6 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



TYPES OF ARTILLERY HORSES 



The general conformation of an Artillery horse involves a massive 

 form, a compact and blocky body, and a comparative shortness and 

 strength of limb, the whole being in harmonious proportion. Weight 

 is a most important consideration, for a true Artillery horse must weigh 

 heavy compared with the lighter type. Grouped into classes, the light 

 Artillery horse weighs 1,300 lbs. and the heavy from 1,300 up. In order 

 to pull heavy loads, the Artillery horse must possess plenty of weight. 

 It becomes very evident that the heavy horse, in harness, brings greater 

 power into the collar than does the light horse. The height is not 

 material, provided there is the necessary weight. Artillery horses 

 usually stand from 15 to 17>^ hands, though occasional exceptions 

 occur. The light Artillery rcpiesents the lesser height, and as the 

 weight increases the height may also bear a relationship to it. Quality 

 and substance, as shown in hair, bone, and joints, should be preeminent 

 with this horse. The hair should be fine and silky, even if long, and the 

 bone smooth and attractive, with neatly turned joints, the lower limbs 

 being generally free from all superfluous flesh. Coarse joints are 

 usually associated with coarse bones and poor feet; often with a coarse, 

 and undesirable head. 



The action of the Artillery horse should be true and bold. As the 

 horse comes toward one, or goes from him the line of movement of the 

 limbs should be true, the feet being carried straight-away, with no 

 so-called paddling or irregularity of gait. The feet should be picked 

 up with snap, whether at walk or trot, and carried clear of the ground, 

 showing the sole of the foot clearly in the movement. High knee action 

 is not essential, but a strong, full, true movement of both knee and hock, 

 without dragging or stiffness, is very important. The Artillery horse 

 should have an active gait, for the value of a fast walker considerably 

 exceeds that of the sluggish type. A free and easy movement of knee 

 and back is essential to high class action. In connection with good 

 action the head and neck should be carried high, with style and body 

 action, not out of proportion with the body, have plenty of breadth be- 

 tween the eyes. The eyes should be reasonably prominent and bright, 

 free from cloudiness and spots; lids thin, well open, and evenly curved. 

 The nose and muzzle should be broad yet not coarse, with nostrils of 

 ample size for easy breathing. Nicel}^ matched lips, and strong cheeks 

 and lower jaws help to make a strong head with character. The head 

 should be crowned with fine ears of medium size gracefully placed and 

 carried. Polls smooth and free from enlargements and scars. Throat 

 and parotid region clear and free from swollen and enlarged glands. 



Neck: The neck of the Artillery horse is strong and muscular, sup- 

 porting the head gracefully, and being joined smoothly and deeply at 

 the body. Some arch to the neck is desirable ; this appears in a very 

 small degree with mares and geldings. A neck with a concave upper 

 border is known as a ewe neck and is unsightly. 



Withers: Extending well back, muscular, but not fleshy — high but 

 not to the extreme as is seen in saddle horses. 



