COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DRAFT HORSES m 



to each other, which should be the near and which the off 

 horse. In the show ring the comparative method, of neces- 

 sity prevails, unless but one animal is shown in a class. In 

 the classroom a group of four horses makes a convenient 

 number for study. It is important that animals of ap- 

 proximately the same age and class be grouped. This 

 admits of a fairer basis of comparison if the type or breed, 

 height and general size and conformation are not mate- 

 rially different. Comparative judging is most unsatisfactory 

 when horses of essentially different type meet in a ring 

 in which uniformity of type is desired. It is true that, 

 for comparative reasons, it may be desirable on occasion 

 to use an animal of quite another sort for the purpose of 

 contrasting types or breeds, but in general, groups become 

 the most efficient mediums for judging work when uniform 

 in character. Color is not a necessary factor unless breed 

 study is under consideration. Draft type must be the prime 

 feature, if this is the subject of comparison. 



A first step in judging a group of draft horses would 

 be to give them a general survey. It may be assumed that 

 they are standing in a row, their heads in line, a;yaiting 

 examination. The judge should slowly pass about the 

 group at sufficient distance to comprehend the general 

 character of the animals as a whole, noting uniformity of 

 type and character. In this inspection he will be im- 

 pressed by some individuals more than by others and will 

 quickly take note of features of special merit or demerit. 

 This general survey is then followed by individual inspec- 

 tion in which studied comparison is made between animals. 

 The ideal animal of the type or breed is in the mind of the 

 judge and as he inspects the different individuals he com- 

 pares them not only with the ideal, but with each other. 

 One of the group must measure up to a greater degree of 

 merit than any of the others and this animal in due time 

 is accorded first position. The horse placed second must 

 be lacking in merit, compared with the first, although the 

 difference between them may not be important. It is a 



