2. Equestrian Technicalities
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.
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.
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.
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.
