194 



A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



able. A common feature of the draft horse at this point is 

 steepness of croup. This is easily seen whether one stands 

 at one side or looks from behind. We do not have much 

 information on the difference in power between horses with 

 steep croups and those having them more level, but it is 

 generally agreed that the most beautiful conformation goes 

 with the more level condition. The greater the length and 

 the more heavy the muscling from the hips to the hock, 

 the more powerful will be the croup conformation. 



The legs of the drafter should 

 not appear too wide apart at 

 either hock or knee. Too much 

 spread is a greater indication of 

 weakness than is closeness. The 

 limbs should come down in a well- 

 placed position, to stand slightly 

 under each corner of the body, 

 as it were. - In viewing the horse 

 from in front, one is inclined to 

 look for too great width, such as 

 goes with a stiff or clumsy gait. 



The action of the draft horse 

 is studied in the same way as with 

 the driver. More value, how- 

 ever, is in this case given to the 

 walk than to a faster gait. A 

 heavy draft horse is rarely re- 

 quired to move faster than a walk. He should have a 

 quick walk, however, and be able to move four miles an 

 hour in a free, easy manner. Many heavy horses tend to 

 carry the feet to one side somewhat when in motion, 

 and, in the language of the horse market, "paddle" or "wing." 

 This tendency is in a measure due to the straight, open- 

 topped shoulder, and while such action is not defective, it is 

 not as smooth and attractive as when the feet are properly 



Figure G9. Judging the horse. 

 Hind legs too wide apart. 

 Photograph by the author. 



