26 THE SHIRE OR CART HORSE. 



strong, broad, and clothed with powerful muscles. 

 If the back is too short it makes the animal defective 

 in power in this region. 



Most Shire horses are particularly good in the 

 back, loins, and quarters, but, as in every other 

 variety of horse, weedy specimens are not un- 

 common. 



Broad quarters and a gracefully-turned croup, 

 together with powerful first and second thighs, 

 and clean sound hocks, are a sine qua non. 



Take particular notice of the hock and knee 

 action, because a Shire should be a particularly 

 free mover. If it is at all sluggish in this respect 

 do not buy it. The following postulates should be 

 borne in mind when purchasing a horse of this class : 



Firstly : See that the horse is sound in its 

 wind ; but a veterinary surgeon is the 

 right person to examine a horse before 

 buying it. 



Secondly : Do not buy if the animal's sight is 

 not perfectly good. 



Thirdly : Remember that such vices as crib- 

 biting, weaving, and wind-sucking, all pre- 

 dispose to disease, and are objectionable 

 habits. 



