WHAT SHAPE SHOULD A HORSE BE? 123 
weakest point in the horse, the ultimate speed and power 
is often dependent upon the shape and soundness of this 
region. One must learn to recognize the shape of a sound 
hock in order to recognize spavin or curb. The angle 
that the leg makes with the cannon is greater in running 
and driving horses than in draft horses. This means that 
the depth of the hock from front to rear is greater in draft 
horses than in those for speed. In like manner the thigh 
of the drait horse is more horizontal than in driving horses. 
Such a condition gives 
greater power, but short- 
ens the step. 
14, Feet.—It is the front 
feet that require the most 
attention. It is seldom 
that there is anything seri- 
ously wrong with the hind 
feet of a horse, except 
through accident. The 
front feet should be round 
and of equal size. The 
horn should be dense in 
texture and dark in color. His AA DRERRED Tees 
The sole should be con- Normat,healthy hock at left; diseased hock, 
the result of bone spavin, at right. 
cave, the bars strong, and 
the frog large and elastic. The heel should be one-half 
the length of the toe and approximately vertical. In 
comparison with the front feet, the hind feet should be 
more oval, the bottom more concave, the heels higher 
and more separated. The walls of the foot should be 
more vertical. 
15. Attitudes—When a boy sits upon a one-legged 
milk stool, he balances with the least effort when the bot- 
tom of the leg is directly under the top. This is equally 
