350 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



The muscular system obtains its maximum development 

 in the horse, and upon the excellence of this, beauty of con- 

 formation largely depends. Especially is this latter true of 

 the neck and hindquarters. The muscles of the back and loin 

 are the largest in the body. There are no muscles below the 

 knees and hocks only their tendinous prolongations. The 

 first muscle under the skin almost covers the entire body and is 

 the one 'that enables the animal to shake flies or any irritating 

 foreign substance off its skin. 



Digestive system. The tongue is small as compared with 

 that of the ox. The gullet is long and has a very small open- 

 ing into the stomach. The capacity of the stomach is small, 

 holding between 3 and 4 gallons, while the stomach of the ox 

 holds 30 to 40 gallons. But the small size of the organ is com- 

 pensated for by the large size and capacity of the intestines 

 which hold twice that of the ox. The large intestine has a 

 capacity of about 20 gallons, and the small one 12 gallons. The 

 liver is large, as are also the kidneys. 



Respiratory system. The respiratory organs are well 

 developed, and comprise the nasal cavities, the larynx, the 

 trachea, the bronchial tubes, and lungs. The heart is large and 

 four chambered, and the blood vessels are large and have strong, 

 thick walls. Thus is the horse well fitted for his athletic life. 



Nervous system. The nervous system of the horse is well 

 developed and comprises the brain, spinal cord and branching 

 nerves. 



Integumentary system. The hair or coat is shed in the 

 spring and autumn, except that of the mane and tail which is 

 permanent. There are both sweat glands and sebaceous glands 

 in the skin, but the former are practically absent from the limbs. 



In judging horses, the judge takes into consideration many 

 matters relating to the structure and interior of the animal, 

 as well as the exterior. A wide, deep middle and a broad muz- 

 zle, for example, indicate great digestive capacity; a large nos- 

 tril and large chest show capacity for respiration; a silky coat 

 and fine skin are normal qualities of the integument, while 

 alertness and gracefulness of movement are evidences of good 

 nervous control. 



The horse differs from a mere machine in that he is largely 

 capable of guiding his own movements without aid from his 

 driver. Training accomplishes much in this regard, but the 

 less a horse is possessed of intelligence and nervous control, the 



