48 JUDGING HORSES 



instances that have been observed by diflferent poultry breed- 

 ers, bearing out the proposition that sterility through close 

 in and inbreeding with some animals is followed by the loss 

 or interchange of sex characteristics. 



80. Relation of Sex Characteristics to Prepotency. The 

 non-development of the sex characteristics in the male is 

 indicative of the lack of vigor and that in turn has a close 

 relation to prepotency or the impressive powers of a sire. 

 Effeminacy means a lack of tone in muscle and loss of vigor 

 and this is very observable in sires lacking in impressive 

 powers, while the most noted sires in the history of breeding 

 have been remarkably virile with the characteristics of mas- 

 culinity unusually developed. 



81. The Stallion Classes. Excepting the sex character- 

 istics the stallion should have the qualities that have been 

 described in the class for geldings. The stallion should have 

 the determined expression, the hard features, the high crest 

 and full neck, that are evidences of masculinity. With 

 these there should be the active vigorous temperament, 

 which also indicates virility. The testicles should be nor- 

 mal in size and both should be visible in the sac or scrotum, 

 for impotency is often indicated by their non-appearance. 



It is a frequent subject for discussion as to whether or not 

 the stallions in some classes should be judged solely as to 

 their individual merit or also include the merit of their pedi- 

 gree, performance and progeny. Usually the conditions 

 relating to the awarding of the prizes are explicit enough 

 to avoid such a discussion but where they are not it is best 

 to consider in making awards all the attributes that will 

 add to the value of the stallion. Pedigree in a breeding 

 class has a value, so has performance ; and for this reason 

 they should be given consideration along with the personal 

 merit of the stallion and his progeny. In the instance 

 of a standard bred trotter it is assumed by some that 

 the fact that the stallion complies with the standard is 



