves that sprains of this liga- 

 ment are more apt to occur going up hill, in draught, than on level 

 ground ; and that they hardly, if ever, happen going down hill, 

 which is a mode of progression that throws particularly severe 

 strain on the suspensory ligaments, 



