60 The Diseases of ‘Animals 
be broad, the nose straight, the sides of the face slightly 
dished, the cranial bones well rounded, and the eye full, 
bright and prominent. Horses with small “bullet” eyes 
look better when driven with blinders on. If the nose 
is too coneave, the horse is said to be “dish-faced,” and 
if too convex, a Roman nose results. The nostrils 
should be large and easily dilated, the lips firm and fine, 
and the cheek weil muscled. The ears should be of 
moderate size, fine, tapering and mobile, approaching 
each other at the tips when erect. If the ears are too 
small they have a stubby look; if too large, they are 
mulish in appearance. A lop-eared horse is liable to 
have a contrary, morose disposition, or worse. The ex- 
pression of the eve, ear and countenance gives promi- 
nent indications of the character and disposition of the 
animal. The neck should be of medium size and length, 
the skin fine, and the muscles of the neck should have a 
firm, “cordy” feel to the hand. A neck slightly arched 
at the erest is usually desired; a thick, coarse one is 
commonly called a “bull neck”; if too long and slender, 
or too greatly arched, a “peacock” neck; and if concave 
on upper outline, a “ewe” neck. The back should be 
moderately straight, short, and well muscled; such a 
horse is said to be “well coupled.” If the back is too 
straight or convex, the animal is said to have a “roach” 
back, and if too concave a “sway” back. The croup 
should be slightly rounded and sloping, the tail should be 
well hung and carried in a dainty manner. Horsemen 
usually prefer that the tail or “dock” should be held 
stiffly by the anima] when an attempt is made to lift it 
with the hand, as this is thought to indicate stamina. 
