THE SUFFOLK 



depreciation in the animal's value can only be estimated along 

 with other facts. Now, as to the " middle piece," or body of 

 a Suffolk. 



Front and back ribs must be long and well sprung, so as 

 to make the animal comply with the definition — deep from 

 elbow to flank. A good Suffolk will girth fuhy eight feet round 

 the chest ; i.e., taped immediately behind the elbows. There 

 is a compactness about the body of the Suffolk that is very 

 distinctive of this variety of horse. Croup and thighs must be 

 powerful and well rounded — the last named a characteristic 

 feature of the breed. 



From the crest to set on of tail the S shaped curve of 

 outline along back and croup is very evident. The back and 

 loins are short, strong and broad. Though the fore limbs of a 

 Suffolk are placed well under the body, the very opposite 

 applies to the hind ones, these being very far back in relation 

 to the latter. The advantages of the relative positions cf the 

 extremities is obvious to any one. 



As to the Hocks. — These must be " clean " and strong ; 

 free from disease, and when the animal is put to the trot, he 

 must freely bend his hocks. Good hock action is a sine qua non^ 

 and judges should never overlook action in the hind limbs. A 

 horse may have even brilliant action in front, but very little 

 behind. The former is apt to draw one's attention away from 

 faulty hock action. Bone spavin and curb stand pre-eminent 

 as diseases of the hocks. The so-called bog spavin (puffy hecks) 

 and blood spavin are not of much significance, in relation to 

 soundness. Cannons " clean " and strong. The rest as for the 

 fore limbs. Ringbone is frequently met with on the front 



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