272 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



useful on the farm depends upon the work to be done. Light 

 horses cover the ground quickly but are unable to pull heavy 

 loads, especially over uneven surfaces or up steep grades. 

 Very heavy horses do not work to advantage with light loads, 

 or on soft ground, as in such operations as harrowing. The 

 fact that about nine-tenths of all farm horses are medium, 

 or light draft, is an evidence that experience has shown this 

 size is best for general farm work. 



In either case, size is not as important as the fact that 

 animals should possess certain traits and characteristics. 

 They should have a gentle disposition; should be easy to 

 handle, with no bad habits such as biting, kicking, stall 

 walking, fence jumping and the like; should be sound 

 free from defects decreasing efficiency, such as short wind, 

 etc.; should be active rather than sluggish in movement; 

 should have a good conformation (includes, short neck, 

 shoulders sloped sufficiently to form a good collar seat, broad 

 and prominent breast, legs well shaped and well placed, feet 

 and pasterns sloping but neither stubby nor flat, short back, 

 closely set but with well-sprung ribs, and well-developed 

 hindquarters). 



Housing. Proper housing for horses should include pro- 

 vision for ventilation, light, protection from cold and damp- 

 ness, comfortable stalls, and means for feeding. A provision 

 for good ventilation with freedom from drafts is the most 

 important feature of a good stable. A safe rule for ventilation 

 is to allow two cubic feet of air space for each pound of live 

 weight. High ceilings furnish air space, save floor space, and 

 make possible good ventilation and lighting. Windows with 

 the sash hung near the middle afford light and an easy method 

 of ventilation. Light should be admitted from the rear or 

 side of stalls, not from the front. 



