74 DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODERN HORSE 



There are, however, certain points in a horse that any one can 

 consider, and in their application learn much of the horse's value. 



The head is a valuable index to equine nature and quality, and 

 tells more than anything else of the character of the possessor. 



A big, coarse head generally goes with a sluggish temper, while 

 an over-fine head may belong to a very nervous and unsafe animal. 

 A rather medium size goes with the best temper, and if more 

 refined it will indicate good life. Lips rather firm indicate strength 

 and determination. 



The eye is a wonderful indicator of temperament, e. g., a dull 

 eye expresses want of action and life ; a mild eye, easy temper and 

 good feeding quality ; a very prominent eye indicates nerve force, 

 and if its expression is wild and restless, its possessor is apt to be 

 unsteady and perhaps unsafe. An eye showing much white com- 

 monly belongs to a horse of pronounced temper and great courage. 

 Such a horse, ill treated, might become balky or vicious. 



The ears, if small and wide apart, indicate fine quality and high 

 mettle ; if too large they show a dull, sluggish character. When 

 pointed forward they indicate a pleasanter disposition than when 

 laid back upon the neck. 



A forehead wide between the eyes betokens intelligence, while 

 if it is narrow, a sullen, dull character is indicated. Prominent but 

 fine under jaws indicate power and energy, and a wide intermax- 

 illary space, good wind. The angle of the head with the neck 

 indicates breeding and quality, and should be rather wide to 

 recommend it. 



While the mental traits of a horse are of great importance his 

 body mechanism is equally so. A strong horse would not be very 

 useful if he was too sullen to work or too excitable to be safe, 

 neither would a courageous, good-tempered horse be worth much 

 without good legs and a strong body. 



The neck should be strong, set on rather high and well back 

 and carried high. The shoulders should be long and oblique, ex- 



The mangers should be regularly cleaned out and e/t>/ clean 



