60 Tlie Care of Animals 



be broad, the nose straigfht, the sides of the face slightly 

 dished, the cranial bones well rounded, and the eye full, 

 bright and prominent. Horses with small "bullet" eyes 

 look better when driven with blinders on. If the nose 

 is too concave, the horse is said to be "dish -faced," and 

 if too convex, a Roman nose results. The nostrils 

 should be large and easily dilated, the lips firm and fine, 

 and the cheek well muscled. The ears should be of 

 moderate size, fine, tapering and mobile, approaching 

 each other at the tips when erect. If the ears are too 

 small they have a stubby look; if too large, they are 

 mulish in appearance. A lop-eared horse is liable to 

 have a contrary, morose disposition, or worse. The ex- 

 pression of the e^e, ear and countenance gives promi- 

 nent indications of the character and disposition of the 

 animal. The neck should be of medium size and length, 

 the skin fine, and the muscles of the neck should have a 

 firm, "cordy" feel to the hand. A neck slightly arched 

 at the crest is usually desired; a thick, coarse one is 

 commonly called a "bull neck"; if too long and slender, 

 or too greatly arched, a "peacock" neck; and if concave 

 on upper outline, a "ewe" neck. The back should be 

 moderately straight, short, and well muscled ; such a 

 horse is said to be "well coupled." If the back is too 

 straight or convex, the animal is said to have a "roach" 

 back, and if too concave a "sway" back. The croup 

 should be slightly rounded and sloping, the tail should be 

 well hung and carried in a dainty manner. Horsemen 

 usually prefer that the tail or "dock" should be held 

 stiffly by the animal when an attempt is made to lift it 

 with the hand, as this is thought to indicate stamina. 



