The Horse on Xew ^'ok'k Statk pAims 131 



build is superior to many drafters, especially when the main 

 object of the breeder was to produce a horse of great weight, 

 regardless of qnality. The greatest demand is for horses weigh- 

 ing from 1,100 to l,(iOO ponnds, the most popular weight being 

 around 1,400 pounds when in good working condition. Very 

 often a 1,000-pound horse when shipped from the West will 

 normally weigh only about 1,400 pounds after having been 

 worked for several months. 



POTXTS OF EXrELT-EXCE 



As the majority of new horses required to replenish tlie farms 

 of the state each year are imported from other states and then 

 purchased from horse dealers, 1 should like to mention a few 

 points which I consider every farmer should be able to judge be- 

 fore making the purchase. If you are unable to judge the age 

 of a horse, by all means employ a man who can. Thousands of 

 old horses are being shipped into this state each year and sold for 

 high prices to the farmers for seven- eight- and nine-year-olds. 

 The art of burning with a hot iron, or grinding with files little 

 holes on the wearing surface of the front teeth to make them 

 appear like natural cups, and thus deceive the unsuspecting cus- 

 tomer, is being practiced extensively. Xature surrounds the cup 

 with a very thin layer of white enamel. Xice, even cavities or 

 cups not surrounded by enamel should arouse our suspicion of 

 fraud. 



The horse sliould have a strong, muscular appearance with a 

 certain amount of refinement and quality, indicating that every 

 pound of weight is necessary for his development and usefulness. 

 Of what use is a hundred pounds of extra weight carried on the 

 head and neck or another hundred pounds of unnecessary connec- 

 tive tissue, which predisposes to stocking of the limbs and lym- 

 phangitis '. Plenty of weight in muscle, bone and tendons placed 

 in proportionate amounts in the right places is essential. I'hat is 

 the reason why some of our well-bred smaller types of horses are so 

 powerful. 



A good sized barrel or alxlomen shows that tlie horse has plenty 

 of room for his dinner and indicates a good feeder. A well-sprung 

 rib, wdiich is one that extends well out froin the backbone and well 



