36 JUDGING HEAVY HORSES 



deliberation. From the side it may be noted if the hind 

 and fore legs work in unison. Horses with short bones 

 and long underlines present the best view from, the side 

 while in action hut on the other hand those with long- 

 backs and weak loins usually drag their legs in a slovenly 

 way. Viewed from behind the action of the hock should 

 be carefully noted. The flexion in this region should be 

 free and straight. It is a common weakness of the hocks 

 to be turned outward when raised, but more frequently 

 the hocks are bent in too much and the feet thrown out of 

 line. As a rule the stride should not be too long but well 

 balanced with a movement quick and elastic. 



59. Trotting Action. The ability to trot well is not 

 generally considered a valuable attribute for a draft horse, 

 as it is claimed that to walk well is a much more useful 

 achievement. Good trotting action, however, is not only 

 valuable in itself but it also brings with it many other 

 qualities such as activity, style, balance of conformation 

 and other features that are desirable in any class of horses. 

 The draft horse in trotting should go level, straight and 

 regular, for any deviation from these qualities are usually 

 evidences of unsoundness or the absence of a balanced con- 

 formation. The legs, both fore and hind, should flex freely 

 at the hocks and knees, for a rigidness of movement of 

 these is indicative of defects of some kind. A stilted hock 

 action is much too common in draft horses and is very 

 often due to the fact that the hock is not properly set as 

 may be observed in all hind legs that are too straight. 

 Such are usually lacking in reach and power. 



II. Structural Examination. 



60. Head Lean, Medium Size. Coarseness of the head 

 is a prevalent fault. While it should be of only medium 

 size there should be sufficient breadth between the eyes 

 and the face lines should be clearly defined with the total 

 length of the head proportionate to the rest of the body. 

 It should be well set on the neck and carried gracefully. 



