96 JUDGING HORSES 



and sloping shoulders, is suggestive of an animal with weight- 

 carrying capacity. Likewise the pony, which is typified in 

 the Shetland and Welsh breeds, is indicative of less draft 

 and slower going, comparatively speaking, than in the other 

 types mentioned. 



The draft horse with weight and massiveness, in contra- 

 distinction to the light horse with a lithe, rangy form, is 

 capable of developing power instead of show or speed in 

 their various phases. A detailed study of the horse for 

 these reasons is not only desirable from a general viewpoint, 

 but necessary to understand the various applications in 

 work and pleasure. 



Propelling Power. — ^The propelling power of the horse is 

 in the hindquarters, the forelegs serving as a support or 

 balance to the body. Evidence of the location of the pro- 

 pelling power may be seen in an animal doing actual work. 

 Additional natural evidence is in the heavier muscling through 

 the coupling, loin, croup and quarters, as compared with other 

 regions. The energy is developed in the hindquarters, while 

 the strain of the propulsion comes in a large measure on the 

 coupling and loin muscles. A shallow flank is therefore in- 

 dicative of a general body weakness. If the power developed 

 cannot be borne by the correlated parts, additional or unusual 

 development in any special region is not of any distinct value. 

 That a chain is no stronger than its weakest link is evidenced 

 in the horse when placed in severe work or endurance trials. 

 The long, shallow body and loosely coupled animal cannot 

 endure severe strain, while the short, compact and deep- 

 muscled animal with a full, strong coupling can usually 

 continue in service indefinitely. The degree of power de- 

 velopment is dependent upon the formation of the bones 

 and muscles, especially in the hindquarters. In the fore- 

 hand the shoulder blade does not form a direct attachment 

 with the mechanism proper, the horse having no collar bone. 

 The shoulder bone is sustained by the muscles which give 

 form or shape to the animal in this region. The difference 

 in the mechanism of the forehand and hindquarters is thus 

 indicative of the source of power and emphasizes the necessity 

 of full development in the latter region. 



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