44'0 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



Conformation. If a horse is to do hard work, with a min- 

 imum of wear, and give the longest possible period of service, 

 he must possess a conformation indicative of strength, endur- 

 ance, and longevity, the indications of which are good feet, a 

 good constitution, good feeding qualities, good bone, and sym- 

 metry of conformation. Conformation has been discussed 

 fully in connection with the various types described in preceding 

 chapters, and no further discussion is necessary here. 



Quality. Quality in a horse is of great importance, as has 

 already been emphasized. A horse lacking in quality is a com- 

 paratively cheap animal. 



Condition. To be appreciated on the market, a horse 

 must be fat and possess a good coat of hair, which gives him 

 a sleek appearance. Condition is most important in draft, 

 chunk, and wagon horses. When a green horse goes to the 

 city, he loses weight during the first few weeks until he becomes 

 used to the new conditions, and it is a decided advantage if he 

 enters city work carrying a high finish. When a horse is fed 

 to a high state of fatness, it invariably improves his spirit and 

 style, as well as his form and weight. In some individuals, fat 

 covers many sins. The man who sends his horse to market in 

 finished form is offering the animal in most attractive condition. 

 Condition is a very important item of value on the horse 

 market. 



Action. Action has been fully discussed in preceding chap- 

 ters. We have seen that the requirements vary according to 

 the type of horse, and that action is always a very important 

 item of value, in some instances being as important a factor as 

 any in determining the value of the horse. 



Age. Horses sell best from five to eight years old. Heavy 

 horses, such as drafters and chunks, sell best from five to seven 

 years old, but a well-matured four-year-old in good condition 

 will find ready sale. Carriage, saddle, and road horses sell 

 better with a little more age, because they do not mature so 

 early and their education is not completed as soon as that of 

 heavy horses. They are most desired from five to eight years 

 old. 



Color. As a rule, the color of horses is of secondary im- 

 portance, provided they possess individual excellence. Previous 

 discussions of the various types have shown that color is of more 



