444 Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



should be carried well up, giving a stylish appearance and a good out- 

 look, and the top of the horse should be carried level and true, with- 

 out any rolling or wobbling motion from side to side, and without any 

 indication of lameness. The front and hindquarters should act in 

 unison, and the legs should be kept well under the body as the horse 

 travels, showing no tendency to drag the hind legs, and especially the 

 hocks, out behind the body. When kept up underneath as they should 

 be, and when all the motions of the horse are in unison, we say that he 

 moves in a collected manner. As before stated, perfection in action 

 can result only when there is a combination of proper conformation 

 and strength, and a willing disposition. 



Common defects in the action of draft horses are: (1) going wide 

 at the hocks, (2) swinging the fore legs outward, called "paddling," 

 (3) swinging in, (4) striking supporting leg with foot of striding leg, 

 called "interfering," (5) twisting striding leg around in front of support- 

 ing leg, called "winding," "plaiting," or "rope walking," (6) short, 

 stubby stride, (7) low, skimming action, called "daisy cutting," (8) 

 unsteadiness of gait, (9) striking sole or heels of fore foot with toe of 

 hind foot, called "forging," (10) excessive lateral shoulder motion, 

 called "rolling," (11) lack of energy or snap, and (12) lameness. 



On the matter of type.— To present the best appearance, the 

 drafter should not be over-drafty in type; that is, shortness of leg and 

 compactness and width of body should not be carried to the extreme. 

 A certain degree of length of leg, length of neck, and length of under- 

 line is necessary, not only for the sake of looks, but also because it 

 actually makes the horse more useful. He takes a longer step, and 

 will do more work in a day than the extremely pudgy type of horse. 

 On the other hand, we certainly do not want a horse that is all length 

 and style. We must aim at the middle ground, selecting for as much 

 style as may be had without sacrifice of any of those qualities which 

 make the draft horse useful for his work. 



Finish. — The term "finish" refers to fatness and to the condition 

 of the coat. The horse market discriminates in price to a considerable 

 degree between the fat drafter and the thin one, and it is surprising 

 what an improvement is made in some horses by the addition of fat. 

 Fatness adds to the weight, improves the form and spirit, and provides 

 the necessary reserve store of energy to carry the horse through the 

 first few weeks in the city during adjustment to city sights, sounds, 

 loads, pavements, stables, and other new conditions. Although fat 

 is important in the horse for sale or show, the judge must learn to 

 distinguish between fat and muscle, and must not be deceived as to 

 size of middle, spring or rib, or length of back and croup. The coat 

 should be well groomed, so as to give the animal a sleek appearance. 



