CHAPTER III. 



DIFFERENT TYPES OF HORSES AND THEIR GENERAL 

 CHARACTER. 



In treating of the different types of horses here, it must be borne in 

 mind that only a passing notice can be given, but enough to give the 

 reader a definite idea that there is a great difference and that each have 

 their place for the duties required. We must select the type best suited 

 for the work to be performed with the least wear and tear on the con- 

 stitution of the animal, and as our very best and greatest improvements 

 in the equine race started with the horses of the desert — the Arabian, 

 it is only justice to this noble animal, that we begin here. 



THE ARABIANS HAVE QUALITY, INTELLIGENCE, ACTIVITY 

 AND ENDURANCE. 



The foot of the Arab horse is round and large, with a hard, tough 

 wall. The bones of the pastern-joint are fine, oblique and springy. The 

 cannon-bones are short and fine in proportion to the back sinews, but 

 have never been known to break down. The knees and hocks are 

 broad, clean cut and very strong. The shoulders are well clothed with 

 muscle, but the hind quarters are much narrower than in our horses. 

 The line of the hind quarter is finer, action freer and the upper thigh 

 longer than the English thoroughbred. In body the Arab is much 

 like the thoroughbred (the .source of the latter) e.xcept shorter in the 

 back and possibly higher at the croup, the tail "coming out high up. 

 The barrel is round, deep at the girth, with shoulders as good as any 

 horse, and forearms standing out with unusual prominence. The head 

 of the Arabian horse looks larger than that of the thoroughbred, chiefly 

 on account of the depth and spread of the jowl-width between the jaw 

 bones, giving plenty of room for the windpipe and an easy poise and 

 freedom of motion to the head. The forehead is prominent, the muzzle 

 fine and eyes large, and very mild in expression. The ears are fine and 

 beautifully shaped, though not what would be called small. The neck 

 of the x\rab is light and fine, with the head attached at a different angle 

 from the thoroughbred. The style of the Arab horse is something very 

 striking, with head and tail carried with such grace and character that 

 must be seen to be appreciated. The pure bred Arabian is a low, easy 

 gaited horse, and is good at the walk, trot or gallop, but the trot is but 

 little indulged in with the Arab. In disposition, the Arabian horses 

 are gentle and affectionate— familiar to almost the degree of being 



