70 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



far more work than where these features are lacking. The 

 tendons which lie back of the cannon bone, if clearly defined, 

 indicate quality and strength of limb. The character of skin 

 and hair is also an important indicator of quality. Minute 

 glands in the skin give off oil which keeps the skin soft 

 and elastic and furnishes the gloss to the hair. In case of 

 sickness these glands may not work and then the skin is 

 dry and harsh and the hair is lacking in lustre. On the 

 draft horse the skin is thicker than on a race horse, but even 

 then it is not nearly so thick as on beef cattle. It should 

 be mellow and elastic to the touch and should be covered 

 thickly with fine, lustrous hair. The horse that possesses 

 such a coat of hair is sure to possess all the essentials of 

 quality. The foretop, man,e and tail should be well sup- 

 plied with hair of both length and quality. On hairy 

 legged horses, notably the Clydesdale and Shire, the long 

 hair or ''feather" down the back of the cannon is highly 

 valued as an evidence of quality, and especially in its re- 

 lationship to the bone.. A feather long and fine in quality 

 is much admired. Quality is also manifested in the clearly 

 defined appearance of the head in particular. "When the 

 head shows a cleanly chiseled form, prominent, expressive 

 eyes, neat and well set ears, thin lips and good sized nos- 

 trils, quality is very apparent. Quality plays a most im- 

 portant part in the market place and show ring. For this 

 reason experienced horsemen give special attention to the 

 skin and coat of hair, feeding and grooming to secure the 

 best effect. The draft horse with quality will always com- 

 mand a much higher price than one otherwise equally good. 

 No horse of inferior quality should be given high rating by 

 a judge. 



The temperament of the draft horse, as usually ap- 

 plied to domestic animals, refers to the relationship of the 

 nerves to the body and functional activity, and is discussed 

 elsewhere, on page 45. The temperament should be suited 

 to the draft type, with a reasonable degree of activity and 

 animation. Dullness, slowness and indifference are quite 



