414 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



In breeding for speed alone, certain other characters are 

 bound to be impressed also. Speed in the light-harness horse 

 is associated or correlated with refinement, endurance, and 

 courage. Size, symmetry, and beauty are not correlated with 

 speed except in the most general way. The light-harness horse 

 varies in weight from 800 to 1,250 pounds, and in height from 

 14-2 to 16-1. Weights from 950 to 1,150 pounds and heights 

 from 15 to 16 hands are most common. This type is rather 

 upstanding, leggy, long, deep, narrow, and angular. Quality 

 is shown by clean, smooth, dense bone; sharply defined tendons 

 and joints; fine skin and hair; small ears; fine-haired mane and 

 tail; hoofs of smooth, dense horn; and a chiseled, blooded-looking 

 head. The temperament must be decidedly sanguine, which 

 brings courage, willingness, and promptness, with no sluggish- 

 ness. 



Head. The head should be refined and well proportioned, 

 with a straight face line, a fine muzzle, large nostrils, and thin, 

 trim lips. The eyes should be large, prominent, clear, and bright. 

 The forehead should be high, broad, and full. The ears should 

 be fine, pointed, set close, and carried alert. 



Neck. A long, lean neck, with a fine throttle, is desired. 

 Ewe necks are common. A straight neck, or one with slight 

 arch, is preferable. 



Shoulders. Long, smooth, sloping shoulders, fitted close 

 together, and forming high, refined withers at the top, are most 

 desirable. 



Middle. A deep rib, without much arch, is associated 

 with desirable light-harness type. The chest gets its capacity 

 from depth, rather than from width. A straight, medium- 

 short, well-muscled back and loin are essential. The underline 

 is long, and the flanks should be well let down. 



Hips. The hips should be fairly wide, yet smooth. This 

 type does not present as smooth a hip as the carriage horse. A 

 little prominence of hip is not very objectionable, but if this 

 is so pronounced as to give a rough appearance it is undesirable. 



Croup. A long, level, fairly broad, muscular croup is best 

 suited to this type. Defective croups are common. The tail 

 should be attached high and well carried. 



Thighs and quarters. Long, muscular thighs give speed. 

 Well-muscled quarters are necessary for strength. 



Legs. Length of leg is necessary for speed, yet there should 

 be proper proportion between length of leg and size of horse. 



