JUDGING THE HORSE 



169 



The shoulders of the draft horse are usually less sloping 

 than those of the lighter type, and are not laid back in quite 

 as smoothly. The slower, more moderate draft action is 

 associated with this upright form of shoulder. 



The cannons of the drafter incline to be somewhat thick 

 and round, especially in front. There is no danger of their 

 being too flat or too short, and 

 emphasis should be placed on 

 this. 



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 do 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 punishes the feet 

 and causes trouble. 



The feet of the draft horse 

 must show considerable size. 



The forefeet in particular should not look too small in pro- 

 portion 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 strains, 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. 



Fig. 94. A draft horse in 

 excellent position from the front. 

 Photograph by the author. 



