EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE FOOT. 2f.l 
rapid return assists in raising the limb This action is thus 
clearly described by Mr. Percivall:—“ Furthermore, it seems 
to us that these elastic parts assist in the elevations of the 
feet from the ground in those places in which they are 
called into sudden and forcible action. The suspensory 
ligament, by its reaction instantaneously after extension, 
aids the flexor muscles in bending the pastern-joints. The 
astonishing activity and expedition displayed in the move¬ 
ments of the race-horse at speed, seem to be referable, in 
part, to the promptitude with which the suspensory ligament 
can act before the flexor muscles are duly prepared ; the 
latter, we should say, catch, as it were, and then direct the 
limb first snatched from the ground by the powers of 
elasticity.” 
The spring and elasticity in the action of a horse de¬ 
pends, in a great measure, upon the length and obliquity ol 
the pasterns. It should be long in the race-horse, less so in 
the hunter, still shorter in the hackney, and considerably 
less so in the cart and dray-horse. In the latter the con¬ 
cussion is exceedingly little, because their movements are 
slow; and the short and upright pasterns enable him to 
sustain and drag the heavy loads which he is destined to 
support and move forward. But in a horse that is to be 
used for the saddle, the short and upright pastern is not 
only a great defect, but is also very unsafe, as he is exceed¬ 
ingly liable to come down when trotting. Besides, such 
joints soon begin to knuckle over, even with ordinary work, 
which is the precursor of ossification of the cartilages, ring¬ 
bone, and contracted feet. 
EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE FOOT. 
THE CRUST OR WALL OF THE HOOF 
The formation of the foot of the horse fits him, as well 
