Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 449 



of the carriage. Bad behavior while standing or in action also lessens 

 the attractiveness of appearance. He must be so thoroughly trained 

 and familiar with the commands of his driver that the execution of 

 whatever is asked will be done involuntarily, unhesitatingly, and in- 

 stantly. Every command of word, whip, or rein must be received 

 intelligently, and intelligently acted upon by the horse. 



4. Temperament. — The sanguine or nervous temperament is the 

 one desired in carriage horses, for without it we cannot expect that 

 degree of action which is required, nor that quickness of response to 

 commands which is essential. 



5. Color. — The dark solid colors are preferred, as being in proper 

 accord with the elegant vehicles drawn by this horse. White ankles 

 are often favored, because a horse so marked has his action emphasized 

 and easily seen. Grays, roans, and light colors usually are heavily 

 discounted or even rejected, and in horses for ladies' use even the 

 white markings are discriminated against. True elegance and good 

 taste are wanted, and this excludes colors that are flashy and calculated 

 to attract undue attention. 



6. Endurance and durability. — The carriage horse is required to 

 make only short trips at moderate speed. Endurance is not so essen- 

 tial, therefore, as in other tj^Des. However, durability, which means 

 wearing quality, is of great importance. Extrem.ely high action makes 

 necessary the best of feet and legs. Durability is almost entirely de- 

 pendent upon the amount and quality of bone, and the structure and 

 texture of feet. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE TYPE 



General appearance. — Compactness and fullness of form are re- 

 quired in order that the horse may fill his harness properly and be in 

 proper keeping with the vehicles before which he is put. He must 

 possess great smoothness of conformation, with all his lines curving 

 rather than angular. He must appear snugly put together. Medium 

 length of leg is required to give proper action and lend him style and 

 symmetry. The height ranges from 14 to 16-1 hands, and the weight 

 from 900 to 1,300 pounds. The greatest demand is for horses standing 

 from 15 to 16 hands. Quality is indicated in bone, joints, hoofs, hair, 

 head, and smoothness of form. As the subject of quality has been 

 fully discussed in connection with draft horse type, lengthy description 

 is unnecessary here. Quality is valuable in the carriage horse because 

 it assures durability, and because refinement and smoothness add 

 beauty to the horse. 



The head should be refined and well proportioned with every fea- 

 ture sharply defined. The forehead should be broad, and the eyes 



