JUDGING DRAFT HORSES 229 



Head and Neck 9 Per Cent. The head and neck of the 

 draft horse should be of such form and shape as to give 

 the horse a stylish and pleasing appearance. The face should 

 be straight; the eyes large, clear, and bright; the ears erect 

 and of medium size, and the neck well muscled and arched. 

 Note the teeth and eyes to see that they are good. 



Forequarters 24. Per Cent. The shoulder furnishes the 

 surface against which the collar rests. It should be smooth 

 and strong. If rough and uneven, continual pulling against 

 the collar will develop sores and unsoundness. See that the 

 shoulders are not sweenied. This is a sinking of the muscles 

 of the shoulder, making it appear flat and bare of muscle. 

 The slope of the shoulder should be about forty-five degrees as 

 this affords the greatest comfort under the collar. The forearm 

 should be clean and strongly muscled. The cannon should 

 be short, wide, and clean. Examine the cannon for splints. 

 Splints may occur on any part of the region and appear as 

 hard, rough protrusions on the bone. Do not mistake the 

 two small bones associated with the cannon for splints. 

 These bones occur in the same location on both legs and may 

 be recognized in this way. The pasterns should have an 

 angle of about forty-five or fifty degrees when viewed from 

 the side. This affords spring to the gait and tends to pre- 

 vent foot and leg troubles. 



The feet of the draft horse should be large, even sized, and 

 sound. The foot should be attached to the leg so that the 

 toe is straight ahead. If the horse toes in, it will " wing," 

 or throw its feet out when it brings them forward. If the 

 horse toes out, it will " paddle," or throw its feet in when it 

 brings them forward. The toe should slope at an angle of 



