144 



JUDGING LIGHT HORSES 



This is the largest of the coach breeds, the height ranging 

 from 16 to 16-3 hands and the weight from 1200 to 1500 

 pounds. Because of the extreme size, and although classed 

 as a coach breed, it is used for various kinds of work. For- 

 merly the breed was used for general diligence purposes. 

 Later crossing with the Thoroughbred reduced the size 

 somewhat and added style and finish. The body of the 

 Cleveland Bay is rather large, the shoulders sloping, the 

 back short, and the body deep. The head is somewhat 

 lacking in refinement and not as much quality is exhibited 



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FIG. 51. Coach horses. 



generally as is desirable. The action is not characteristic 

 of heavy harness breeds but rather strong and powerful in 

 execution. 



The color of the Cleveland Bay is either light or dark bay, 

 as the name indicates. The legs, mane, and tail are usually 

 black. White is permissible only to a very limited extent, 

 there frequently being a small star in the forehead. The 

 temperament is not characteristic of the typical coach breeds. 

 This is indicated in the more drafty form, weight, and lack 

 of style, finish, and action. The disposition of the breed is 

 only fair. It is important in this country only from an 



