22 



JH'IJ.I. I IN P7, U. S. PKPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



LIGHT HORSES. 



Relation of form to function. — The demand made upon the draft 

 horse is to pull a heavy load; this function is associated with weight 

 and great strength. The demand made upon the light-harness 

 horse is to move a relatively light vehicle at a rapid rate: this func- 

 tion is associated with a lighter, more angular form and great en- 

 durance. 



CK.\i:i!AL APPKAKANCJi. 



Height and weight. — The most desirable height for a light-harness 

 horse, or roadster, is from 15 to 15^ hands. They may range in 



Fig. 14. — Judging action. Horse moving past student at a walk. 



weight from l>00 to 1,150 pounds, the weight most desired being 1,000 

 to 1,100 pounds. 



Form. — Angularity 7 with length of body and limbs is an indication 

 of speed. There should also be sufficient depth of chest to indicate 

 capacity of vital organs so closery correlated with stamina. 



Quality. — In the light-harness horse there should be a complete 

 absence of coarseness. There is a very close correlation between 

 quality and endurance, as well as with style, spirit, and speed. It is 

 especially important that the legs and feet show every indication of 

 quality. 



