152 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
joint, two actions which help to prevent the horse falling 
when he lands over a jump. The muscles over the loins 
behind the saddle should be particularly strong. The 
hocks should be large and gaskins broad. 
The following is a detailed description of the points of an 
ideal Hunter: Head. —€Ears fine, not too large, approach- 
ing each other at the tips, when thrown forward ; cranium 
broad and nicely rounded ; forehead flat and broad; eyes 
wide apart, prominent and bold in expression ; nasal bones 
straight in front, but slightly dished on lateral surfaces ; 
nostrils firm, large and flexible, of large capacity when the 
animal is excited ; lips firm, mouth medium-sized ; muzzle 
small and tapering; cheeks well but not too heavily 
clothed with hard, well-developed muscles; branches of 
lower jaw well spread apart at their angles. Neck. — 
Clean-cut and rangy ; crest well developed and whipcordy, 
but not so heavy as in other classes ; head well attached to 
neck in a graceful, angular manner; jugular gutter well 
developed. Withers. — Well developed, high, and not 
too wide on top. The withers should be sloping and of 
such form that the saddle may be placed well back over the 
center of gravity, which is especially desirable in negotiat- 
ing timber. Shoulders. — Long and oblique, so as to give 
easy action; shoulder-blades well covered with muscles. 
Chest. — Deep, giving good girths, with a well-filled breast. 
Arm.— Thrown well forward, so as to give an oblique shoul- 
der. Forearm. — Long, well developed and strong, well 
clothed with hard, well-developed muscles, having grooves 
of demarcation between them, showing the outlines of 
each individual muscle. Anee.— Clean, straight, large 
and strong in all directions, the bone forming the back part 
being somewhat prominent. Knee to fetlock joint. — 
Cannon short, broad, flat and clean; tendons standing 
