Rural School Leaflet. 1075 



part most used for this purpose because it is the most noticeable, its 

 length is easily obtained, and variations are more rare than in other 

 organs or parts. 



If we take the total length of the horse's head, from the tip of the lips 

 to the top of the poll, and compare it with the body of a well-formed 

 horse, we shall find that there are four other measurements almost ex- 

 actly equal to it as follows: 



(i) The length of the neck, from the top of the withers to the 

 poll. If there is much difference between these measurements, we 

 say that the head is too long or the neck is too short. 



(2) The height of the shoulder, from the top of the withers to 

 the point of the shoulder. 



(3) The thickness of the body, from the middle of the abdomen 

 to the middle of the back. 



(4) The width of the body, from one side to the other. If there 

 is a great variation in these measurements, we say the horse has 

 a poor form. 



A horse must be in harmony with his surroundings. A light harness 

 horse, which is attractive when hitched to a light run-about, would 

 appear very much out of place if hitched to a heavy draft wagon, 

 whereas, the ponderous drafter would seem in place when hitched to such 

 a wagon and would appear very much out of place when hitched to a 

 light run-about. In order to appreciate the beauties of a well-formed and 

 handsome animal, we must place him in the surroundings in keeping with 

 himself. In this connection, the height and length of the horse assumes 

 some importance, as it is not an uncommon sight to see a small horse 

 hitched to a large buggy, or to see a large one hitched to a light buggy. 

 In either case the appearance of the horse is criticized; yet the animal 

 may be very well-proportioned. 



It has been observed that there is a relation between the parts of 

 the horse's body. We have seen that the length of the head was almost 

 equal to the width and depth of the body, as well as to the length of the 

 shoulder and length of the neck. Now we are to point out the relation- 

 ship between the length of the head, the total length of the body, and the 

 total height of the body. Take the length of the horse's body by placing 

 the stationary end of the bar described above against the point of the 

 elbow, then slide the square along the bar until it reaches the back of the 

 buttock. You will find the distance almost equal to two and one-half 

 times the length of the head. 



