JUDGING THE HORSE 



193 



The cannon bone of the draft horse tends to be some- 

 what thick and round in the front leg, and flat and deep in 

 the hind leg. The leg at this point lacks the refinement so 

 often seen in the carriage horse. Emphasis should be placed 

 on this bone's being short, comparatively flat, and deep 

 from front to rear. A good big draft horse with plenty of 

 bone may measure 10 inches around the front cannon. 



The pasterns of the draft horse often appear short and 

 rather erect. To give the easiest movement, they should 

 have fair length, and a slope of 

 about 45 degrees. Some draft 

 breeds have a longer pastern 

 than others, as, for example, the 

 Clydesdale, which is noted for 

 length and springy character in 

 this respect. A short, stubby 

 pastern is very undesirable, and 

 goes with a hard gait that pun- 

 ishes the feet and causes trouble. 



The feet of the draft horse 

 must show considerable size. The 

 fore feet in particular should not 

 look too small in proportion to the 

 rest of the body, and it is well to 

 emphasize the quality of the 

 hoof. The feet of horses of this 

 type, especially those in front, 

 are subject to severe strain, due to the great weight placed on 

 them and the hard work on the road. This part should be 

 most carefully examined. The old English saying, "No feet, 

 no horse/' has no greater application than with the drafter. 



The hind quarters of the draft horse especially signify 

 power. Great length and breadth of the croup, therefore, 

 provide for thick, powerful muscles. As one looks at this 

 part, one should be impressed with the power there avail- 



Figure 68. Judging the horse. An 

 excellent front position. Photo- 

 graph by the author. 



