HORSES 305 



Shires from England. Both are excellent breeds, though 

 they have not yet come into the favor enjoyed by the Per- 

 cherons, or even the Clydesdales. 



It is chiefly from the heavier breeds that come all our 

 draft horses, chunks, wagon horses, and carriage, or heavy 

 harness horses. A comparatively small proportion of horses 

 in any of these classes is as yet pure bred, most being a 

 cross with grade or common stock. 



The lighter breeds. Relatively few farmers have 

 undertaken the raising of the lighter and speedier breeds of 

 horses. This has been left to special breeders and stock 

 farms that make a specialty of horses. The heavier breeds 

 are better adapted to the farm, since the dams can then be 

 used for general farm work, and thus serve a double pur- 

 pose and thereby add to the profit. 



Among the lighter breeds raised in this country, the 

 English Hackney, the French Coach, and the German Coach 

 are the favorites for the carriage class. For lighter road 

 use the breeds most favored are the American Trotter, the 

 American Saddle horse and the English Thoroughbred. 



4. Judging Horses 



The horse is to many people the most interesting animal 

 on the farm. The satisfaction and profit from horse raising 

 depend very largely on the breed, class and grade. For 

 these reasons all who are interested in farm animals should 

 learn to judge horses readily and accurately. 



The score-card. Before undertaking to use the score- 

 card in actual judging, the pupil must become thoroughly 

 familiar with all its points, understanding fully the re- 

 quirements for a perfect score under any point. \Yith this 

 ideal in mind, the animal is to be examined, and the score 

 put down on the card. Do not be afraid to mark off for 



