92 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



really what it is, should be as short and wide as possible, 

 with a thick layer of firm muscle indicating great strength. 

 The length of loin is measured from the side, or the dis- 



t a n c e from the 

 front of the hip to 

 the last rib, this 

 space being known 

 as the coupling. 

 The loin naturally 

 slopes off to some 

 extent from each 

 side of the back 

 bone, but for the 

 most powerful de- 

 velopment, this 

 part should be very 

 broad and with 

 slight slope. A 

 sharp crest at the 

 loins is a sign of 

 weakness. The kidneys lie beneath the loin, and horse- 

 men often pinch the loin along the center, to note the effect 

 on the horse. If the animal flinches slightly, it is assumed 

 the physical condition here is good, but if the animal resists 

 in a notable degree, it may indicate extreme nervousness, 

 or some unhealthy condition. A well muscled loin is usually 

 regarded as an evidence of soundness at this point. In the 

 case of the draft horse in good condition, the ridge of 

 muscle along each side of the spine is continued the length 

 of the loin. 



The ribs of the horse should be long, well sprung, and 

 close together. Hayes discusses at some length the most de- 

 sirable features in the ribbing '* and emphasizes three 

 things, viz.: convexitj'' (roundness) behind the shoulders, 

 length, and inclination to the rear. In this discussion 



MThe p6intB of the Hoise, 3d ed., 1904, p. 228. 



Fig. 48.- 



"Tliis space being known as the 

 coupling." 



