THE COACH OR CARRIAGE HORSE TYPE 



59 



The neck of the coach horse in its best development may 

 appear somewhat long, is gracefully arched, and shows a smooth, 

 full, muscular development, yet is entirely free from thickness 

 of draft-horse character. A ewe neck is out of place in this 

 class. Much of the style and symmetry of the coach horse at 

 rest is seen in the carriage and make-up of head and neck. In 

 its attachment to the body the neck should blend smoothly. 



The chest of the coach horse calls for neither the thickness of 

 the draft horse nor the narrowness of the Thoroughbred, but for 

 a happy medium. It should be deep, and the breast should be 

 carried out with some prominence. Too broad a chest prevents 

 an open, free action. 



The shoulders of the coach horse are long and oblique, sloping 

 well into the back, with withers medium prominent and refined. 

 A steep shoulder prevents a strong, rapid gait and promotes 

 hard action, leading to defects of feet and legs. High or free 

 knee action is dependent on a long, well-laid, muscular shoulder. 

 The long shoulder, the short back, and the long underline are 

 features associated with the best development. 



The body of the coach horse should be round, short on top 

 and long below, the ribs being long and well arched and the 

 back and loin covered smoothly with strong, thick muscle. The 

 loin in particular calls for strength, as indicated in levelness, 

 breadth, and thickness. Depth of body at both front and hind 

 flanks is desirable, with not too much prominence and over- 

 shadowing of hips. 



The croup of the coach horse furnishes the power at the hind 

 end. It should be long, broad, carried high, and thickly muscled. 

 A steep, short croup is inconsistent with a beautiful coacher. 

 The tail should have a high attachment, and should be carried 

 with style and elevation. 



The thigJis and quarters of the coach horse must be muscular 

 and plump, furnishing fullness of outline. The muscle of the 

 thighs at the quarters must be thick and deep, giving fullness 

 to the hind end. The gaskin, or lower thigh, should be strongly 

 muscled and long. 



The hocks of the coach horse, viewed from one side, should 

 be deep from front to rear ; the front should he broad and the 



