BREEDS OF HORSES 91 



.25, if at all. In the case of the feet which are given eight points 

 when perfect, never cut more than four points nor less than .25. 

 The scorer must use his judgment in deciding the proportionate score 

 to allow between these limits. 



Estimating Matters of Soundness. So far as possible sound 

 horses should at first be studied in score card work. The location of 

 the various unsoundnesses may be studied as soon as an intimate 

 knowledge of the various points mentioned on the score card has been 

 attained. Then actual unsoundnesses may be studied on the live ani- 

 mal and for practice to detect and point out unsoundnesses. Where 

 an unsound horse has to be used for score card work the unsoundness 

 should first be located; scoring may then proceed as though the un- 

 soundness were absent. 



In the actual show judging of horses to be used for breeding 

 purposes or when buying such horses, a notable unsoundness of 

 hereditary nature necessitates rejection of the animal, despite ideal 

 value and perfection apart from the question of soundness. In judg- 

 ing or buying horses for work purposes this also would hold true. 

 The judge or buyer would reject or greatly discount in value a blind, 

 lame or wind broken horse which otherwise might be well nigh per- 

 fect in make-up as judged by the score card. The subject of "sound- 

 ness" should be specially studied, after one has become proficient 

 in ordinary score card judging. 



When one has become familiar with the common unsoundnesses 

 of horses he should be able to detect most of them without using the 

 hand. In public judging the hand should be used as little as pos- 

 sible. In the judging ring care should be taken not to draw unnec- 

 essary attention to noted unsoundnesses. The judge need satisfy 

 himself alone and that in an unobtrusive manner. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCORING. 



Height. A horse's height is measured in hands (4 inches) 

 from the summit of the withers to the ground. A typical, ideal 

 draft horse stands over 16 hands (5 feet 4 inches) and under 18 

 hands high. Tall, leggy horses, if deficient in weight, width and 

 quality, are undesirable. Such horses often are found affected with 

 St. Vitus' dance (Chorea). Exceptionally tall horses (over 17.2 

 hands) are difficult to match in pairs and therefore may not meet 

 with ready sale on the market. Such horses are chiefly used for 

 single work or as the middle horses of three horse teams. Numerical 

 values are not given to height on the score card. One must learn 

 to use judgment in estimating height and approximating its com- 

 parative value for the special purpose of the individual horse. 



Weight. A draft horse should weigh 1600 pounds, or more, 

 in ordinary flesh. Perfect score. 6 points. Weight in a draft horse 

 is absolutely necessary for the hauling of heavy loads. It enables 

 the horse to derive full benefit from the strength of his muscles, adds 

 to the effect of his motions, and gives him a firm grip upon the 

 ground. Heavy weight is a useless burden when not associated with 

 adequately developed frame and muscle. It should be accompanied 

 by vigor and energy. 



