CHAPTER IV 
THE SADDLE BREEDS OF HORSES 
SappLE horses of whatever breeding should first show 
their ability to carry weight, in short backs, closely coupled, 
muscular loins and comparatively short, stout legs. The 
feature of conformation that serves to distinguish the 
saddle horse most is the long sloping shoulder, and the 
consequent high withers extending well back; also the 
long, shapely, supple neck so essential to a light forehand. 
They must also have a sure, springy step and a collected 
way of going, in order to give a safe and satisfactory ride. 
THOROUGHBRED Horsr. Plate V. Figs. 17-19. 
By Carl W. Gay 
124. The term Thoroughbred, in its correct application, 
is restricted to designate the English race horse or runner, 
only. The incorrect use of the term, as synonymous with 
pure-bred, is so common as to lead to much confusion and 
misunderstanding. A “ thoroughbred ” trotter would be 
an anomaly and a “ thoroughbred ” Percheron impossible. 
When it is intended to indicate the total absence of alien 
blood, pure-bred is the proper adjective. Thoroughbred 
is a noun. 
There is no one best breed of horses, but because of a 
more general adaptability to a wider range of conditions 
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