THE HORSE 



251 



back to tlie eighteenth century when the breed was valued for its 

 long and strong action at the trot. At the i)resent time, how- 

 ever, it is the stylish, attractive and often flashy action of the 

 knees and hocks, and not speed, that is inijoortant, as this breed 

 of horses is in demand for fashionable equix^ment. This breed 

 is poj)ular in America. 



The hackney is more blocky in form than any other coach 

 breed, has an intelligent head, "neat neck, sti'ong liack, short leg. 



Fi(i. 142. — Hacknoy; symmetrical and stylish. 



and is powerfully built. The weight will average one thousand 

 one hundred pounds and the height fifteen and one-lialf hands. 

 The color is chestnut. 



French coach, — This breed is of French origin where it is 

 known as demi-sang, meaning half-blood. This name was for- 

 merly applied to the offspring of a cross between the thorough- 

 bred and the Norman draft horse, hence the origin of the French 

 name as well as of the breed. 



In form this breed is not so smooth or s^anmetrical as the 

 hackney. It is larger, averaging one thousand two hundred 

 pounds in weight and sixteen hands in height. The bone is 

 larger and the muscling more powerful. The action, esj^ecially 

 at the trot, is longer, rather than high and flashy, as in the 

 hackney. Bay, brown and chestnut are the more common colors. 

 This breed finds favor in America where a large and rather 

 active horse is in demand. 



