A few, among the most generally adopted, of these, it will be expedient,
in the first place, to notice and explain.
Most parts in the external structure of the horse are known by names of
obvious signification: but such is not, exactly, the case with all.
[Illustration]
To commence with the anterior limb:--_a_ is the fore pastern; _b_, the
fetlock; _c_, the leg; and _d_, the arm.
In the hind limb, _e_ is the hind pastern; _f_, the hock; _g_, the
stifle; and _h_, the haunch.
The upper surface of the neck, _i_, is denominated the crest; _k_, the
withers, and _l_, the croup.
[Illustration]
In the bridle, supposing it to be double-reined, _a_ is the double
head-stall; _b_, the front; _c_, the nose-band; _d_, the throat-lash;
_e_, _e_, the snaffle rein; and _f_, _f_, the curb rein. At _g_, _g_, is
the martingale.
[Illustration]
In the saddle, _a_, is the near crutch; _b_, the off crutch; _c_, the
cantle; _d_, the crupper; _e_, the safe; _f_, the skirt; _g_, the
stirrup; _h_, the near side half of the surcingle; and _i_, _i_, the
girths.
A lady's right hand is termed the _whip_-hand, and her left, the
_bridle_-hand.
The _near_ side of a horse is that which is on the _left_ of the rider;
and the _off_ side that which is on her _right_.
The height of a horse is always estimated in _hands_, of four inches
each: it is always measured at the tip of the shoulder. A horse is never
spoken of as being so many hands _tall_, but so many hands _high_.
[Illustration]