GENERAL EXAMINATION 



It will be noticed that the form of the loin, the shape of the 

 croup, the fullness of the thigh and quarters are due in the 

 greatest degree to the extra development of muscle in these 

 parts. The front quarter of the horse is bare of muscle in 

 comparison with the hind quarter. 



Another reason for accepting this theory is the difference 

 in the manner of the attachment of the fore legs to the body, 

 compared to that of the hind legs. The shoulder blade 

 is loosely attached to the trunk while the hind leg connects 

 with the body through the agency of an unusually strong 

 ball and socket joint. The shoulder blade plays loosely, 

 seemingly for the purpose of lessening the concussion the leg 

 receives from contact with the ground, while the hind legs 

 in their connection with the pelvis make a joint that is the 

 most powerful of the bod}-. 



7. Three Classes of Light Horses. The light horse in 

 respect to form and other characteristics may be divided into 

 three main classes: the carriage horse, the road horse and 

 the saddle horse. These may be spoken of as the most com- 

 mon types recognized in the market, w^hile the pure bred 

 representatives of them are to be seen in the breeds of coach 

 horses, the standard trotter and the standard saddle horse. 



8. The Coach or Carriage Horse. The distinguishing 

 features of the coach or carriage horse are its symmetry and 

 action. The height should be about i6 hands to make a 

 good appearance. In contrast with the roadster the carriage 

 horse is very smooth and symmetrical. The smoothness 

 should be due to plumpness of the muscle over all parts. 

 In the carriage type the head saould be comparatively small 

 and lean, the ear neat, the neck long and carried gracefully, 

 the body round and plump and the limbs clean cut, with 

 well formed and durable feet. Graceful carriage and stylish 

 action are leading qualifications. 



9. Analysis of Style. When in any posture, style is a 

 very desirable attribute in any carriage horse. A critical 



