VERTEBRATES 163 



clearly traced in history to the reign of King Solomon. 

 Here, in Europe, because of local conditions and demands, 

 it assumed differing type forms. The roadster type is 

 closest to the Arabian in character. The draft or heavy 

 type was bred in western Europe when heavy armor came 

 into use for rider and horse, and the coach or carriage type 

 was developed when armor was abandoned for gunpowder. 

 Finally explorers and colonists brought the horse back to 

 America, its original home. 



The various types and varieties may be briefly described. 



A. The draft type has short legs, short neck, large round 

 body, and ranges in weight from 1400 pounds to 2000 

 pounds. 



Varieties : — 



1. Percheron: generally about 1700 pounds in weight, 

 16 hands (64 inches) high, gray or black, blocky body, steep 

 rump, clean legs, and quick action. 



2. Shire : generally about 1 800 pounds in weight, 1 7 hands 

 high, bay or brown, white marked feet and face, hairy 

 legs and feet, and slow action. 



3. Belgian: generally about 1800 pounds in weight, 

 16 hands high, chestnut or roan in color, compact body, 

 short, steep rump, and small feet. 



B. The coach or carriage type has legs and neck of 

 medium length, a body full-chested but not blocky, and a 

 weight varying from 11 50 pounds to 1400 pounds. 



Varieties : — 



I. Hackney: generally of full, broad, powerful body, 

 short legs and back, high action and high carriage of neck 

 and head, bay or chestnut in color, 15 hands high, and 

 1400 pounds in weight. 



