HEAD AND SHOULDERS 213 



Muzzle. — The nostrils, lips, and external mouth parts 

 are included in the muzzle. The nostrils should be large, 

 giving room for free and easy breathing; but if they are 

 distended too much it may be an indication that the ani- 

 mal at one time suffered from overheating. The lips should 

 be fine and firmly held together, indicating a tense muscu- 

 lar system. Flabby and drooping Ups are usually found on 

 sluggish horses. 



Lower Jaw. — The lower jaw should be wide to conform 

 with the general width desired throughout the body. The 

 spaces between the two parts of the lower jawbone should 

 be wide and free from fleshiness or lumps of any sort. 



Neck. — The neck of the draft horse should be well 

 muscled, neatly arched, and blend gracefully into the 

 shoulder. A " ewe neck," or one that curves downward, 

 is very undesirable, detracting greatly from the appearance. 

 The throatlatch should be clean and free from swelUngs. 

 The wiiidpipe should be large, for free breathing. 



Shoulders. — The shoulders should slope gently and be 

 smooth, blending well into the neck in front and the body 

 at the rear. Very steep shoulders are undesirable, because 

 in pulling too much of the weight will be borne near the 

 lower point of the shoulder. If they are too sloping, how- 

 ever, the reverse condition obtains. 



Arm. — The arm of the horse, extending from the 

 shoulder joint to the elbow joint, should be strong and well 

 muscled. 



Forearm. — The forearm, which extends from the elbow 

 to the knee, should be long and muscular, indicating 

 great strength. 



Knees. — The knees should be free from puffiness, should 

 be flat and large, allowing plenty of room for articulation 



