THE ORLOFF TROTTER 



55 



the back, which is short and strong, appears slightly swayed and runs into 

 broad, full loins. The croup has a peculiar rounding and is somewhat 

 sloping. It is supplied with clearly defined layers of muscles, from which 

 the horse derives its great propelling power. The shoulders are quite slop- 

 ing and well muscled without being heavy. Fore arm and thigh show plenty 

 of muscle and great length, while the cannons are correspondingly short, 

 with an abundance of bone below the knee and hock. In standing the legs 

 are generally carried well under the body. Forelock, mane, and tail show 



Fig. 17. Oussan. An Orloff trotter shown at Columbian Exposition, 

 Chicago, 1893. Commended for perfect form, size, and speed. 

 Owned by the Grand Duke Dimitri of Russia 



a rich growth of medium fine hair, inclined to be wavy. A peculiarity is 

 the growth of fine, long hair on the fetlocks, which seems to act as a pro- 

 tection in deep snow. 



The general appearance of the Orloff when at rest is that of an animal 

 of good size and substantial build, perhaps a trifle leggy on account of the 

 proportionately small rump as compared with shoulders and hind quarters, 

 and a faint suggestion of coarseness on account of the strong legs and full 

 hoofs. The whole appearance changes wonderfully, however, the moment 

 the horse is in motion. Going up on the bit, head carried up and well arched 

 in the neck, ears pointed and constantly playing, nostrils dilated and eyes 

 sparkling, he moves along with determination and the precision of a piece 

 of mechanism. The fore legs are well bent in the knee, the feet almost 

 touching the elbows, while the hind legs are brought forward with great 

 power, striking the ground well in front of the imprints of the fore feet. 



