THE CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE I97 



skin and hair, are also of fine texture. On the other 

 hand, when the feather is wiry and coarse, and curly, it 

 denotes a leg that is predisposed to grease heel and 

 scratches. 



The Scottish breeders have given much consideration 

 to the action, and as a result the Clydesdale draft horse 

 is particularly noted for his free and snappy knee and 

 hock action. It is stated that he surpasses all other 

 breeds of draft horses in length of stride, and straight- 

 ness and sprightliness of movement, and in the ability 

 to keep the hock together with mechanical accuracy of 

 motion, whether walking or trotting. 



Criticisms of the Clydesdale. — Horsemen often criticize 

 this and other "feathered" breeds because of the hairy legs 

 which are often difficult to keep clean, dry and free from 

 disease, particularly when the horses are obliged to work 

 on dirt roads or under conditions in which dampness and 

 mud are prevalent in the cooler months of the year. The 

 tendency to straightness in the pastern is also often ob- 

 jectionable as is also the shortness of the rear ribs, 

 which giyes the body a rangy appearance and adds length 

 to the legs. 



Uses of the Clydesdale draft horse. — This breed is es- 

 sentially a draft one, the free, straight, rapid gait and 

 strong, heavy frame, giving it high rank among draft 

 breeds. In addition, Cl3'-desdale stallions are useful in 

 crossing on common mares, the resulting offspring being 

 excellent for farm and city work. The standing of 

 Clydesdale grades is indicated by the $3,200 paid for 

 four draft geldings a few years ago on the Chicago horse 

 market. They are of good disposition and active, though 

 often lacking weight, which emphasizes the absolute 

 necessity of using only such stallions for crossing as have 

 plenty of middle as well as quality and bone. 



Distribution of the Clydesdale draft horse. — ^The 

 adaptability of this breed has led to a wide distribution, 

 perhaps greater than that of any other draft breed. 



