116 JUDGING DRAFT HORSES 



The head should be broad, deep, and clearly outlined by 

 distinct facial features. Each part of the head should be 

 clearly outlined, there being no evidence of plainness or 

 lack of definition or refinement. The head is one of the 

 best indications of quality. It usually portrays intelligence 

 also, and indirectly constitution and form requirements. 

 A large, coarse ear, a straight undefined face and head, and a 

 large, plain muzzle portray a general lack of quality, char- 

 acter, and intelligence. A fine glossy, mossy coat of hair, 

 soft to the touch is indicative of what may be found beneath. 

 The skin on an animal with a coat of hair so characterized 

 is usually soft, pliable, and elastic. The bone is an unusual 

 indication of quality. If it is fine, hard and dense with fine 

 texture, it is ordinarily accompanied by a corresponding 

 degree of quality throughout the body. It may be possible 

 to get too much quality, although as much should be apparent 

 as consistent with the required weight and substance of the 

 draft animal. 



Constitution and Endurance. The value of the draft horse 

 is significantly magnified by the amount of constitution and 

 endurance possessed. The indications of constitution are 

 largely in the development of the muzzle, nostrils, head, and 

 chest. The head should be long, broad, and clearly defined. 

 The muzzle should be broad, deep, and the nostrils large and 

 open to give free access of air into the lungs. The jaw 

 bones should be long and broad at the angle or opening. 

 The chest should be broad and deep to accommodate the 

 vital organs. A broad spring of rib and a short coupling 

 are indicative of constitutional development. The correla- 

 tion and compactness of the body measures quite accurately 

 the amount of constitution which an animal possesses. 



Endurance is closely associated with constitutional 

 development. The value of a draft animal is therefore 

 dependent in a large measure on its enduring or lasting 

 qualities. Endurance is associated and otherwise indicated 

 by the structural condition of the animal, especially in the 

 head, chest, coupling and the character of thejbone, skin 

 and hair. A coarse-textured bone, rough, coarse hair, lack 

 of definition and other quality attributes are significant of low 



