CHAPTER XXXI 



MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 



In our large horse markets, horses are classified accord- 

 ing to the work they can perform. On any given mar- 

 ket, a market class is a group of animals similar in type, 

 height, weight and actiori. While classes go by a cer- 

 tain name all over the country, the kind of horse that is 

 referred to in one part of the country by one name may 

 be very different from the horse referred to by the same 

 term in another section. Thus, the Boston wagon horse, 

 the New York wagon horse and the Pittsburgh wagon 

 horse are three different kinds, although they are all 

 wagon horses. The same is true of practically all the 

 classes, and the breeder who is producing horses and the 

 feeder who is fitting horses for market should become 

 familiar with the classes upon the market where his stock 

 is to be sold. 



MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES* 



In this classification, horses are divided into classes, 

 sub-classes and grades. The classes embody groups of 

 horses of a general type. The sub-classes are divisions 

 of the class and distinguish horses of a similar type, but 

 slightly different in size, weight, or the use to which they 

 are put. The grades of the various sub-classes refer to the 

 quality, condition and action, the relative importance of 

 which is not the same for all classes. The principal 

 grades are choice, good, medium, common and inferior. 

 The various grades will not be discussed because of the 

 lack of uniformity in their application. The principal 

 classes are draft horses, chunks, wagon horses, carriage 



*iVlade up from Illinois Bulletin 122, and applies to th; Chicago and St, Louis 

 Jiorse markets, 



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