Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



419 



of action. As viewed from the side, the axis of the front pastern and 

 foot should meet the ground at an angle of about 45 degrees. This 

 angle affords the best combination of strength and springiness. 



When moving toward or from you, the feet of the horse should 

 appear to have only one motion, which should be vertically up and 

 down. This is very essential in every type of horse. Height of action 



Fig. 159. — Side view of hind legs. A vertical line downward from the point 

 of the buttock should touch the rear edge of the cannon from hock to fetlock and meet 

 the ground some little distance behind the heel. A, Ideal position; B, stands under; 

 C, camped out; D, hind leg too straight. 



in any type should be great enough to clear the ground by a reasonable 

 distance, so as to prevent stumbling and insure length of stride. The 

 carriage horse is required to go higher than this for reasons which will 

 be explained in connection with the description of that type. The 

 essentials of good action are (1) straight-line action, (2) long stride, 

 and (3) foot should be picked up with snap. Defects in conformation 



Fig. 160. — Rear view of hind legs. A vertical line downward from the point 

 of the buttock should fall upon the center of the hock, cannon, pastern, and foot. 

 A, Ideal position; B, stands wide; C, bow legged; D, stands close; E, cow hocked. 



and placing of feet and legs result in defects in action. Only when the 

 legs are correctly proportioned and properly placed can good action 

 result. Correctness of action depends also upon temperament, strength 

 of muscling, height over withers as compared with height over hips, 

 and general symmetry and proportionment of parts. The most com- 



