CHAPTER IX. 



BREEDS OF DRAFT HORSES. 



Pure bred draft horses are rapidly growing in favor in 

 America. In fact, horses of true draft class very generally 

 show pronounced breed character. This is naturally due to 

 the use of pure bred sires of the draft breeds. Brief de- 

 scriptions are herewith given of the more important char- 

 acteristics of each important draft breed. No scales of 

 points have thus far been adopted by any of the official 

 associations registering pure bred draft horses. 



The Percheron horse originated in northwestern France, 

 in La Perche district. The Percheron is a medium sized 

 draft breed, though many individuals attain great scale. 

 Mature stallions weigh from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds, and 

 mature mares from 1,500 to 1,800 pounds. The height 

 commonly ranges from 16 to 17 hands. The color is usually 

 gray of some shade, or black. In recent years black has 

 grown greatlj^ in popularity, both in France and America. 

 Bay or brown colors occur but are quite uncommon, and 

 are not regarded as distinguishing characteristics of the 

 breed. Percherons possess certain distinctive and common 

 features. The head is breedy in character, of prominent 

 eye and open countenance, suggesting a dash of Oriental 

 blood. The neck is long and powerful, and though the back 

 is broad and well carried, the body qiiite often lacks depth 

 in comparison with the Shire or Belgian. The croup, while' 

 wide and powerfully muscled, naturally tends to some 

 steepness. The legs are strong of bone and should be quite 

 free of long hair about the fetlocks. Percheron feet are 

 usually of superior dark texture and of excellent size and 



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