2l8 



JUDGING HORSES 



is usually wider and roomier in this region than the male. 

 In the mare width and roominess between the hips indi- 

 cate good breeding qualities. 



Croup. — The croup of the horse corresponds to the rump 

 of the meat-producing animal. It extends from the hips 



Fig. 84. — A croup of good draft type. 



Fig. 85. — A steep croup. 



back to the tail, and on the good horse is long, level, and 

 wide. Steepness and shortness of the croup are common 

 defects of horses. The horse with the short, steep croup 

 can turn quickly. This is especially desirable in the 

 case of the cattle pony. On the other hand, the horse 

 with the long, flat croup can move with the greater 

 rapidity in a straight line. 



Thighs. — The thigh bones extend from the hips to the 

 stifle joints. The region below the croup and to the rear 

 of the flank is known as the thigh. The thigh should be 

 long, deep, and well covered with muscle. A horse that 

 has strong thighs is a much stronger horse than the one 

 that is deficient in this region. 



Quarters, — The flesh and muscles between the thigh 



