22 JUDGING LIGHT HORSES 



noses are self willed. Small nostrils are generally associ- 

 ated with this form of nose and as a consequence we find in 

 such instances, that the respiratory or breathing organs lack 

 development. The features of the face should be distinct, 

 without the least appearance of coarseness or meatiness. A 

 lean face is suggestive of good quality in a horse. The 

 muzzle should be fine in quality to make the head appear at 

 its best. Between the eyes there should be breadth enough 

 to give a pleasing frankness to the countenance. It is a 

 point of practical value as an index to the brain development 

 which is of much importance in a light horse, for in this class 

 intelligence is a merit of high value. While it is granted 

 that the intelligence of a horse depends mostly on the train- 

 ing received, yet there is a marked difference in the benefit 

 which horses derive from training, and that difference may 

 only be accounted for by variations in the brain development. 



27. Nostrils Large, Open. The nostrils of a horse should 

 be large, thin, dilatable and of a pink color. While there 

 should be no discharges from them, they should always have 

 the appearance of being moist. 



28. Eyes Full, Clear. A bright eye indicates vigor of con- 

 stitution, that IS; stamina, staying power, or bottom as it is 

 sometimes called. It is also associated with a happy disposi- 

 tion and it seems to be this that accounts for the fact that 

 some horses do an enormous amount of work with little 

 worry and strain upon themselves. A large, full, clear eye 

 is indicative of a kind, generous disposition and good health. 



29. Ears Erect, Active. The ears should be close together 

 and carried in an erect position. They should be active and 

 somewhat pointed. Lop ears indicate lassitude, or in plainer 

 words, laziness. When it is noticed that a horse does not 

 shift or move either of its ears to any extent to catch sound, 

 it is safe to presume that it is afflicted with deafness. On 

 the other hand if it is continually moving them, it is advis- 

 able to inspect the eyesight carefully as it is likely that the 



