568 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W, [Aug. 2, 1920. 



The score card defines the official standard of excellence, and clearly states 

 the normal appearance, si<];nificance, location, and value of each part and its* 

 bearing on function. Each part of the animal is examined and valued in 

 contrast with the standard of excellence. 



Prior to using the card, personal investigation should be employed. The 

 eye of the student is the most potent factor in determining first impressions. 

 Should the subject for judging be a horse, then the student subjects him to 

 keen scrutiny and views him critically from every standpoinc, both at rest 

 and in action, taking pains to detect and note points of merit as well as 

 demerit. 



Quality, style, conformation, temperament, soundness, action, and other 

 features all have to be estimated. In support of the eye's examination the 

 hand may be used to confirm suspicions, or define a quality or fault. This 

 is followed by filling in the column of points in the score card in conti'ast 

 with that giving standard points. 



It is good pi'actice first to detect and estimate the prominent defects, and 

 in doing so to adopt a general rule never to deduct moi-e than one-half the 

 points or 50 per cent., or less than a quarter-point. A perfect animal 

 scores TOO points, a choice one approximately 90 points, and a good animal 

 not less than 80 points. The class in which a horse is placed indicates 

 his use — such as draught, harness, or saddle horses. The economic use of 

 each should be noted. Skill and confidence can only be attained in the use 

 of the score card by constant practice, not only in scoring of breeds, but 

 also in scoring animals of different ages in one class and noting features and 

 parts where they dirt'er from mature animals. 



When the pupil has reg,ched the stage of efficiency shown to be of sufficient 

 merit then the score cai-d may be I'ejected. 



To briefly summarise, it will be seen that the score card is used for 

 educational and cultural influence to enable the student, with precise steps 

 and in logical order, to detect and assemble the values of desirable qualities 

 as well as faults, and to record figures representing the degree of perfection 

 in each part or section. This encourages the habit of methodical and keen 

 observation, the art of quick pf-rception, and the acquisition of mental 

 impressions. 



Under this system of teaching efficiency must grow rapidly, and a higher 

 range of thoroughness be acquired. 



By constant use of the card the student is trained to make methodical and 

 defined observations, and his mental impi*essions are corrected and reinforced ; 

 he gains confidence, and eventually emerges as a judge competent to explain 

 to a critical audience of com[)etitors the reasons for his awards It is not 

 in any degree suggested that the score card should supersede or alter existing 

 methods in judging. The sccjre card may be looked on primarily as an 

 aid to training the student, and to ascertaining his capacity for assuming the 

 responsible duties of a judge. 



