STRUCTURAL EXAMINATION 37 



The nostrils should be large and of a healthy color. An 

 examination of the mouth, though usually made to esti- 

 mate the age, should include inspection for the most fre- 

 quent defects in this region which, in heavy horses are 

 parrot mouth or overshot mouth and troubles of the teeth. 

 The eye should be bright, full and mild with no appearance 

 of film to interfere with the vision. In looking at the eye 

 it is well to remember that the natural shape of the pupil 

 is elliptical, while a spherical form indicates blindness or 

 impaired vision. Haziness of the eye, one being smaller 

 than the other or a wrinkled eyelid are indications of oph- 

 thalmia. 



61. Neck Strong, Lengthy. The neck should have the 

 appearance of being strong and massive and also of suffi- 

 cient length and well arched. Undue length of neck 

 especially in draft horses is so rare that it may be con- 

 sidered unknown. 



62. Shoulders Sloping, Muscular. While a decidedly 

 upright shoulder may give increased power in the shafts, 

 it must be remembered that it may be in an extreme posi- 

 tion in this respect, and if so it forces the step to be short 

 and slow. It is easy to see that a moderately oblique 

 shoulder favors a long, quick step and at the same time it 

 detracts but little from the power. When the shoulder is 

 very upright the concussion upon the feet is increased and 

 hence this conformation is general!}^ associated with side- 

 bones and ringbones. Activity and elasticity of movement, 

 especially in the walk is a desirable feature of the heavy 

 horse and such is very seldom found in connection with an 

 upright shoulder. 



63. Chest Deep, Full. The chest should be deep and 

 comparatively broad giving great volume and lung room. 

 It is best estimated by the girth, which is the body's cir- 

 cumference behind the fore legs. Horses that are slack in 

 that part, are generally of weak constitution without aver- 

 age staying power. Exceptional width in the chest usually 



