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TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



the leg and foot into lateral halves; and when viewed from 

 the side, this line should touch the rear edge of the cannon from 

 hock point to fetlock and meet the ground some little distance 

 back of the heel. 



The direction and slope of the axis of pastern and foot 

 are very important. When the leg is viewed from the front 

 or side, the axis of the pastern and the axis of the foot should 

 be identical. As viewed from the front, the toe should point 

 directly forward. This insures an even distribution of weight 

 to both sides of the foot and also trueness of action. As viewed 

 from the side, the axis of the front pastern and foot should 

 meet the ground at an angle of about 45 degrees. This angle 

 affords the best combination of strength and springiness. 



Ideal 



Ideal 



Fig. 123. Defects in Fore Legs and Their Effect on Action. 



When moving toward or from you, the feet of the horse 

 should appear to have only one motion, which should be verti- 

 cally up and down. This is very essential in every type of 

 horse. Height of action in any type should be great enough 

 to clear the ground by a reasonable distance, so as to prevent 

 stumbling and insure length of stride. The carriage horse is 

 required to go higher than this for reasons which will be ex- 

 plained in connection with the description of that type. The 

 essentials of good action are (1) straight line action, (2) long 

 stride, and (3) foot should be picked up with snap. Defects 

 in conformation and placing of feet and legs result in defects 

 in action. Only when the legs are correctly proportioned and 

 properly placed can good action result. Correctness of action 

 depends also upon temperament, strength of muscling, height 

 over withers as compared with height over hips, and general 

 symmetry and proportionment of parts. The most common 



