THE WITHERS. 17 



The Neck (2) is separated from the shoulders by a line 

 which goes from the dip that is just in front of the withers, 

 to the depression which is made by the union of the neck and 

 breast. 



The poll (v) is the part which is on the top of the neck 

 and is immediately behind the ears. 



The cresl (l) is the upper part of the neck, extending from 

 the withers to the ears. 



T\i^ jugular groove [u) is the groove which is on each side 

 of the neck, just above the wind-pipe. It is well shown in 

 Fig. 230. 



Breast and Chest. — Among horsemen who are un- 

 acquainted with anatomy, the latter of these two terms is 

 frequently used to express the former. At the risk of 

 employinpf a word contrary to colloquial custom, I would 

 suggest that the tenn "ch/sf be applied exdusively to the 

 cavity which occupies nearly the front third of the trunk, and 

 in which the lungs and heart are situated. It is divided from 

 the belly (abdomen) by the diaphragm (Fig. 13). 



Shoulders (3). — The line of union between the 

 shoulders and the neck is well shown in the majority of 

 harness and draught horses ; there being, in such cases, a 

 distinct depression immediately in front of the shoulder. In 

 well-shaped saddle horses, this dip between shoulder and 

 neck will be more or less difficult to find. The withers form 

 the upper boundary of the shoulder. The rear border of the 

 shoulder may be taken from behind the '* swell" of the 

 muscle which is just below the withers, to the elbow. 



The point of the shoulder [h) is the prominent bony angle, 

 on each side of the chest, a little below the junction of the 

 neck and shoulder. 



The Withers (4) are the bony ridge which is the for- 

 ward continuation of the back. Its posterior limit is, as a 

 rule, ill-defined ; for the curve made by the withers usually 

 runs into that of the back in a gradual manner. Its anterior 



c 



