smooth, muscular. Decidedly sloping croups with tail heads attached low are objectionable. 

 Note whether from this view the thighs are sufficiently wide, deep and well muscled. If the 

 tail is drawn aside it will aid in getting a good view of the thighs. Examine the hocks from 

 every viewpoint possible. The hock should be deep, wide from front to rear, and broad across 

 the front face. The point of the hock should project well. The part should be clean cut and 

 the bony outline easily discernible. The hock should be hard and firm in every respect. The 

 hind cannons, like those in front, should be hard, flat, clean, cordy in appearance and relatively 

 short. The fetlock joints should be similar to those in front. The pasterns should be as clean 

 and strong as those in front, but a. trifle less sloping. The hind feet may show a little more 

 depth than those in front and will be a little narrower in proportion to length. All other require- 

 ments, including hoof texture, are the same as in the front feet. Heels, which are narrow 

 and contracted, are especially objectionable. It is neither customary nor necessary to lift the 

 hind feet in examination. 



Action. Having examined in detail all parts of th„ horse, you are ready to study the ani- 

 mal's action. The hprse must be trotted as well as walked, if one is to get a clear idea of the 

 animal's movement and be satisfied that he has no lameness. 



Taking a position to the rear of the horse, have him led at a walk directly away for a dis- 

 tance of twenty-five yards or more. Carefully observe the legs for straightness of movement. 

 The feet should be carried straight forward in a brisk, snappy fashion — the bottom of the 

 feet showing fully with each step. If the hocks turn in or out, or the feet swing to one side 

 or the other, it is a fault and should be criticized. As the horse is turned and led toward 

 you again, note the action for trueness, ease and snappiness. Step to one side, and as the 

 animal passes you, observe the manner in which the "feet are picked up" and the knee and hock 

 are folded. Note also the length, as well as the balance or uniformity of the stride. A good 

 draft horse has a long, swinging, free, quick and straight going walk, carries his head well up 

 and shows alertness and vigor in every move. Now have the horse trotted first away from, and 

 then towards you. Although you study much the same points in the trotting as you did in the 

 walking, remember that with the draft horse walking is of far more importance than trotting. 



Temperament. Temperament of a desirable character is indicated by a bright, clear, ex- 

 pressive eye, alert appearance, energetic style — all coupled with docility. 



You have now completely filled out your score card. Give the horse a quick, general, final 

 survey, with reference to the score card, and you should have fairly well in mind most of the 

 animal's defects and points of merit. 



170 



