The Framework of the Horse. 



51 



position : for cavalry purposes it is absolutely indis- 

 pensable. Finally, if we bring the neck still higher up, 



curving it still more, as shown in the figure, we can 

 bring the centre of gravity back to the line G //, as the 

 manege-rider does; who, however, at the same time, 

 gets the toes of the horse's hind feet up to the line IK 

 in a bent position, which naturally brings the croup 

 down* (see fig. i, x^ x^^. 



This same figure taken together with Plate II. brings 

 us to the final result at which we have aimed all 

 through this chapter — namely, the equilibrium of the 

 horse in motion as compared with the same in a state 

 of rest. Under the latter supposition (rest), we could 

 only show, from the formation of the spinal column 

 (back), that the fourteenth vertebra indicates, by its 

 peculiar shape and position, a different function from 



* It is necessary to remark that in this case the basis of the figure 

 remains as before at C and M, the hind legs acting not merely as 

 mechanical props, but maintaining a portion of the weight by mus« 

 cular action, which, however, must not be too long continued. 



