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L. Jrl ri Jr i Ji JA. js.j^^j\.* 



PHOTOGRAPHING HORSES. 



Photography is a very useful aid for the acquisition of a 

 knowledge of conformation ; for it enables us to place on 

 record exact results unobtainable by other means. This is 

 a truth which is too evident to need support by argument. 



Photographs are taken of a horse with the object of 

 obtaining a picture, a portrait, a combination of the two, 

 or a likeness of the animal by which his '* points " may be 

 best seen and compared, with the greatest exactness, to those 

 of other horses. When a picture is the end in view, the 

 pose will have to be subordinated to artistic requirements. 

 If a portrait, the position should be that which will convey 

 to the spectator the best possible idea of the general look 

 of the animal. This will usually be obtained when his 

 body is in profile, and the head and neck carried in the 

 manner most characteristic of the horse in question. My 

 experience is that horses in photographs look better when the 

 head is turned a little towards the observer (Figs. 236, 256, 

 344 and 370) or is directed straight to the front (Fig. 322),. 

 than when it is turned even slightly away (Fig. 255). When, 

 however, the photograph is required as a more or less exact 

 record of the horse's ''make and shape," he should be in as 

 nearly perfect profile as practicable : just as if he were posed 

 for the inspection of an intending buyer. 



In order to preserve harmony in the graceful curves of 

 the upper line of the body, the horse, to look his best, should 

 have his ears pricked forward, his head carried high, and, 

 if possible, he should not have his tail tucked in between 



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