CHAPTER XII 



THE DRAFT-HORSE TYPE 



The general conformation of the draft horse involves a massive 

 form, a compact and blocky body, and a comparative shortness 

 and strength of limb, the whole being in harmonious proportion. 

 Weight is a most important consideration, for a true draft horse 

 must weigh heavy compared with the lighter type. A draft horse 

 in fair condition at maturity may weigh anywhere from 1600 

 to 2000 or more pounds. Grouped into classes, the light draft 

 horse may weigh usually from 1600 to 1700 pounds, the medium 

 from 1700 to 1850, and the heavy from 1850 up. The greater 

 the weight, as a rule, the higher the price paid for the superior 

 specimen of the type. In order to pull heavy loads the draft 

 horse must possess plenty of weight. It is very evident that the 

 heavy horse in harness brings greater power into the collar than 

 does the lighter one. 



In discussing the medium of draft Hayes writes as follows : 



Bodily weight is of special use in draft on slippery roads, such as those of 

 wood pavements and asphalt, because in such case the security of the foothold 

 of a heavy horse would not be so much endangered as that of a lighter though 

 equally strong animal. Also, the employment of bodily weight on a smooth 

 and level road would entail less strain and fatigue than that of muscular pro- 

 pulsion. Hence, improvements in roads have been accompanied by increase in 

 weight of the cart horse. The question as to the relative proportions of the 

 weight and strength of these animals cannot be decided with accuracy owing 

 to the infinite variety of conditions which would have to be considered. We 

 may, however, take for granted that the comparative weight which would be 

 an advantage to a heavy draft horse in a city like London would be a decided 

 drawback to the efficiency of a cart horse that had to do his work on arable 

 land, especially if it was rough, like on ridge and furrow ; because the raising 

 of his weight at each step would entail far greater muscular exertion than if 

 his labor was on a smooth road. 



The height is not so material provided there is the necessary 

 weight. Draft horses usually stand from 16 to \J\ hands, though 

 occasional exceptions occur. The light draft represents the lesser 



