EXERCISE 70 



JUDGING HEAVY HORSES 



Object. To study in detail the points of importance in judging the value of a horse and to fix in 

 mind the ideal market and breeding types. Also to train the eye in detecting weaknesses, defects, and 

 blemishes, and to understand their importance in estimating the usefulness and selling value of horses. 



Materials. Pictures of prize-winning horses clipped from live-stock journals and mounted on cards ; 

 stereopticon and slides ; score card on opposite page ; suitable animals for practice in judging. 



Directions. The work should be begun by a study of the illustrations and by practice in locating 

 on the living animal each of the most important parts. A study of the types and breed characteristics 

 of horses is also necessary. Practice should be given in the use of the score card. Note how nearly 



each part conforms to the standard given ; 

 express judgment in writing of the worth of 

 each part. It is well in the early exercises for 

 the student to compare his score in detail 

 with that made by his classmates and by 

 the instructor. 



Comparative or competitive judging. The 



use of the score card is preliminary to the more 

 practical method of judging — that of taking 

 in with the eye, quickly and accurately, the 

 39 general conformation of an animal and form- 

 ing a sound judgment as to the comparative 

 worth of a number of animals presented in 

 competition. At the beginning of competitive 

 judging it is well to limit the number to three 

 or four animals and whenever possible to 

 choose animals that have obvious differences 

 in form and value. Students, working inde- 

 pendently and without conversation, should 

 be required to place the animals in the order 

 of their worth and to give written reasons for 

 their placings. After the work is completed 

 the fullest discussion should be had and the teacher should offer constructive criticism of the work. 



Judging contests. Contests between high-school teams in judging the principal classes of live stock, 

 either at the farm of some prominent breeder or at the local or state fair, will be of much value in stimu- 

 lating interest in live-stock production and in developing school spirit. 



Questions. How do we measure the height of horses? What are the advantages of a medium 

 sloping shoulder? or of a close back coupling? of a medium sloping pastern? Describe accurately 

 the kind of foot desired on heavy horses, and why. Name the breeds of draft horses. Name and de- 

 scribe the market classes of heavy horses and state the uses of each. Has the use of the farm tractor and 

 auto truck affected the use of this type of horses, and how? What breeds of draft horses predomi- 

 Date in your neighborhood ? 



References. Waters, H. J. Essentials of Agriculture, pp. 330-352. Ginn and Company. Gay, C. W. Pro- 

 ductive Horse Husbandry, pp. 139-144. J. B. Lippincott Company. Vaughan, H. W. Types and Market 

 Classes of Live Stock, pp. 361-325. R. G. Adams and Company. Plumb, C. S. Types and Breeds of Farm ' 

 Animals, pp. 92-97. Ginn and Company. 



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Fig. 107. The points in judging a horse 



1, mouth; 2, nostril; 3, chin; 4, nose; 5, face; 6, forehead; 7, eye; 8, ear; 

 9, lower jaw; io, throatlatch; 11, windpipe; 12, crest; 13, withers; 14, 

 shoulder; 15, breast; 16, arm; 17, elbow; 1 8, forearm; 19, knee; 20, can- 

 don; 2 1 , fetlock joint ; 22, pastern; 23, foot; 24, fore flank ; 25, heart girth; 

 26, coupUng; 27, back; 28, loin; 29, rear flank; 30, belly; 31, hip;. 32, 

 croup; 33, tail; 34, buttocks; 35, quarters; 36, thigh; 37, stifle; 38, gaskin 

 or lower thigh ; 39, hock 



