Conformation of a horse with respect to gait and draft

Abstract

Introduction: The legs of a horse are the natural supports and motors of the body. They are segmented and muscled in proportion to the work required of the particular breed to which the horse belongs. They are situated on the lateral faces of the body in front and behind the centre of gravity, the anterior being the nearest to the centre and consequently bear more weight and having a secondary office that of bearing the brunt of concussion. Their propelling action is not marked excepting where the animal is in a slow pace and moving a heavy load. The segments of the leg gradually diminish volume from above to below but they are gradual in number, compactness and resistance. This is very well arranged, for a horse would certainly be clumsy from the weight and inactivity through this combination and would also lower the center of gravity. The posterior members are very different in construction and function to that of the anterior; they bear much less of the brunt of concussion. These members by the inclination of these segments push against the trunk at a given moment where the former are straightened one piece upon the other, thus the angles are obliterated and communicate to the body the needed velocity. These muscles are therefore much larger and numerous than in the fore leg and come more into play when the body is fatigued. This is not so true in the, draft horse because we can easily see by observation that the horse is continually inclined forward when drawing a load. In considering the different angles of the articulations of the horse's limbs we first must recognize that the line of direction should hold certain relations with a vertical line passing through the center of movement.