TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 427 



Action. The action should be energetic, elastic, of mod- 

 erate height, and especially there should be trueness of motion 

 in all gaits. Gracefulness and ease of action are very desirable. 

 A springy step resulting from sloping pasterns and shoulders 

 is more essential in the saddle horse than in any other type. 

 A straight-shouldered and -pasterned horse gives one a ride 

 like a carriage without springs. Collected action, by which is 

 meant harmony or unison of movement between fore and hind 

 legs is necessary for gracefulness and comfort. It also means 

 that the legs will be kept at all times under the weight, thus 

 permitting of quick turns or any other evolutions desired. Col- 

 lected action is largely a result of properly training the horse, 

 and skill on the part of the rider. By pressure of the leg, or 

 use of the whip or spur, the horse is kept alert, with the hind 

 legs well under the body, while the hands bring sufficient pressure 

 on the mouth to restrain the movement slightly, arch the neck, 

 and secure a slight yielding of the jaw. If the action is not col- 

 lected, the horse moves awkwardly and executes sudden com- 

 mands in a clumsy fashion. 



Temperament and disposition. The temperament should 

 be sanguine, as in all other light horses. The disposition should 

 be kind, willing, honest, and courageous. There should be 

 docility with high spirit and animation. 



