Horse Pictures - Neck and Shoulders

The Beauties and Defects in the Figure of the Horse

Delineated in a Series of Coloured Plates

by H. Alken

Published in London by S. and J. Fuller at the Temple of Fancy, 34 Rathbone Place - 1816

Figure 1 - I introduce this subject for the beauty of its neck, and setting on of the fore-leg, both of which are remarkably good. The shoulder is well formed but not sufficient in depth; the arm or upper part of the thigh, should be set well forward; the elbow turned out, and free from the brisket. A good horse possessed of those points will seldom fail of having good action.

Figure 2 - The front view of the breast, formed for strength, beauty and action. Compare with Figure 4.

Figure 3 - The neck and shoulders being badly formed, the neck being an equal breadth and substance; heavy and thick in the shoulder; broad on the blade; fore-legs standing too far under the body; the breast and point of the shoulder heavy, without any mark of muscle. See Figure 1.

Figure 4 - Is the front view of a breast with many bad points; round and heavy in the chest, tucked up in the brisket, and legs badly set on. Compare with Figure 2.

The picture above is an illustrated plate from the 1816 publication, the inside title page of which is reproduced here along with the introduction to the book

"By a detailed series of graphic and descriptive illustrations, it is the intention of the Author of this Work to show the good and bad points in that most useful and noble animal the Horse. He has adopted the mode of detaching various parts of the subject, because, by comparison of the distinct appearances, the general impression upon the memory of the reader is much likely to be much stronger than could result from the study of any treatise of a less abstracted nature; to understand which, a knowledge of anatomy, or a constant reference to some scientific work is indispensable.

This Publication is also intended as a Book of Lessons for such young Artists as are inclined to pursue the study of the Horse in all the different points of his figure and action.

There is no animal whose countenance combines such correct and powerful expressions of character. The physiognomy of the Horse, therefore, illustrating the different passions to which he is subject, as well as the natural bias of his temper and disposition, is an important branch of study to gentleman of the turf, and to young purchasers; for it is generally considered, that to timid riders and drivers, the temper of the beast is of more consequence than any bodily blemish.

In this point of view, therefore, the Author flatters himself that his Work will be found useful; and as his remarks are the result of the most attentive observation during many years, entirely devoted to the pleasures of the field, he trusts that the general principles which he has laid down, as well with respect to power, strength, and the various points of action as to the physiognomical character and figure of the horse, will be found fairly elucidated in the following series."