JUDGING LIGHT HORSES 239 



wide, showing very little shrinkage below the knee, as a broad 

 support is necessary for the knee joint. A common-size driv- 

 ing horse should measure at least eight inches around the 

 cannon at this joint. The pasterns should be strong and 

 should slope at an angle of forty-five degrees with the 

 ground. The feet should be of medium size and of good 

 quality, the frog large, and the heel wide. Examine the 

 feet and legs for unsoundness as in judging the draft horse. 



Body 10 Per Gent. The light horse should have a deep 

 rather than a broad chest as it is not called upon for heavy 

 work, and a broad chest would interfere with the free play 

 of the shoulder, which is very desirable in this class of horses. 

 The ribs should be well sprung, as horses with well-sprung 

 ribs present a better appearance and are usually easier 

 keepers. In proportion the body should be short above 

 and long underneath, as this adds strength and gives the 

 legs free play. The loin should be short, broad, and 

 muscled. 



Hindquarters 29 Per Cent. The croup should be well 

 muscled and long. Length of croup allows greater length of 

 muscle in this region and insures greater speed. The hind- 

 quarters should be heavily muscled and when viewed from 

 behind should show a heavy muscular development between 

 the legs. The hind legs should be well carried ; if bent too 

 far forward they are likely to develop a curb, while if too 

 straight, they are more subject to thoroughpins or spavins. 

 The hock should be broad, allowing plenty of room for the 

 attachment of muscles. The hock should be carefully exam- 

 ined for unsoundness. The hind cannon should be wide, 

 short, and clean ; the hind pasterns of medium size and length. 



