94 THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE 



inches in girth at its smallest point. A true position of the 

 hind leg may be ascertained by the use of the plumb line, which, 

 dropped from the point of the buttock or croup, viewed from 

 behind, should pass the center of point of hock, cannon, pastern, 

 and foot. From one side it should pass parallel to the entire edge 

 of the cannon and, when suspended from the point of the hip, 

 should pass the gaskin at the center and drop to the center of 

 the foot. 



The action of the draft horse should be true and bold. As the 

 horse comes toward one or goes from him the line of movement 

 of the limbs should be true, the feet being carried straight away, 

 with no so-called paddling or irregularity of gait. The feet should 

 be picked up with snap, whether at walk or trot, and carried clear 

 of the ground, showing the sole of the foot clearly in the move- 

 ment. High knee action is not essential, but a strong, full, true 

 movement of both knee and hock, without dragging or stiffness, 

 is very important. The draft horse should have an active walk, 

 for the value of a fast walker considerably exceeds that of the 

 sluggish type. In the sale or show ring high-class action with a 

 draft horse adds materially to the selling or show value, no matter 

 what the breed. A free and easy movement of knee and hock is 

 essential to high-class action. In connection with good action the 

 head and neck should be carried high, with style and animation. 



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