JUDGING HORSES 175 



mechanical excellence of conformation is a much more important 

 factor in determining the period of usefulness of a horse than his 

 age (Figs. 118 and 119). 



Disposition and intelligence have much to do mth a horse's 

 usefulness. Together they determine the character of his per- 

 formance, within the limits of his possibilities as fixed by type, 

 conformation, and soundness. A good, honest, game horse will 

 oftentimes give more satisfactory service in spite of some phys- 

 ical infirmity than a sound horse that is sour, crabbed, or deficient 

 in horse sense, WTiether one rides or drives for profit or pleasure, 

 that end is greatly enhanced by the cheerful responsiveness with 

 which the horses do their work. Horses are being more and 

 more exclusively used for sporting purposes and to realize the 

 greatest delight from a ride or a drive the horse should enter 

 fully into the spirit of the occasion. 



Both intelligence and disposition are reflected in the horse's 

 countenance — the expression of the eye, the poise of the ear, and 

 his general behavior. Some horses are much more demonstrative 

 than others. 



REVIEW 



1. What are the responsibilities of the judge? 



2. What does judging- involve beside an analysis of the individuals 



under consideration ? 



3. Of what assistance is the law of con-elation to the practical judge? 



4. What is the importance of a system of examination in judging? 



Outline the most logical system. 



5. What features are to be considered in judging? 



6. Discuss the proper use of the score card. 



7. Upon what will the importance of an unsoundness depend? 



8. What Ls the relation of confonnation to the possible occurrence of 



unsoundness? 



9. How do the teeth come to have a definite appearance at different 



ages ? 

 10. What can be said in defence of the old horse? 



