JUDGING HORSES OF LIGHT HARNESS TYPE 131 



type, however, as seen in the American roadster, trotter or 

 pacer, varies greatly in size and conformation. This is due 

 to the lack of systematic breeding within this class, and the 

 mating of animals of widely different blood lines and con- 

 formation. The discussion following is meant to apply to 

 a type of the light harness horse, bred for driving and speed, 

 that is of medium size and meets the demands of American 

 horsemen. What is known as the "Standard Bred" is 

 another name for this same type. 



JUDGING LIGHT HARNESS TYPE OF HORSE BY SCALE 

 OF POINTS. 



The height of the light harness horse usually ranges 

 from 15!/4 to 16 hands, though it may vary even more than 

 this. A height from 15T/4 to 15% may be considered most 

 desirable. 



The weight of the light harness horse varies even more 

 than the height. In general 1,100 pounds may be regarded 

 with favor. However, stallions outweigh mares as a rule 

 and 1,100 to 1,250 pounds for the former, and 900 to 1,100 

 for the latter, are satisfying ranges of weight. In judging 

 a class, most men would discriminate against undersize, 

 though excessive weight and grossness would be equally 



bad/ 



SCORE CARD FOR LIGHT HARNESS HORSES. 



Standard of Score of 



SCALE OF POINTS Perfect Horse 



Score Studied 

 A GENERAL APPEARANCE, 12 Points: 



1. Height estimated hands Actual hands 



2. Weight, 1,200 Ibs. for stallion, 1,000 Ibs. for mare. . 



Estimated weight 



Actual weight 



?,. Form, long, deep, muscular, angular -1 



4. Quality, general refinement and finish shown in 



clearly defined features of head, bone, and 

 joints, prominent tendons and fine skin and 

 hair 4 



5. Temperament, active, docile, disposition good . . . 4 

 B HEAD AND NECK, 8 Points: 



(!. Head in good proportions, clear cut, straight face, 



line, angle lower jaw wide . . . . . .. 2 



7. Forehead, broad, full . . 1 



8. Eyes, prominent, large, clear, bright . . I 



