48 JUDGING HORSES 



at length incapable of recreating their race." Walker 

 (Intermarriages) cites many instances that have been ob- 

 served by different poultry breeders, bearing out the pro- 

 position that sterility through close in and inbreeding with 

 some animals is followed by the loss or interchange of sex 

 characteristics. 



80. Relation of Sex Characteristics to Prepotency. The 



non-development of the sex characteristics in the male is 

 indicative of the lack of vigor and that in turn has a close 

 relation to prepotency or the impressive powers of a sire. 

 Effeminacy means a lack of tone in muscle and loss of 

 vigor and this is very observable in sires lacking in im- 

 pressive powers, while the most noted sires in the history 

 of breeding have been remarkably virile with the charac- 

 teristics of masculinity unusually developed. 



81, The Stallion Classes. Excepting the sex character- 

 istics the stallion should have the qualities that have been 

 described in the class for geldings. The stallion should 

 have the determined expression, the hard features, the high 

 crest and full neck, that are evidences of masculinity. With 

 these there should be the active vigorous temperament, 

 which also indicates virility. The testicles should be nor- 

 mal in size and both should be visible in the sac or scro- 

 tum, for impotency is often indicated by their non-appear- 

 ance. 



It is a frequent subject for discussion as to whether or 

 not the stallions in some classes should be judged solely as 

 to their individual merit or also include the merit of their 

 pedigree, performance and progeny. Usually the condi- 

 tions relating to the awarding of the prizes are explicit 

 enough to avoid such a discussion but where they are not 

 it is best to consider in making awards all the attributes 

 that will add to the value of the stallion. Pedigree in a 

 breeding class has a value, so has performance; and for 

 this reason they should be given consideration along with 

 the personal merit of the stallion and his progeny. In the 

 Instance of a standard bred trotter it is assumed by some 



