1/6 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



town with a light load; will do a good job in light plowing or for chasing 

 around. The Kentucky saddle horse should be used for the saddle exclu- 

 sively, and if well bred is a good horse for export. 



Market Classes and Grades of Horses and Mules. 



Believing that "market classes of horses are not well understood, and 

 that a clear setting forth of true market standards will do much toward 

 establishing correct ideals on the part of the horse breeder and pro- 

 ducer," R. C. Obrecht, of the Illinois Station, has made an investigation 

 of Chicago and St. Louis horse markets, which are considered similar 

 to other markets of note, with a view to clearly defining market classes 

 and grades of horses and mules. The first fact of importance brought 

 out by this investigation is that the majority of horses which find their 

 way to the large markets do not approach the degree of perfection de- 

 manded by the intending purchaser. 



A correct understanding of the market classes will enable the farmer to 

 form a better estimate of the value of the horses which he has to sell ; for 

 without this the farmer is at a decided disadvantage in selling his horses, 

 not knowing their real market value. In this way he may fail to get what 

 his horses are worth or he may lose a sale by ai?king too much. Again 

 it often happens that he fails to distinguish clearly between his good and 

 his poor marketable animals. As a result the dealer takes the desirable 

 ones at a good profit and leaves the undesirable ; thus the inferior horses 

 are left in the country to become the parent stock. 



To form an intelligent estimate of the value of horses or mules, 

 therefore, it is necessary to have a thorough undci-standing of the mar- 

 ket requirements and a correct undei-standing of the market classes and 

 grades. 



The principal factors that determine the market value of horses or 

 mules arc: Soundness, conformation, quality, condition, action, age, 

 color, education, and general appearance. 



Horses or mules of a general type are grouj^ed into classes, for con- 

 venience and a definite understanding; and in most instances the 

 names of the classes are suggestive of the use to which they are put. The 

 classes of horses are divided into subclasses which embody those of a 

 similar type but slightly diff'erent in size, weight, action, or the use to 

 which they are put. Mules are not divided into subclasses. 



The market classes are: Draft hoi"ses, chunks, wagon horses, carriage 

 horses, road horses, saddle horses, mining mules, cotton mules, sugar 

 mules, farm mules, and draft mules. 



Horses. — Draft horses are broad, massive, rugged, and compactly 

 built, with great weight and strength. They stand from 15-3 to 17-2 

 hands high and in good flesh weigh from 1,600 to 2,200 pounds or 



