836 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



Among these horses the defects are seen in their long, narrow head, 

 which is but slightly arched and poorly attached ; their eyes, which are 

 placed high ; their slender neck, flat chest, weak back, long and poorly- 

 attached loins, hollow flanks, prominent haunches, slender members, 

 coarse mane and tail, and large and flat feet. Their movements, it is 

 true, have a certain elegance, but they are excitable. These subjects trot 

 from the knee (knee-action) and are wanting in speed and in activity. 



Price. — The price varies according to the size of the animals, 

 their conformation, breeding, pedigree, coat, and especially according 

 to the dressing, tlie mating, and the brilliancy of their gaits. It varies, 

 for a pair of fine coach-horses, from $2000 to $3000 and even $4000. 



But this price increases very much when two pairs of horses, very 

 similar and well mated in all respects, are selected, for they are obtained 

 with difficulty. Under these conditions, there are examples of two 

 matched pairs which have cost as much as $12,000 and $15,000. 



On the other hand, it is possible to buy a pair of Hanoverian, 

 Mecklenburg, or Friesland horses for $1000, $1500, or $1800 at the 

 most, but they are never coach-horses of the highest grade. 



2. Small Coach-Horses. 



Mode of Utilization. — The small coach-horse is harnessed 

 single or double to carriages of less weight, such as the landau, three- 

 quarter coupes, ordinary coupes, etc. Less wealthy people drive them 

 sometimes to the landau and the caleche as they would a large coach- 

 horse, which would, however, be much more in accord with this kind 

 of vehicle were his price not so high. 



Height. — As its name indicates, this horse is of inferior size to 

 that of the preceding; it varies from 1.56 metres to 1.62 metres. 



Preferred Coats. — The whims of fashion are here as exacting 

 as for the large coach-horse. If the light coats, principally the gray, 

 are preferred, it is on condition that the subjects have some exceptional 

 qualities. 



Conformation. — The conformation of this horse always implies 

 elegance, style, firmness, brilliant and striding gaits. Nevertheless, he 

 should be more bulky, more stocky, and closer to the ground than the 

 large coacher. Besides, proportionally, his work is more considerable, 

 since he is generally driven alone to carriages almost as heavy. Among 

 other beauties, he must have a neat head, long neck, good withers and 

 shoulders, strong body, strong members, without defect and with good 

 equilibrium, good action, and enough bulk to fill the harness well 

 (Fig. 338). 



