TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 401 



The value of the carriage horse is determined by (1) beauty 

 of conformation, (2) action, (3) manners, (4) temperament, 

 (5) color, (6) endurance and durability. 



Beauty of conformation. The conformation of the car- 

 riage horse must show beauty, style, symmetry, and finish. 

 Being a pleasure horse, it is the ability not only to do certain 

 work which determines value, but to do this work gracefully, 

 and to present, while standing or in action, a picture of pleas- 

 ing appearance. Everything is sidetracked for appearance in 

 the breeding of this horse. Attractiveness of form is not re- 

 stricted to any one type of horse, but it brings the highest price 

 when found in the carriage horse. The value of the drafter is 

 very largely measured by the amount of work he can do; the 

 value of the light-harness horse is largely measured by his speed ; 

 the value of the saddle horse depends not only upon his appear- 

 ance, but also upon his knowledge of the gaits and his ability 

 to carry his rider with comfort and ease; the value of the car- 

 riage horse depends chiefly upon his appearance and general 

 attractiveness of form and action. 



Action. Here again, beauty is the thing sought at the 

 expense of other qualities. The carriage horse must not only 

 go level, true, and collected, but he must go very high the 

 higher the better. With this end in view, he is bred, fed, shod, 

 trained, bitted, and driven with a view to securing as much 

 height of action as possible not because it makes him more 

 useful for his work, but because it makes him more pleasing 

 to look upon. A certain degree of height of action is necessary 

 in all horses, in order to secure length of stride and to prevent 

 stumbling; such action signifies freedom of movement of joints 

 and muscles, and indicates willingness and spirit. But the 

 carriage horse is asked to go higher than this, even though it 

 means added wear and tear on feet and legs, and a great amount 

 of energy to accomplish the result. Beauty is given first con- 

 sideration. 



Manners. Working in crowded streets, where driving 

 requires considerable care, it is easily apparent that, with proper 

 conformation, action, and durability, the carriage horse will 

 not furnish real pleasure unless he has manners. Furthermore, 

 if he fails to respond to commands, possesses a strong will that 

 rebels at these commands, or fails to act quickly, his lack of 

 manners may result disastrously to the occupants of the carriage. 

 He must be so thoroughly trained and familiar with the com- 



