THE 



POINTS OF THE HORSE, 



->o><J<c 



CHAPTER I. 



FIRST TRINCIPLES OF CONFORMATION. 



Animals of Speed and Animals of Strength — Comparative Conformation — 

 Marey's Law. 



Animals of Speed and Animals of Strength. — 



When we speak of the conformation of a horse, we refer to 

 the adaptability of his body for general or special work. We 

 all know, without the aid of science to tell us, that a light- 

 boned thoroughbred would be as unsuitable to carry a 

 fifteen-stone man, as a thick-set cob would be to win a five- 

 furlong race. The "weed" would not fail, necessarily, from 

 deficiency in weight of bone and muscle ; for there are 

 many ponies of thirteen hands or under, which would weigh 

 no more than the slender T. Y. C. performer, and yet could 

 bear the welter burden through a long day's journey, with 

 ease to themselves and comfort to their rider. The failure 

 to carry weight in the one case, and the inability to display 

 a high degree of speed in the other, would obviously be due 



