THE HORSEMAN. 7 



distance the points A and B are separated, the longer, of 

 course, must the muscle be to bind them ; and the longer 

 the muscle, the more capable it is of contraction j and, 

 consequently, the less exertion is required to raise the 

 leg. 



If these points were closer, the contraction of the 

 muscle would be much less, and the point of the shoulder 

 could not be sufficiently projected and elevated ; nor 

 could the leg be raised and advanced to make a good 

 stride. 



The reader must now perceive that the action of the 

 bones, in the angular position they are placed in the 

 shoulders and hinder quarters, is upon the principle of 

 mechanical forces. The elbow is the centre of motion ; 

 and at each contraction of the muscle connecting the 

 arm of the lever or shoulder-blade and the arm, the leg- 

 is raised, and the point of the shoulder projected and 

 elevated. 



As the horse breathes only through the nostril, it 

 should be wide and expanded. This is a very striking 

 feature in the thorough-bred horse. The nostril should 

 be thin and elastic, so that it may more readily yield 

 when the necessity of the animal requires a greater 

 supply of air. 



The lips should be thin and without wrinkle ; for, if 

 thick and hanging, they are almost insensible to the bit. 



A long and narrow mouth is desirable, as it indicates 

 sensitive bars. A horse with a short and wide mouth 

 bears heavily upon the bit. A wide under jaw shows a 



