no JUDGING HORSES 



of the quarters. After this examination is completed the 

 opposite side should be examined to determine any unusual 

 condition which might be present. 



The animal should then be moved, noting the various 

 phases of action as the animal comes toward, passes by, and 

 goes from the observer. The length, height, directness, 

 regularity, and balance of the stride should be observed. 

 This completes the examination, and after having reached 

 this point a balance of the animal should be effected. Many 

 times an animal which appears to be a perfect individual 

 from the standpoint of conformation is very defective in 

 action, thus giving it a very much lower rating than other- 

 wise. The importance of action can be best determined 

 by making a close examination for the various conditions 

 of unsoundness, defects, and peculiarities in the action. The 

 value of a horse cannot be determined until the actual 

 combined examination is made when at rest and in motion. 



CLASSIFICATION OF HORSES. 



Horses may be divided into two fundamental divisions for 

 the purpose of studying their distinctive conformation and 

 uses. The first includes the draft or power division, and the 

 second, the light horse division which is subdivided into 

 several other type and breed groupings, depending on breed 

 qualifications and the specific use of the animals. These 

 two main divisions will be adhered to in discussing the 

 subject, being used only for arbitrary purposes. 



Horses are more specificially divided into groups or types, 

 breeds, classes, and subclasses. The five groups or types 

 are represented in the draft, heavy harness, light harness, 

 saddle, and pony groups. These five groups or types may be 

 subdivided into the various pure breeds which conform to the 

 broad use or purpose, and second, into specific market and 

 show classes. In the first division of the groups or types 

 into breeds, the distinction is based solely on pure breeding 

 or blood lines, or on certain standard qualifications and 

 requirements. The second division of the types into classes, 

 and the third into subclasses is based on specialized uses 



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