16 BULLETIN 1ST, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



ing. Smoothness, which indicates quality and freedom from any 

 tendency toward blemishes is as important as size. 



Carunons. — The part of the leg from knee to fetlock is known as 

 the cannon. The cannons should be short and strong. Large sinews 

 set back well from the bone will give them a flat appearance, which 

 is desirable. When long hair or " feather " is present it should be 

 fine and silky as an indication of the quality and strength of bone 

 and sinew. 



Fetlocks. — The fetlocks,,, like the knees, are joints which must with- 

 stand much strain, and which must be wide, straight, and strong to 

 withstand it. It is very important that they be free from blemishes. 



Pasterns. — The pasterns, like other parts of the leg, should give 

 evidence of clean, strong bone. The length and slope of the pastern 

 is important. Short, upright pasterns prevent a springy, elastic 

 action in placing the feet, and are apt to send a jar through the body 

 when weight is thrown upon the foot. While long pasterns with too 

 great a slope are less frequently met with in the draft type, they are 

 undesirable, as they tend toward weakness. Moderately long pas- 

 terns with a slope of 45° are most desirable. 



Feet. — Close attention should be given the feet. They should be 

 large, smooth, and symmetrical in shape, giving every evidence of 

 strength and quality. It is more important that the hoof be of good 

 texture and of the proper shape than that it be of a dark color. (Fig. 

 9.) The sole should be cupped, not flat or bulging. The frog should 

 be large and elastic, the bars prominent. The horn of the hoof 

 should be smooth and waxy, free from cracks, ridges, and scales. 

 The hoof heads (coronets) should be open and wide at the heel. 



Legs. — After each part of each leg is considered the forelegs may 

 considered in relation to the body. As suggested on the score card 

 they should be straight, so that when viewed from the front a per- 

 pendicular line from the point of the shoulder should fall upon the 

 center of the knee, cannon, pastern, and foot. (Fig. 10.) From the 

 side a perpendicular line dropping from the center of the elbow 

 joint should fall upon the center of the knee and pastern joints 

 and back of the hoof. 



Chest. — A roomy chest is an indication of strong constitution. A 

 narrow chest does not give room for the large heart and lungs which 

 the vigorous, powerful horse should possess. The chest should be 

 wide and deep when viewed from the front and from the side. 

 Room for the vital organs should be secured by depth as well as 

 breadth, because a chest too wide may not be consistent with good 

 action. 





