478 Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



unshod. The shoeing rates in Chicago are $1 per shoe, at present. 

 Exclusive of the freight, shippers tell me that their expenses can be 

 figured to average at least $8 a horse in Chicago." 



Auction rules. ' — At the large horse markets, horses are sold at 

 auction under certain rules which are well known and understood by 

 all horsemen who buy or sell at these markets. As the horse comes 

 into the auction ring, a clerk on the auctioneer's stand displays a pla- 

 card on which appears in large letters the rule under which the animal 

 will be sold, such as "Sound," "Serviceably sound," "At the halter," 

 etc. The rule under which the horse is sold is a guarantee made by 

 the seller to the buyer. The buyer has until noon of the following day 

 to refuse the horse, if upon examination and trial he finds that the 

 animal is not as represented. 



The definitions of the principal rules which govern the sale of 

 horses are given below. Exceptions to these rules may be announced 

 from the auction stand, pointing out the defects, in which case they 

 are recorded and go with the horse. 



1. Sound. — Perfectly sound in every way. 



2. Serviceably sound. — Virtually a sound animal, barring slight 

 blemishes which do not interfere with his usefulness in any way. His 

 wind and eyes must be good, but a spot or streak in the eye which does 

 not affect the sight will be considered serviceably sound as long as the 

 pupil of the eye is good. He must not be lame or sore in any way. 



3. Wind and work. — The only guarantee this carries with it is 

 that the animal has good wind and is a good worker. 



4. Work only. — He must be a good worker, but everything else 

 goes with him. No other guarantee than to work, 



5. Legs go. — Everything that is on the animal's legs goes with 

 him; nothing is guaranteed except that he must not be lame or crampy. 

 He must, however, be serviceably sound in every other respect. 



6. At the halter. — Sold just as he stands without any recommenda- 

 tions. He may be lame, vicious, balky, a kicker, or anything else. 

 The purchaser takes all the risk. The title only is guaranteed. 



Market requirements. — The factors that determine how well 

 horses sell upon the market are soundness, conformation, quality, con- 

 dition, action, age, color, training, and style. These, together with 

 some minor considerations, are discussed below. 



Soundness. — The market demands that a horse be serviceably 

 sound, by which is meant one that is as good as a sound horse so far 

 as service is concerned. He may have slight blemishes, but nothing 



1 Illinois Bulletin 122, Market Classes and Grades of Horses and Mules, by R. C. 

 Obrecht, has been used as the basis for much of this chapter and Chapter XXXIX. 

 The student will find it well worth while to refer to this bulletin, especially for the 

 excellent illustrations which it contains. 



