JUDGING HORSES IX SECONDARY SCHOOLS. 23 



Temperament. — The temperament as reflected in action and general 

 behavior should be very energetic, yet manageable. Horses true to 

 this type are not often sluggish, although there may be a tendency 

 toward excessive nervousness and even viciousness. 



HEAD AND NECK. 



That which is stated in regard to the head of the draft horse ap- 

 plies also to horses of this type, except that we may expect the head 

 of the light horse to be somewhat more lean and angular. 



While style and grace are desired in the neck of the light-harness 

 horse, it will be long when compared with that of the draft horse, 

 and may in some horses lack the pronounced style and symmetry of 

 the coach horse. 



FOREQUARTERS. 



Clean and quick action will depend much upon the conformation 

 of the shoulder. A long-reaching, clean action demands a shoulder 

 long and oblique, extending well into the back. It is important that 

 the covering of muscle should be smooth. 



The statements made concerning the forelegs of the draft horse 

 Avill apply for the most part to the light-harness horse. The length 

 of muscle and bone will be proportionally greater in the light horse. 

 There should be an absence of all coarseness, and every indication of 

 quality. 



A strong constitution is indicated by the light horse more by depth 

 of chest than by breadth. The ribs should be well sprung, deep, and 

 close. The back should be short and well muscled as an indication 

 of strength. The loin should be short and broad and the croup long 

 and level. Both loin and croup should be well rounded out with 

 strong muscles. 



HINDQUARTERS. 



As with the forequarters, so with the hindquarters, the limbs with 

 their body connections should be constructed for speed. The mus- 

 cles of the thighs, quarters, and gaskins should be long and heavy. 

 The hocks should be wide, straight, and clean. The cannons should 

 be comparatively short and give evidence of clean bone. The pas- 

 terns should have a good slope. The feet and legs should be given 

 special attention. 



ACTION. 



It will be noted that the score cards give relatively more value to 

 action with light horses than with the draft horses. The greater 

 amount of value is given entirely to the trot. When we consider the 

 functions of these classes of horses we see good reason for this. Spe- 



