THE SADDLE BREEDS OF HORSES 117 
and well finished at the withers; strong back, loin and 
coupling, altogether making a short top-line compared to 
the length of the under-line, although having length suf- 
ficient to insure freedom of stride; a very deep fore-rib 
and chest, lung capacity being secured in this way rather 
than by thickness 
and fullness of chest ; 
croup long and a bit 
straight; deep, full, 
muscular quarters 
and gaskins; clean, 
smooth joints; a 
broad, flat, bony leg 
of more quality than 
substance; oblique 
pasterns and a rather 
small foot of dense 
horn. A fine, smooth 
coat of hair with a 
total absence of any feather, and a soft, delicate skin 
with the superficial blood-vessels well marked, complete 
a general appearance of quality and refinement (Fig. 17). 
131. Use for sporting purposes. —There may be some 
question as to the propriety of claiming any real usefulness 
for a horse, the only purpose of which is to serve as an 
active factor in the sports and pastimes of the people. Be 
that as it may, no one can deny to the Thoroughbred full 
meed of praise for a most efficient service in his own pe- 
culiar field. The turf, originally an English institution, 
was early transplanted to other countries, and all peoples 
among whom flat-racing, steeple-chasing, hunting, and 
polo are in vogue, may be expected to testify to the use- 
fulness of the Thoroughbred. 
