TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 403 



Color. With the possible exception of the saddle horse, 

 color is of more importance in heavy-harness horses than in 

 any other type. The dark solid colors are preferred, as being 

 in proper accord with the elegant vehicles drawn by this horse. 

 White ankles are often favored, because a horse so marked has 

 his action emphasized and easily seen. Grays, roans, and light 

 colors are heavily discounted or even rejected, except for certain 

 special restricted uses, such as sporting tandems, road fours, 

 or cross-matched pairs, and in horses for ladies' use, even the 

 white markings are discriminated against. True elegance and 

 good taste are wanted, and this excludes colors that are flashy 

 and calculated to attract undue attention. 



Endurance and durability. The carriage horse is required 

 to make only short trips at a moderate pace. Endurance is 

 not so essential, therefore, as in other types. However, dura- 

 bility, which means wearing quality, is of great importance. 

 Extremely high action makes necessary the best of feet and legs. 

 Durability is almost entirely dependent upon the amount and 

 quality of bone, and the structure and texture of feet. 



We may make a final summing up of the foregoing points 

 by saying that the carriage horse is one specially fitted to work 

 before pleasure vehicles, over short distances, at a moderate 

 pace, wearing heavy leather; and that to be in keeping with 

 the handsome vehicles which he moves, he must show beauty 

 and attractiveness of form and action that will add to, rather 

 than detract from, the appearance of the turnout. 



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TYPE. 



General appearance. Compactness and fullness of form 

 are required, in order that the horse may fill his harness prop- 

 erly and be in proper keeping with the vehicles before which 

 he is put. He must possess great smoothness of conformation, 

 with all his lines curving rather than angular. He must appear 

 snugly put together. Although it is not desired that he stand 

 on very short legs, it is essential that he be not leggy, or what 

 is termed "weedy," in appearance. Medium length of leg is 

 required, to give proper action and lend him style and sym- 

 metry. The height ranges from 14 to 16-1 hands, and the weight 

 from 900 to 1,300 pounds. As previously stated, size and weight 

 are of rather minor importance. However, big horses that are 

 good ones are harder to find than smaller ones, hence size is of 

 some importance, especially in breeding animals. The greatest 



