8 THE HORSEMAN. 



capacious windpipe, so essential to the respiratory 

 powers of the horse. 



The eye should be large and somewhat prominent, 

 and the eyelid thin and delicate. The expression of the 

 eye enables us to judge pretty accurately of his temper 

 and disposition. If much of the white be seen, it is 

 objectionable. 



A long neck is preferable to a short one ; for there 

 are few horses of extraordinary speed that have not a 

 long and slender neck. The race horse, at the top of 

 his speed, extends his neck in order that the air-passages 

 may be as straight as possible. 



The back shoula be straight and short, though suffi- 

 ciently long to admit the saddle between the shoulders 

 and loins. 



Hollow-backed horses are generally easy movers, but 

 they cannot carry a heavy load nor endure much hard 

 work. 



A horse that is ribbed home, or where there is little 

 space between the ribs and hip bone, is preferable, when 

 endurance is required or weight to carry. He is " easy 

 kept," but deficient in bottom and speed. 



The distance between these points is too short to allow 

 a full action of the hinder parts in gathering. 



Were a horse perfectly formed in the hind quarters 

 for speed, his gathering or propelling powers would 

 be materially diminished, if " short coupled." 



A judge of a horse will at once perceive the defect in 

 a roach-backed horse. When the curve is outward, it is 



