BREEDS OF HORSES 137 
horses trot with ease. The breed is steadily gaining in 
popularity in the United States, and many fine specimens 
have been imported. The breed is characterized by great 
size, broad chest, short — 
but wide back, deep body 
and heavy weight. The 
legs are free from long 
hair. Much variety is 
seen in color, although 
bay, brown, chestnut and 
roan are most in evidence. 
13. English Shire—On 
the plains and in the fer- 
tile valleys of England 
there have been from time immemorial solid, heavy 
draft horses. The Shire is an ancient animal whose 
own blood has been mixed with that of other heavy races. 
His true cradle is the center of England. The race is dis- 
tinguished by its ponderous conformation, its fine shape, 
especially by the thick hair at the back of the leg, de- 
scending into long locks about the fetlock. They possess 
extraordinary strength, great height and excellent quali- 
ties for draft purposes. They are usually gray, black or 
bay in color. 
14. The Suffolk horse, commonly known as the Suffolk 
Punch, has come down from ancient times in the English 
county of that name. He is equally heavy and stout and 
enjoys great popularity because of his gentleness and the 
ease with which he lends himself to toilsome work, espe- 
cially farming. The Suffolk horse is well rounded, the 
legs are clean and the action brisk. The prevailing color 
is some shade of chestnut or sorrel. These horses vary 
from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds in weight, 
ENGLISH SHIRE 
