The exterior of the horse . al. In this attitude, which constitutes a point of beauty andindicates energy, the head is easily sustained, the animal is easy on thereins and the bit, and the movements of the shoulders are free andextensive (Fig. 32). Let mn and OB, for illustration, represent the directions of theshoulder and the neck respectively. The extensor muscles and themastoido-humeralis will be schematically represented by the lines Bmand Bn. The latter, it will be plainly seen, has a more considerablelength, and therefore a greater amplitude of contraction to elevate thescapulo-humeral
The exterior of the horse . al. In this attitude, which constitutes a point of beauty andindicates energy, the head is easily sustained, the animal is easy on thereins and the bit, and the movements of the shoulders are free andextensive (Fig. 32). Let mn and OB, for illustration, represent the directions of theshoulder and the neck respectively. The extensor muscles and themastoido-humeralis will be schematically represented by the lines Bmand Bn. The latter, it will be plainly seen, has a more considerablelength, and therefore a greater amplitude of contraction to elevate thescapulo-humeral angle and increase the arc described by the see, moreover, that the weight of the head, represented by the line SUPERIOR FACE OF THE BODY 101 BR, indicating the direction of the force of gravity, is exerted at theend of the cervical lever at a very acute angle, an incidence whichdiminishes the intensity of the force of gravity. This explains whyhorses carrying the neck in this position are not hard-mouthed ; the. head seems to weigh less at the end of the cervical stalk, in conse-quence of the slightly-perpendicular incidence of the line of gravita-tion. Finally, we call attention to the favorable insertion of the extensormuscles, Bm, which are in excellent condition to resist the weight ofthe head and to carry it backward in order to give freedom to theaction of the anterior limbs. Horses with necks thus formed are wellqualified for all the brilliant movements of tossing and balancing thehead in the riding-scliool and in the parade. 2d. The Horizontal.—We observe this direction in animals thatare deficient in energy, in the common races, and in those which are 102 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. fatigued. If the last, says H. Bouley, are prevented, by theresistance of the reins, from inclining the head towards the ground,they continually toss it up and down, and by this oscillating move-ment ease the muscles and relieve themselves of the fatigue which thisposition occ
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjecthorses, bookyear1892
