46 Animal Husbandry 
76. Action. — In the market for light horses there is no single 
feature held in higher estimation than that of good action. De- 
sirable action varies according to the objects ought, but to sell well 
a light horse must possess as much as may be displayed and used 
to advantage. Excellence at a walk is a very desirable quality 
in all types of horses. The feet of the active walkers leave the 
ground with a quick snap, and move straight away, swerving 
neither to the right 
nor to the left, nor 
should the folding of 
the knees or the flex- 
ing of the hocks result 
in an outward pitch- 
ing or spreading. In 
addition to being 
snappy, regular, and 
straight, it should be 
fast. 
Action at the trot 
will vary according to 
Ae 2 the class. In the 
Fia. 29. — Light horses with stylish action. roadster a strong, 
long-reaching knee- 
and-hock action, with the feet picked up quickly, is most essential. 
The stride should be long and not too high. In the coacher, a 
rather high, bold knee-and-hock action is most sought. In all 
classes the movement should be straight and regular (Fig. 29). 
77. Quality. — This is a term rather loosely applied and has 
reference to the bones, skin, and hair. Evidences of desirable 
quality are clean-cut features, soft skin, silky hair, and clean dense 
bone. In those horses possessing quality the lines of the face are 
clearly defined, the veins in the skin show clearly, and there is a 
complete absence of coarseness. Freedom from coarseness in 
the joints and tendons emphasizes soundness and guarantees 
