4 Animal Husbandry 
2. Heavy type. — In general conformation, the heavy type of 
horse is massive, blocky, low set, the limbs short, and the distance 
from the chest to the ground one-half the height of the animal 
from the withers to the grourid. In general form, this type re- 
sembles the bull dog. Weight is important. In order to pull 
heavy loads the draft horse must possess plenty of weight. A 
draft horse in fair condition at maturity weighs from fifteen hun- 
dred to twenty-four hundred pounds, according to class. 
There are several breeds belonging to each of these types. We 
have various light breeds developed to perform light, fast work; 
coach breeds for stylish action and coach work; and draft breeds 
to perform light, medium, and heavy draft work. In addition, 
there are several breeds of ponies, produced, in this country at 
least, largely to meet the needs of children and for saddle purposes. 
THE LIGHT BREEDS OF HORSES 
The several breeds of light horses owe their development to 
their environment. Much of the early improvement is due to 
horses from Arabia, a country especially noted for the quality of 
her horses. The rather dry, barren soil makes it necessary for 
the horses to graze over large areas to secure sufficient food. A 
natural selection, therefore, is continually at work, and only the 
horses of quality and endurance survive. It is stated, also, that 
the food, though scant, stimulates the development of dense, 
firm bone. Horses from Arabia have been introduced into many 
countries to improve the light breeds. 
3. The Thoroughbred horse. — This is the running race horse of 
England. In connection with the Arabian horse the Thoroughbred 
has been the fountain head at one time or another of all that 
stands for quality among the light breeds of horses. This breed 
is very popular among English sportsmen. 
4. History of the Thoroughbred horse. — There have been 
running horses in England from the beginning of the thirteenth 
