126 



JUDGING DRAFT HORSES 



throughout the animal, meatiness being too closely asso- 

 ciated with the breed. 



Closely associated with the lack of quality and finish is 

 the rather sluggish temperament characteristic of the breed. 

 The rather unusual development of feather, which is in great 

 favor with English breeders, is not entirely popular with 



Fig. 38. — Shire mare. 



American breeders. The action of the Shire is what would 

 be expected in an animal possessing the massiveness and 

 inclination toward grossness which characterizes the breed. 

 Compared with the Clydesdale the action is not as snappy, 

 direct, or as well balanced. The breed has not become 

 popular in this country, largely because of the criticisms 

 made. More quality with less scale and substance, a better 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



