JUDGING BREEDING DRAFT HORSES ng 



ual dominance. The sex character of the stallion is also 

 shown in his powerful development of bone and muscle, 

 and in his sexual organs. Even when of the same size as 

 the mare, his bone tends to be heavier, his muscles more 

 prominent and his frame more powerful. The sexual 

 organs should be perfectly developed, and the judge should 

 note that the scrotum consists of a double sac and promi- 

 nent enough to bear evidence of being on a breeding animal. 

 A stallion with a single testicle is known as a ridgling, and 

 is at least open to criticism in the show ring, though he 

 may not be a non-breeder. 



The general body conformation of the stallion should 

 show closeness of coupling and strength of back, but plenty 

 of length of middle. Some persons favor much compact- 

 ness of body, but if properly coupled and the back strongly 

 sustained, then the body itself may have length to ad- 

 vantage. The shoulders of the stallion are also usually 

 somewhat heavier and more prominent than on a gelding 

 or mare, giving a thickness in front expressive of mascu- 

 linity and power. 



The size of the stallion usually exceeds that of the mare, 

 though not to a notable extent in many cases. However, 

 a draft stallion weighing 2,000 pounds, might be a satis- 

 factory size, while the female of the breed at 1,700 would 

 meet all requirements. It is not unreasonable to expect 

 the male to weigh three or four hundred pounds more than 

 the female. Most men desire comparatively large, rather 

 stretchy types of stallions, and. these weigh distinctly 

 more than the low set, compact, chunky sort. This type of 

 stallion stands higher than the mares, and is larger and 

 coarser in every way. 



The constitutional vigor of the stallion should also 

 receive consideration. This is shown in the strength and 

 character of the head, but is especially seen in the promi- 

 nence of breast and the depth and fullness of chest. The 

 degree of width of chest will depend upon the type, the 

 draft stallion showing more than the lighter sort, but this 



