174 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



head. The set-on and carriage of the head is equally im- 

 portant. The Thoroughbred type of neck is better than 

 one too short or too thick. A short coupled, strong back 

 and loins, with long, fine, compact quarters, a deep girtli 

 and fine shoulders, are requisite features. Particular at- 

 tention should be paid to the limbs, and above all to the 



action. The latter 

 should be quick, 

 free and straight 

 from the shoulder, 

 the knees and hocks 

 well flexed with 

 straight and pow- 

 erful leverage of 

 the hocks well un- 

 der the body. There 

 should be such 

 bending of the 

 knees and hocks 

 as will not sacri- 

 fice pace and 

 power. 



The Hackney pony type is distinctly a small heavy 

 harness horse, of pure Hackney ancestry, but standing 141^ 

 or less hands high. The most exacting standards of heavy 

 horse conformation are required of this pony, that has been 

 termed an "equine bantam." In the case of this type, 

 style and action are given great prominence, surpassing 

 that of all other ponies. The high, trappy gait is found 

 here in the extreme, and judges should strongly emphasize 

 its importance, both at walk and trot. The action should 

 be true and rhythmical, the knees and hocks carried high, 

 but the limbs extended in only moderate degree, without the 

 long reach associated with the greatest speed. Good man- 

 ners are an important qualification of the Hackney pony, 

 and should be considered by the judge. Hackney ponies 

 are universally shown docked. 



Fig. 97. "The Hackney pony type is distinctly a 

 small, heavy harness horse." 



