JUDGING A HORSE I5 



GENERAL APPEARANCE OF A HORSE 



In Judging the horse first consider the general char- 

 acters, such as age, height, weight, form, quality, action, 

 attitude, color and temperament. 



Age. — Since the age has an important bearing upon the 

 general appearance as well as the various parts of the 

 horse it is placed first on the card. The age, therefore, 

 should be the first character considered (p. 49). 



FIG. 8.— HEAVY DRAFT TYPE 



Height. — The unit for measuring the height of the 

 horse is a hand — 4 inches. The height is taken at the 

 withers. A measuring stafif (hippometer), marked oS 

 in hands and inches, is used where the accurate height is 

 required. When such is not available, or where absolute 

 accuracy is not demanded, a good way to estimate the 

 horse's height is to "chin" him. Find out how high it is 



