456 Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



racing purposes the almost exclusive requirements are speed, stamina, 

 and durability. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE TYPE 



General appearance. — There is considerable variation in the size 

 and general appearance of the light-harness horse. The demand for 

 speed has been so great that breeders have been obliged to center their 

 attention upon this one factor almost to the exclusion of other desirable 

 features, including uniformity of type. However, in breeding for speed 

 alone, certain other characters are bound to be impressed also. Speed 

 in the light-harness horse is associated or correlated with refinement, 

 endurance, and courage. Size, symmetry, and beauty are not corre- 

 lated with speed except in the most general way. The light-harness 

 horse varies in weight from 800 to 1,250 pounds, and in height from 

 14-2 to 16-1. Weights from 950 to 1,150 pounds and heights from 15 

 to 16 hands are most common. This type is rather upstanding, leggy, 

 long, deep, narrow, and angular. Quality is shown by clean, smooth, 

 dense bone; sharply defined tendons and joints; a chiseled, blooded- 

 looking head; fine skin and hair; fine-haired mane and tail; and hoofs 

 of smooth, dense horn. 



The head should be refined and well proportioned, with a straight 

 face line, a fine muzzle, large nostrils, and thin, trim lips. The eyes 

 should be large, prominent, clear, and bright. The forehead should be 

 high, broad, and full. The ears should be fine, pointed, set close, and 

 carried alert. 



A long, lean neck, with a fine throttle, is desired. Ewe necks are 

 common. A straight neck, or one with slight arch, is preferable. 



Long, smooth, sloping shoulders, fitted close to the ribs, and high, 

 refined withers are essential. 



The middle of the light-harness horse is characterized by a deep 

 rib without much arch. The chest gets its capacity from depth, rather 

 than from width. A straight, medium-short, well-muscled back and 

 loin are essential. The underline is long, and the flanks should be well 

 let down. 



The hips should be of medium width. This type does not present 

 as smooth a hip as the carriage horse. A little prominence of hip is 

 not very objectionable, but if this is so pronounced as to give a rough 

 appearance it is undesirable. 



A long, level, muscular croup of medium width is best suited to 

 this type. Defective croups are common. The tail should be attached 

 high and well carried. 



Long, muscular thighs give speed. Well-muscled quarters are 

 necessary for strength. 



