THE CLYDESDALE 



137 



feet, though common, are often objected to, on the ground that 

 they lack the density and wearing power of dark feet, and there 

 IS a distinct objection to them in Argentina and elsewhere. 

 Emphasis is laid on the fullness of the foot, the obliqueness of 

 the pastern, and the flatness and cleanness of bone of lower leg. 

 The body of the Clydesdale has been most subject to criticism 

 in the past, lacking in depth and circumference when it should 

 have fullness, as showing both feeding capacity and weight to 

 draw loads. Good horse critics still insist that this deficiency of 

 form is too prevalent with the breed. However, it is within the 

 facts that in recent years the tendency has been to secure greater 

 depth and spring of rib. An obliqueness of shoulder is empha- 

 sized among Clydesdale breeders, leading into strong, high withers. 

 While the chest is narrower than with other drafters, a recent Brit- 

 ish opinion 1 declares that "he must have a wide chest and his 

 limbs be well planted under him, with no tendency to what is 

 called being wide at the shoulder, so that the horse is compelled 

 to walk in front somewhat after the fashion of a bulldog." The 

 slightest inclination to this in a Clydesdale is regarded as unpar- 

 4onable. The head of this breed does not differ in its essential 

 features from what is regarded as a correct conformation. A 

 writer discussing the Clydesdale in "Heavy Horses" (1894) 

 notes some peculiarities of the head worth recording here : 



A tendency to " dish face " may be observed in some tribes, and this is 

 generally accompanied by a small ear and what, in the main, is characterized 

 as a " pony head." Wherever this style predominates there is probably a strain 

 of Highland or old Galloway in the blood. On the other hand, the hard, narrow 

 face and Roman nose are regarded as equally if not more objectionable. Such 

 features are usually indicative of a strain of Shire blood and, indeed, they are not 

 otherwise to be accounted for in the Clydesdale. An open, level countenance, 

 vigorous eye, and large ear are greatly valued, and are not readily sacrificed. 



The action of the Clydesdale is notable, not being surpassed 

 by any breed. Says Alexander Galbraith, an acknowledged 

 American authority on this breed : 



Great attention has been paid by the Scottish breeders during the last 

 twenty or thirty years to the matter of action. No other draft breed has re- 

 ceived one half the attention that the Clydesdale has in this respect, and for 



^Farmers' Gazette, Dublin, October 30, 191 5. 

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