140 TYPES AND BREEDS 



entire class of show horses or to pick out a car load in the time 

 required by the novice to score one individual. The former has 

 a fixed standard and a trained eye, which enable him to discern 

 instantly any deviations from his standard. 



Furthermore, he recognizes the law of con-elation and goes 

 by indices, largely, ^Wthout delaying to consider each detail 

 minutely. One feature or part is correlated Avith another, while 

 to a third it may be extremely opposed. Dimensions of the same 

 class are coiTelated, for instance, while those of opposite classes 

 are related as extreme. A long legged horse is also long in neck, 

 body, and stride, but is proportionately narrow and shallow 

 bodied ; a horse in which width is marked will be short and deep 

 bodied, with a short, thick neck, low set on his legs, and having 

 a short but perhaps trappy stride. 



A systematic method of making observations contributes both 

 to accuracy and dispatch in judging. By this means each look 

 is made to count, re|>etitions or omissions ai*e avoided, the pro- 

 portions and relations of the parts are kept in mind, and a more 

 comprehensive conception of the whole is obtained. 



System of Examining. — The most logical system of exami- 

 nation begins with a view of the horse from in front, noting the 

 temperament and disposition as indicated by the expression of 

 the countenance, all features of the head, the ^Wdth and depth of 

 chest, the station, the direction and conformation of the forelegs 

 and feet. Then passing to the side, near side usually, consider 

 the stature and scale, length or compactness, station, depth (espe- 

 cially in the flank), the carriage and shape of head and neck, the 

 shortness and levelness of the top line, the length and straight- 

 ness of under line, height and shape of the withers, the slope of 

 shoulder, direction and conformation of forelegs and feet, the 

 back, rib, loin, flank, coupling, croup, tail, stifle, thigh, direction 

 and confonnation of hind le2:s and feet. From the rear the s^^n- 

 metry, levelness, width and rotundity of hips, fulness of thighs 

 and quarters, direction and confonnation of hind legs and feet 

 may l>e determined. Viewing from the opposite side to confirm 

 the original side view would complete the examination of the 

 horse standing. 



He should then be moved away from tlie obsen^er, in order 



