JUDGING A HORSE 



19 



and the foot, leaving between the two front feet an inter- 

 val almost equal to the width of the hoof in the light type, 

 and somewhat wider in the heavy type; when viewed 

 from the side the line lowered from the elbow joint should 

 pass through the middle of the knee, the cannon and the 

 fetlock and fall a short distance behind the heel. The 

 hindleg, when viewed from behind, should be so formed 

 that a plumb line lowered from the point of the buttock 

 will pass through the middle of the hock, cannon, pastern 

 and foot, leaving between the two hind feet an interval 

 almost equal to the width of the hock. This line should 

 also just touch the back 

 of the hock and the fet- 

 lock joint.* Perfect score 

 for draft, five points, and 

 for driving, five points. 

 (Figs. 10, II.) 



Color. — In scoring a 

 horse the color of the 

 hair should be taken into 

 account. First, because 

 some of the most beau- 

 tiful colors fade on ex- 

 posure to sunlight, at- 

 mospheric action and the like. Second, because there are 

 many undesirable colors, such as duns, speckled, flea- 

 bitten gray, rusty, leopard spotted and like colors, to 

 which attention should be directed. Perfect score for 

 draft, one point, and for driving, two points. 



Temperament. — The horse should show a vigorous, 

 lively, energetic disposition, yet be docile, teachable and 

 intelligent. The temperament is reflected in the action 

 and manners. Horses may be divided into four general 

 classes according to their temper: Teachable, nervous, 

 stubborn and treacherous. The horse with a teachable 

 temper is kind and docile. He is easily taught and 



♦Exterior pf the Horse, Gouboux ^ Barrier, page 464. 



Fio. 10. — Front View 

 Correct position 



■Rear View 

 Correct position 



