JUDGING THE HORSE 



195 



carried backward, with no side twist. When watching the 

 horse in action, look for a strong, only moderately high 

 knee and hock movement, but do not look for much speed. 

 The heavy horse, however, inclines to drag his feet, a point 

 the judge should carefully note. As one stands behind one 

 should clearly see the glisten of the shoe as the foot is raised. 

 There are as wide extremes in action among draft as among 

 carriage horses, but not so much should be expected from 

 the former as the latter. The horse with heavy body very 

 naturally is unable to move with the lightness of step and 

 activity shown by the horse that has no such weight to carry. 



The opportunities to 

 study horses are frequent, 

 either in town or country. 

 If one will notice the 

 horses that are constant- 

 ly passing, much infor- 

 mation of value will re- 

 ward the observation. 

 Comparisons may be re- 

 peatedly made, for two- 

 horse teams always fur- 

 nish such a chance, while 

 in many public places 

 two or more horses are 

 often to be seen standing 

 side by side, interesting 

 subjects for comparison. 

 In every community will 

 be found excellent horses 

 of their class that are well 

 fed and cared for. The 

 owners of such horses 



usually take a just pride in them, and are always pleased to 

 show them to those who are interested. 



Figure 70. Judging horses. A powerful 

 draft conformation from behind. The 

 camera being nearer the hind legs than the 

 front, the former appear much too long 

 and out of proportion. Photograph from 

 The Farmer. 



