GENERAL EXAMINATION 17 



dishing on either side and the hocks must pass each other 

 close and in line with the forward movement. It is easy to 

 understand that while this method of movement is the most 

 showy and stylish, it is not serviceable action for a road 

 horse. The front legs soon succumb to the heavy concus- 

 sion they would be called upon to stand under hard driv- 

 ing. But this action is sought only in the horse that is used 

 for short drives about the city where style is paramount to 

 speed and stamina. While it is recognized that the high 

 stepper should have as many as possible of the other qual- 

 ities of excellence in addition to high action, yet all others 

 are considered of minor value among horses of this class. 

 "All-around action only to be considered" is the current 

 phrase in the prize lists that provide classes for competition 

 among the high steppers, which means a combination of 

 shoulder, knee and hock action. 



21. The Carriage Horse Manners When in Motion. A 



connoisseur of horses will see much more than the legs of a 

 carriage horse when moving. As such a horse moves before 

 an appropriate vehicle with the latitude of a light hand 

 assisting him there are flashes of gracefulness from every 

 motion. AYith this there is a quality of mind that gives 

 buoyancy to the step and accounts in no small degree for 

 the uplifted carriage of the head. It is expressive of a 

 happy temperament that gives gracefulness to every poise 

 and smooth flow to every movement. Even such a minor 

 organ as an ear plays its part, the eye, too, shows the fire 

 from within and challenges the critic for its meed of praise 

 in measuring the step and alertness in giving it security. 

 Scan the lines of the neck, and notice their tenseness and 

 yet the unusual elasticity it shows when occasion offers for 

 the movement of greater gracefulness. The shoulder plays 

 with freedom and the smooth turned loin and quarter seems 

 the only region that are not taking part in this unusual 



