34 THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE. 



sale ; others, again, at intervals of a few years. 

 The most important points to look for when 

 selecting a Hackney are the general build of the 

 animal and its action fore and aft. The term 

 " extravagant action " is applied when the knee 

 and shoulder action is excessively high ; but, of 

 course, this is unsuitable for saddle purposes. In 

 fact, for the latter use the animal must not have a 

 high action, but be a good all-round mover, neither 

 high nor low. For harness purposes it is a different 

 matter, many buyers preferring a high degree of 

 action, style being more important than durability. 

 On looking over the points, note whether the head 

 is free from coarseness; a heavy, coarsely-moulded 

 head, covered by thick skin, and coarse hair, is indi- 

 cative of inferior quality. Note the expression 

 in the eyes, which should be full of intelligence 

 and free from any vicious expression. The neck 

 should be of moderate length, thick, and show a 

 well-developed crest, ending below in moderately 

 high withers. For saddle purposes, low withers 

 are objectionable. 



Back and loins to be strong, ending in gracefully- 

 sloping quarters, and powerful first and second 

 thighs. 



Pay particular attention to the fore limbs. A 



