132 TiiK lI(»i;sK I.NiusTKV IN New York State 



down towards the ground, indicates that the liorse has a hirge heart 

 and hmg capacity, as well as ample space for the digestive ap- 

 paratns. Select those with level top lines and short hacks, heavily 

 ninscled over the loins; that is, the muscles hetween the hips and 

 kidneys shonld he hroad and appear full and prominent. A de- 

 pression in front of the hij)s indicates hick of endnrance and 

 weakness of the m.ost serious nature. Many drafters have very 

 steep rumps, but choose those that ai'e more nearly leveh. Many 

 of the hest ones have a strong- dock. The size of the head and 

 neck should be proportionate to the rest of the body. A rather 

 small, lean head, smoothly attached to a well-arched neck gives the 

 drafter a certain amount of style and digiiity that we all admire. 

 Ample width between full prominent eyes and nicely placed ears 

 of medium size signify intelligence and a good disposition, r.ong, 

 sloping shoulders, on account of allowing greater freedom of mo- 

 tion and preventing an undue amount of concussion, are 'much 

 preferred to straight, upright shoulders. This is a very important 

 consideration, especially if we expect a considerable amount of 

 work at the trot. The slope of the pastern (the space between the 

 hoof and fetlock) has an essential bearing on the amount of road 

 work a drafter can perform. Short, straight pasterns, while they 

 may appear stronger, are often the cause of ringbones, sidebones, 

 and various foot lamenesses ; whereas a pastern of moderate length, 

 sloping at an angle of about forty -five degrees, renders the jar or 

 concussion on the parts below much less severe. 



THE LI.MDS .VXD FF.E'I' 



The cannons (the bone and tendons between the fetlock and the 

 joint above) should be short and wide in front and extend well- 

 back. They should l)e flat and appear free from all surplus tissue. 

 Hence, the old idea that the round, stocky leg lacks quality is true. 

 It is not the bone or tendons, but an excessive amount of con- 

 nective tissue and a thick skin, that gives it its round ajipearance. 

 As the front feet have to support at least two-thirds of the weight 

 of the body, it is not surprising that the trouble is within or 

 around the foot with 75 per cent of the horses that are lame 

 forward. 



The quality of the hoof can usually be judged by the quality 



