JUDGING LIGHT HORSES 237 



card. Have in your mind a picture of the ideal light horse. 

 An idea of a good light horse may be obtained by studying 

 the pictures of the best animals as they appear in good farm 

 papers, and by observing good light horses at fairs and stock 

 shows. The standard score on the score card refers to an 

 ideal animal. In judging each point record the number of 

 points that the animal falls below the ideal. The accom- 

 panying photograph, Fig. 18, shows the location of the 

 points described on the score card that should be observed 

 in judging a light horse. 



General Appearance 12 Per Cent. In general appearance 

 the light horse should have a smooth, symmetrical form and 

 stylish appearance. The quality of the animal should be 

 good, as shown by a firm, clean bone and fine skin and hair. 

 In temperament it should be energetic and active, but gentle 

 and kind in disposition. 



Head and Neck 6 Per Cent. The shape of the head and 

 neck of the horse adds greatly to its appearance. It is chiefly 

 from this standpoint that they are important. The head 

 should be straight and thin, the features of the face distinct 

 and broad enough between the eyes to give a pleasing appear- 

 ance. The nostrils should be large and open ; eyes large, 

 bright, and indicating vigor ; ears erect and somewhat pointed, 

 and neck well muscled, arched, and joined smoothly to the 

 body. 



Forequarters 23 Per Cent. The shoulders should be long 

 and oblique to give the action desired, and to add strength to 

 the back and length to the underline. The forelegs should 

 present a clean-cut appearance, should be broad, cordy, 

 straight, and free from coarseness. The cannon should be 



