LIGHT HORSES 223 



from the ground, deviations from a straight line forward 

 being objectionable. 



Temperament. — In temperament, the light horse should 

 be active and alert with no tendency toward sluggishness, as 

 is occasionally the case with the draft horse. 



Head and Neck. — The head of the light horse is pro- 

 portionately smaller and more refined than that of the draft 

 horse. The ears are smaller and more active and alert, 

 and the eye generally shows signs of more life. The fore- 

 head should be broad and fuU, and the muzzle large, with 

 large nostrils for furnishing sufl&cient air. The neck does 

 not require the extreme muscularity seen in the draft 

 horse, and is longer and more slender. 



Shoulders. — The shoulders should be sHght, sloping 

 gently, and carried back well at the top with high withers. 

 Height at the withers is essential in a horse built for speed, 

 as it gives a better carriage to the head, and enables the ani- 

 mal to lift its front feet higher from the ground, thus lending 

 style to action. 



Arm, Forearm, and Knees. — The arm should be well 

 muscled and long, throwing the elbow joint well back. 

 The forearm should be strong and long from the elbow joint 

 to the knee. The knees should be flat and broad, without 

 coarseness or extra flesh. A common tendency to be 

 slightly " buck kneed " or weak kneed should be guarded 

 against. 



Cannon Bones and Fetlocks. — The cannon bones should 

 be short in comparison with the length of the forearm. 

 They should be well supported with strong tendons, and free 

 from aU roughness or tendency toward splints. The fet- 

 lock joints should be strong and free from pufi&ness, which 

 is very objectionable but quite common in light horses. 



