116 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
oughbred in their origin. Most characteristic are the 
extreme refinement and clear definition of features, the 
small, proportioned head and ear, the straight face line, 
the neat throttle, long sloping shoulders, high withers, 
muscular quarters, and clean, hard, flat bone. These are 
associated with a low, pointing, close-to-the-ground way 
of going, which insures the greatest stride with the least 
effort. Then, in addition to a racy form, the Thorough- 
bred has a racy temperament, possessing a most highly 
organized nervous system. The characteristic ‘“ buck 
knees ” are all too commonly noticeable in the Thorough- 
bred, from the galloping yearling to the seasoned cam- 
paigner. Another objectionable feature frequently noticed 
in the breed is the tendency towards weediness, as it is 
termed, z.e. long legs and light body. The prevailing 
colors are bay, brown and chestnut, with one or more 
white markings. The most important modification in 
type during the development of the Thoroughbred is an 
increase in stature, which Sir Walter Gilbey estimates 
to have been one hand two and one-half inches from the 
year 1700 to the year 1900, the average height of the 
modern Thoroughbred being fifteen hands two and one- 
half inches. The average weight is about one thousand 
pounds. 
130. Technical description. — A detailed description 
of the Thoroughbred follows: Weight, 900-1050; 
height, fifteen to sixteen hands; color, bay, brown 
or chestnut, with more or less white in the face or on 
limbs; a very “breedy”’ head, with sharply defined 
features, a straight face line, trim muzzle, large nostril, 
full, clear, prominent eye, broad forehead, neat ear 
and clean-cut throttle; neck long and rather straight, 
giving an extended carriage of the head ; shoulders sloping 
