BREEDING. 39 



pavements. Some horses cut with the spurn of the foot and 

 some with the heel, but this may be perceived by their standing, 

 for if a horse points the front of his foot inward he cuts with the 

 spurn, and if outward with the heeh 



For the average farm horse of this country about sixteen hands 

 is the most desirable height. A horse with full form and well- 

 developed muscles is preferable below rather than above sixteen 

 hands high. The weight should be from thirteen to fifteen hun- 

 dred pounds. Such is the most desirable horse in our cities for 

 all delivery and dray purposes. The saddle and carriage horse 

 should be of the same mold- — light and free of limb, with a 

 height of not more than fifteen hands and a half. A horse for 

 rapid motion should possess parts very different from the farm 

 horse. If the colt is designed for a saddle or carriage horse the 

 mare should be bred to a stallion of superior adaptation for one 

 or the other purpose. If for great speed the mare should go well 

 herself, and have good connections on her sid^, and should be 

 bred to a stallion that in connection with his family has been 

 noted for speed. 



In measuring a horse the height is taken at the highest bony 

 point of the withers, the spinous process of the seventh dorsal 

 vertebra. Care should be tahen to see that the horse, when 

 measured, is standing on an exact level with the examiner and 

 with the instrument used. The ordinary form of instrument 

 used is the standard, a rod six feet in height, with a movable 

 cross bar, the latter usually fitted with a spirit level. Care should 

 be taken to see that the upright is perfectly vertical, as a small 

 inclination will make an important difference in the horizontal 

 bar. When there is a decided difference in the height of the 

 withers and croup, as sometimes occurs, it should be noted, but 

 the record is taken from the form{>r. It must be remembered 

 that in double teams the form and style in carrying the head 

 will frequently render horses a good match, when the standard 

 shows a decided difference in their height. 



The horse varies in height from 9 to 22 hands; under 14 



