CHOOSING A HORSE 21 



dependent of the others, such as the head, neck, shoulder, and 

 the Uke. 



General appearance in light horses 



The form, action, quahty, color, and temperament are very- 

 important characters among Hght horses, and add to or detract 

 from their desirabiUty. 



Form. — One of the first characters to attract attention 

 among light horses is the general form. In those of good form 

 there is a peculiar balance and harmony throughout the make-up 

 which is difficult to describe and must be observed to be appre- 

 ciated. The form varies according to the object sought, that 

 of the coacher being full and plump, while that of the trotter 

 or runner will be lean and angular. The position and direction 

 of the limbs should receive special consideration. They should 

 be viewed from in front, behind, and either side. In this con- 

 nection, it will prove helpful if one will bear in mind that the 

 limbs should be so formed as to meet the following requirements : 

 the fore leg when viewed from the side should be so formed 

 that a plumb line dropped from the elbow joint would pass 

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

 fall a short distance behind the heel ; when viewed from in front, 

 the line lowered from the point of the shoulder would divide 

 equally the knee, the cannon, and the foot, leaving between the 

 two feet an interval equal to the width of the hoof. The hind 

 leg 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 feet an interval almost equal to the width of the hock. 

 This line should also just touch the back of the hock and the 

 fetlock joint. 



Action. — In the market for light horses there is no single 

 feature held in higher estimation than that of good action. 

 Desirable action varies according to the object sought, but to 



