orrespond respectively to
our "arms" (i.e. forearms) and "gaskins," and anatomically
speaking = the radius (os brachii) and the tibia.
(17) "Slack towards the flexure" (Stonehenge).
(18) Or, "of forcing the rider's hand and bolting."
(19) Or, "to display violence or run away."
It is important also to observe whether the jaws are soft or hard on one
or other side, since as a rule a horse with unequal jaws (20) is liable
to become hard-mouthed on one side.
(20) Or, "whose bars are not equally sensitive."
Again, a prominent rather than a sunken eye is suggestive of alertness,
and a horse of this type will have a wider range of vision.
And so of the nostrils: a wide-dilated nostril is at once better than a
contracted one for respiration, and gives the animal a fiercer aspect.
Note how, for instance, when one stallion is enraged against another, or
when his spirit chafes in being ridden, (21) the nostrils at once become
dilated.
(21) Or, "in the racecourse or on the exercising-ground how readily he
distends his nostrils."
A comparatively large crest and small ears give a more typical and
horse-like appearance to the head, whilst lofty withers again allow the
rider a surer seat and a stronger adhesion between the shoulders and the
body. (22)
(22) Or if with L. D. ({kai to somati}), transl. "adhesion to the
horse's shoulders."
A "double spine," (23) again, is at once softer to sit on than a single,
and more pleasing to the eye. So, too, a fairly deep side somewhat
rounded towards the belly (24) will render the animal at once easier to
sit and stronger, and as a general rule better able to digest his food.
(25)
(23) Reading after Courier {rakhis ge men}. See Virg. "Georg." iii.
87, "at duplex agitur per lumbos spina." "In a horse that is in
good case, the back is broad, and the spine does not stick up like
a ridge, but forms a kind of furrow on the back" (John Martyn); "a
full back," as we say.
(24) Or, "in proportion to." See Courier ("Du Commandement de la
Cavalerie at de l'Equitation": deux livres de Xenophon, traduits
par un officier d'artillerie a cheval), note ad loc. p. 83.
(25) i.e. "and keep in good condition."
The broader and shorter the loins the more easily will the horse raise
his forequarters and bring up his hindquarters under him. Given these
points, moreover, the belly will appear as small as possible, a portion
of the body whi
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