154 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



Fig. 83. — "While this method of movement is most showy and stylish, 

 it is not serviceable action for a load horse." (Courtesy Mr. S. L. Howe, 

 British Columbia.) 



above features, as essentials in conformation of tliis type. 

 The action of the heavy harness horse is of prime im- 

 portance. The walk should be perfectly straight, the feet 

 carried in a direct line, the knees flexed strongly, and the 

 movement one of balance and energy. At the trot the knees 

 and hocks should be carried very high, giving a gait expres- 

 sive of much motion. There is less extension of limbs than 

 with trotter or pacer, the reach being shorter. In this high 

 action of the front legs there is a gradual, well balanced 

 movement, and as the limbs unfold, the feet follow as it were 

 the arc of a circle. Such a horse is known as a high-stepper, 

 and his action, as already mentioned, is often termed 

 "trappy" or "coachy. " In discussing the high-stepper in 

 action, the late Prof. John A. Craig well says,' "The 

 peculiarity of this action consists in lifting the knees in- 

 ordinately high and flexing the hocks so that they come 

 close to the body and keep the legs well under it. From 



' Judging Live Stock, 6th ed., 1904, p. 16. 



