Not enough or too much?

[Pedigree Ann]

The parts of a horse where use of the bat is allowed are where there are big, heavy muscles and tougher hide that can absorb a moderate impact without becoming injured. But there are places on the flank, inside and just ahead of the hip, where the skin is more tender and easier to damage: part of the proverbially soft underbelly. One is not supposed to hit the horse there in any circumstances, but I have to wonder if this is where these guys 'marked' their mounts. When the horse is extended, this tender area is exposed more than usual and if the jock was lazy about where his hits land...,