HORSES OF LUXURY. 839 



Conformation. The purity of the anatomical outlines approaches 

 perfection ; the harmony of the form and the fine proportions of the 

 body give to the connoisseur an impression of plastic beauty ; the thin- 

 ness of the integument, the neatness of the members, and the beauty of 

 the whole are carried almost to extremes ; the ease and suppleness of 

 the movements, the gracefulness of the attitudes, the nobleness of the 

 walk, the expression of the physiognomy, the pride and intelligence 

 of the look, the elegance and brilliancy of the gaits, united to breed- 

 ing, docility, impetuosity, and ardor, such are the qualities which this 

 horse should possess, the animal chosen by every sportsman really 

 worthy of the name (Fig. 339). 



Origin. The finest hackneys are often of pure English breeding, 

 sometimes Irish very nearly thoroughbred. Eastern Prussia also fur- 

 nishes some ; they are known in commerce by the name trakens, 

 because they are produced principally in the stud of Trakehnen. 

 Some, also, come from Wiirtemberg, in the neighborhood of Stuttgart. 

 Finally, Normandy possesses some that are quite handsome, principally 

 in that part of the department of Orne which is called Merlerault. 



The hackney lightest in weight, that which is preferred for ladies 

 and young men, is found among horses of all origins, many of them, 

 however, being small thoroughbreds and horses from Southern France, 

 principally from the vicinity of Tarbes. 



Price. The price of these animals varies, much according to size, 

 conformation, fineness, breeding, gaits, coats, etc. The largest ones 

 cost from $600 to $1400 or $1600 ; the smaller ones from $200 to 

 $1000 or $1200. 



2. The Cob. 



Mode of Utilization. The cob is a horse of luxury for driving 

 or riding, which is used as a saddle-horse for old persons and those of 

 heavy weight, and which may, besides, be employed as a driving-horse 

 for light carriages, such as phaetons, buggies, dog-carts, etc. 



Height. The expression cob has been abused by being applied 

 to all rather powerful small horses. In England the average height 

 of the cob is 1.40 metres; in France he is larger, his height varying 

 from 1.50 metres to 1.58 metres. 



Preferred Coats. The present fashion rather favors the roan 

 and the iron gray, but we find all kinds of coats. 



Conformation. This horse, a very pleasant sort to use, is short, 

 stubby, muscular, regular and round in form, close to the ground ; he 

 has an expressive head, a rather strong neck, a wide chest, strong 

 members, compact conformation, and a calm and docile temperament. 



