116 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



oughbred in their origin. Most characteristic are the 

 extreme refinement and clear definition of features, the 

 small, proportioned head and ear, the straight face line, 

 the neat throttle, long sloping shoulders, high withers, 

 muscular quarters, and clean, hard, flat bone. These are 

 associated with a low, pointing, close-to-the-ground way 

 of going, which insures the greatest stride with the least 

 effort. Then, in addition to a racy form, the Thorough- 

 bred has a racy temperament, possessing a most highly 

 organized nervous system. The characteristic " buck 

 knees " are all too commonly noticeable in the Thorough- 

 bred, from the galloping yearling to the seasoned cam- 

 paigner. Another objectionable feature frequently noticed 

 in the breed is the tendency towards weediness, as it is 

 termed, i.e. long legs and light body. The prevailing 

 colors are bay, brown and chestnut, with one or more 

 white markings. The most important modification in 

 type during the development of the Thoroughbred is an 

 increase in stature, which Sir Walter Gilbey estimates 

 to have been one hand two and one-half inches from the 

 year 1700 to the year 1900, the average height of the 

 modern Thoroughbred being fifteen hands two and one- 

 half inches. The average weight is about one thousand 

 pounds. 



130. Technical description. A detailed description 

 of the Thoroughbred follows: Weight, 900-1050; 

 height, fifteen to sixteen hands; color, bay, brown 

 or chestnut, with more or less white in the face or on 

 limbs ; a very " breedy " head, with sharply defined 

 features, a straight face line, trim muzzle, large nostril, 

 full, clear, prominent eye, broad forehead, neat ear 

 and clean-cut throttle; neck long and rather straight, 

 giving an extended carriage of the head ; shoulders sloping 



