SOUND AND UNSOUND HORSES 



being fine, long and silky, with a corre- 

 sponding condition of hair from the 

 lower parts of the limbs. Coarse hair 

 in these regions is indicative of inferior 

 breeding. 



The most characteristic feature of the . 

 typical Shire is his heavy compact body 

 and short powerful limbs and quarters. 



It is in weight of body that the 

 Shire excels over his rival, the 

 Clydesdale. 



Head- — Broad across the forehead 

 (4), broad towards the point of nose and 

 '' set on " obliquely. Muzzle (i) should 

 be fine and have a " tassel " of fine 

 hair — a characteristic of the true Shire. 



Eyes (5) full, but free from vicious 

 expression. 



Neck (6) short, well arched, passing 

 below into deep and powerful shoulders 

 (7). Withers (15) thick and broad. 

 Great width and depth of chest 

 are a sine qua non in a Shire. 



73 



