TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 407 



of the hock. The hind foot will leave the ground with snap 

 and free movement of pastern, and the hock will be carried, 

 not backward, but upward toward the dock, to accomplish 

 which the hock must be flexed very decidedly. If the action 

 of the hind leg is as described, the hind foot clears the ground 

 by considerable distance, and the hocks do not drag out behind 

 the horse. Many heavy-harness horses swing the hind legs 

 back and forth with but slight flexing of the hocks. Such action 

 has a straggling appearance that is in marked contrast to the 

 high and collected action of a horse possessing proper action. 



Fig. 132. Sensational Action. 



Little Ruby, a Champion Hackney pony stallion, owned in England. 



There should also be unison of movement between fore and 

 hind legs. 



As pointed out in the description of the draft horse, ex- 

 cellence of action results only when there is a combination of 

 proper conformation of body and legs, correct position of feet 

 and legs, sufficient muscle, proper temperament, and abundant 

 spirit. Action is so valuable in the heavy-harness horse that 

 breeders and dealers often resort to artificial means to secure 

 it in horses which are deficient in their movement. Heavy 



