32 



MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



for the heavy horse. For this extra weight the market is will- 

 ing to pay. It is estimated that the heavy horse is worth 50 

 cents a pound for each additional pound that it weighs over 

 1400 pounds. In other words, a thin horse weighing 1400 

 pounds and worth $200 would be worth $250 if put in good 

 condition and weighing 1500 pounds. 



The action. — While action in the heavy horse is not con- 

 sidered as desirable as in the lighter types, yet it should receive 



much attention. The walk de- 

 serves special notice since it is 

 the principal gait of the draft 

 horse. It should be observed 

 in much the same manner as 

 in the lighter types — from 

 before, behind, and either side. 

 The horse should lift the feet 

 clear of the ground with much 

 snap, and the stride should be 

 regular. Observe the fore 

 and hind legs to see if they 

 work in unison. Horses with 

 long backs and weak loins often drag their feet in a discon- 

 nected manner. Observed from behind, the movement should 

 be straight away and regular. The hocks are often turned 

 outward, or bent inward when raised, both of which are very 

 undesirable. The flexion of the hock should be free and 

 straight. 



While action at the trot is not so essential as in light horses, 

 yet the draft horse in trotting should go level, straight, and 

 regular. The feet should be picked up with snap and carried 

 clear of the ground. High knee and hock action is not 

 essential, but a strong, full, true movement without paddling, 

 dragging, or stiffness is very desirable. Good trotting action 

 is not only valuable in itself, but it indicates many other 



Fig. 24. — Clydesdale Mare. First 

 Prize, International Live-Stock 

 Show. 



