116 JUDGING DRAFT HORSES 



of definition and other quality attributes are significant of low 

 enduring qualities. Such development when associated with 

 inferior constitutional development is doubly significant of 

 inferior lasting or enduring qualities. 



Temperament. — The temperament of an animal is generally 

 portrayed by its general conformation and condition. The 

 work of the draft animal is to move loads or propel weight. 

 This naturally suggests the massive, compact form previously 

 described and therefore a less active temperament than in 

 the light animal, which is naturally characterized by unusual 

 life and vigor. While there is usually a wide variation in 

 the temperament or nerve force of the draft and light ani- 

 mals, sluggishness should not characterize either type. The 

 temperament of the draft horse is usually lymphatic. Any 

 tendency toward sluggishness, however, is especially objec- 

 tionable, as the draft animal should work willingly and con- 

 sistently. There should be a sufficient tone of the nervous 

 system maintained, therefore, to insure this condition. 



Style and Action. — The style and action of the draft horse 

 is hardly comparable to that of the lighter types of horses, 

 although unusual style and action are often exhibited. 

 Draft horses are of lower breeding than light horses and are, 

 therefore, not capable of exhibiting comparable attainments 

 with the lighter animals. However, there should be every 

 indication of style consistent with the type in the general 

 make-up of the animal. The head should be clean in outline, 

 the neck arched, the shoulders sloping, the body closely 

 coupled, the quarters well muscled, and the body low set. 

 The draft horse should exhibit compactness and symmetry 

 of form throughout. 



The action of the draft horse, while not as highly developed 

 as in the light horse, should possess all the requisites of the 

 associated gaits. Every phase of the action should be com- 

 parable with the type of the animal in question. Both 

 the walk and the trot should be characterized with a long, 

 regular stride and a smooth, straight, well-balanced action 

 otherwise. The walk is the most important gait of the 

 draft animal. It should be characterized by directness, 

 regularity, smoothness, and balance. Any deviation from 



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