194 HANDBOOK OF THE TUKF. 



Points. Exterior conformation. All those outward feat- 

 ures or sections of the horse's form, which have different names 

 and different functions, the union or combination of which 

 make up the whole exterior of beauty and perfect service. 

 The term points has commonly been used to describe the mem- 

 bers, or legs of the horse, as in the phrase : "Bay with black 

 points," meaning black legs; as though they were the only 

 points possessed by the horse. In fact, however, every part of 

 the exterior of the horse form a joint, point, or line to some 

 other line or distinctive feature in his exterior conformation, is 

 a point equally with his members or legs. Hence, the error of 

 applying the word point only to them. The more correct 

 expression to use in this instance, is : " Bay, with black extrem- 

 ities ; " or, " bay, with black members ; " the word points should 

 not be used in this connection. 



Points. A system, scheme or schedule of points cover- 

 ing the conformation, breeding, health, and performance of a 

 horse, each point represented by an equivalent number, the 

 sum total of which is perfection ; used in scoring or judging, 

 and by the test of which system an animal will score a certain 

 number of points, the range of judgment extending from a 

 cipher [0] up to the figures indicating perfection in each point 

 — the sum total of each being cut for defects, or retained at or 

 near perfection for the presence of excellencies. There is no 

 one accepted standard of points; there are several distinct 

 ones each of which have material differences. In some there 

 are as few as thirteen points on structure or conformation ; in 

 others as many as twenty or more, in each case the total scale 

 reaching 100. Some schemes include educational points, or a 

 given number for the good discipline of a saddle horse — others 

 exclude this; some include a health scale for soundness and 

 fre 3dom from vice ; while all embrace historical points which 

 relate to pedigree, performance and quality or merit of offspring. 



Judgment. 



Total, 100 



