THE TYPES AND CLASSES OF HORSES gl 



or less separated. However, they .are less conspicuous on 

 the draft horse than on the more refined racer. The so- 

 called flatness of the cannon is due to these back tendons 

 rather than to the presence of a flat bone. In fact the bone 

 proper of the cannon is not flat at all, the main shaft being 

 semi-cylindrical with a broad, round edge in front. Rough- 

 ness of the cannon, especially on the inner side, is often to 

 be noted, due to small bony ridges or points known as 

 ' ' splints. ' ' While a smooth bone is desirable, a small, hard 

 elevation or two below the skin on the lower part of the 

 cannon is not usually important, these being in fact re- 

 mains of splint bones inherited from the prehistoric horse 

 rather than evidences of diseased bone. 



The fetlock of the horse is the joint connected with the 

 lower end of the cannon. It is also often termed the pastern 

 joint. The fetlock should be wide, thick, fine and well di- 

 rected. "Width is to be noted from a side view, and a wide 

 fetlock gives evidence of a strong tendon and ligament at- 

 tachment on the back side of this joint. Thickness is im- 

 portant to allow for plenty of space for tendon and liga- 

 ment to pass over the joint. A thin skin over the fetlock 

 shows quality and indicates a good condition of the joint. 

 Any thick or puffy appearance is undesirable. Scratches 

 and sores often occur on the fetlock, more especially when 

 the skin is thick or fleshy. The fetlock of the draft horse, 

 however, is covered with thicker skin and longer, heavier 

 hair than that of the light horse. The hair in this case is an 

 important index of quality of bone. The direction of the 

 fetlock should be straight, with no twist or turn to either 

 side, if it is to be associated with correct position. 



The pastern of the horse, the connecting link between 

 fetlock and foot, in the draft horse should be of moderate 

 length, and strongly carried at an angle of about 45 de- 

 grees. The slope of the pastern is of special significance, 

 for it relieves concussion in the course of action, and best 

 distributes the force of the blow. "When the foot hits the 

 ground, as a rule the frog or center of the hoof and the 

 back part is struck first, after which the front part of the 



