CHOOSING A HORSE 35 



like, also in a short stilted movement of the legs. Again, pas- 

 terns that are too straight often become more so with age, and 

 the usefulness of the animal depreciates in proportion. 



Fig. 25. — Champion English Shibe Stallion "Dan Patch." Trumans 

 Pioneer Stock Farm, Bushnell, 111. 



The Shire draft horse was developed in England. This breed has long been 

 noted as the "Cart Horse" ; for heavy draft it is unexcelled. In size, Shires 

 are equal to the largest stallions, ranging from 1700 to 2200 pounds, with the 

 mares correspondingly less. In height stallions average from 15 to 17 hands. 

 The preferred color is bay or brown with white on the forehead and on the legs 

 below the knees and hocks. Grays, blacks, and chestnuts exist in abundance. 

 Long hair on the back of the cannons below the knees and hocks is a breed 

 characteristic. 



The feet oi the heavy horse deserve special attention, as sound 

 feet are rather the exception. The feet should be round, dense, 

 fine in structure, of equal size and shape, and perfectly sound. 

 The hoof should be dark in color, and have an oily coat of 

 natural wax. Common defects of the feet of heavy horses are : 



