A GOOD HORSE 17 



they should be so set on that, when pointed for- 

 ward, they are parallel, not slanting apart. 



A STANDARD FOR ALL BREEDS 



These points of equine perfection are absolute, 

 and therefore they apply to all kinds of horses. 

 This statement, in view of the strikingly different 

 characteristics of different breeds, may, at first, 

 seem wrong, but the experience of a life-time with 

 horses of all types has convinced me of its truth. 

 In judging horses of different types, the difference 

 must be in the application, not in the standard it- 

 self ; for a good horse must be homogeneous in his 

 make-up, every part in harmony with other parts, 

 and every part must have such modification and 

 proportion as conduces to that end. 



For instance, a hackney is a very different 

 horse from a thoroughbred and if he looked even 

 like the best thoroughbred, he would not be a good 

 hackney. But it is just as important that he 

 have a good back, a slanting shoulder, and clean 

 limbs and head as in the case of a thoroughbred. 

 His neck, it is sometimes argued, is so different 

 that it cannot be judged in the same way. So it 

 is different, but if it be examined understandingly 

 it will be found to differ only in such manner and 

 degree as conform to his type and, not one whit 



