CHAPTER XVI 

 THE POINTS OF THE HORSE 



The exterior parts of the horse are referred to by horse- 

 men in terms not familiar to all. In order to judge intelli- 

 gently and to use the score card, one should know the 

 location and importance of these special parts. The accom- 

 panying illustration makes the location of many of these 

 clear. Without going into too much detail, the following is 

 given regarding some of the points least understood. 



The ears should be fine and not large for the animal, and 

 be moderately close together. They should be carried in an 

 alert, pleasing manner, indicating good disposition. 



The poll is the top of the skull just back of the ears. 



The forehead is the space below the ears and above the 

 eyes. A prominent forehead indicates intelligence. 



The cheek is the large flat side of the lower jaw. 



The nose is the more prominent part between eyes and 

 nostrils. A wide nose goes with full breathing capacity. 



The muzzle includes the nostrils and mouth. Good 

 feeders and animals of strong constitution usually have com- 

 paratively large muzzles. 



The lower jaw should be wide and strong. A narrow 

 jaw bespeaks a weak conformation and an inferior feeder. 



The crest is the curved line of the neck from the poll 

 to the withers. Males should show some crest, but on the 

 females this feature is not prominent. Stallions frequently 

 have a thick, muscular neck, with a strong crest. This is 

 a sign of masculinity, and is objectionable on mares. 



The throat latch is the part where the head and neck 

 join on the lower side. At this point the throat should be 

 neat and clearly defined. A throat latch that is thick and 



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