MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION 
133 
much size and quality as could be procured should be emphasized in the 
selection of the stallion. The Lefebures give close attention to soundness 
of feet, legs and wind, and, too, to be sure that the individual is a breeder, 
the use of a microscope in examining the semen is advocated. The An- 
drews advise that both sire and dam for four generations back be exam¬ 
ined as to the relative merits of each in order that proper conclusion be 
arrived at in the selection of the stud horse. According to Haxton, color 
as well, besides breeding and conformation, should form primary consid¬ 
erations in selection, and Augustin mentions “soundness and conforma¬ 
tion” in this regard. The -characteristics of a breeding stallion, as set 
forth by Sanborn, are indicated by good bone, which should be flat and 
well-muscled, well-set pasterns, full of hoof-heads, broad breast, full eyes 
and well-sprung ribs (of good feather in the Clydesdale). Hine says that 
he should be of good disposition, possessing well-developed feet, good 
quality, large flat bone, and of good conformation. Kindness of disposition, 
soundness of eyes, good head, good bone, and good action, according to 
Thompson, should be given especial consideration in the choosing of a 
stud horse; whereas Holbert speaks of “individuality and breeding repu¬ 
tation,” besides the “final test” as indicated by the offspring begotten. 
On this subject Stericker writes: “If for draft purposes, good size and 
weight are primary considerations, also soundness and good appearance, 
and good breeding.” 
In the following paragraphs are quoted the different statements made 
by various leading breeders of the Percheron horse in the United States 
regarding the selection of the stud horse as given in Sanders and Dins- 
more’s “A History of the Percheron Horse.” 
Fletcher writes: “In my opinion, a typical Percheron stallion should 
weigh between 1900 and 2100 pounds in good condition. His height will 
range from 16% to 17% hands. In selecting a stallion I look for an in¬ 
telligent head, broad between the two eyes, and carrying well-set ears, a 
well-cut neck, set on sloping shoulders, and a short back, with the tail 
set neither too high nor too low. He should have a broad breast, with a 
muscular forearm, broad quarters, a deep body with well-sprung ribs, legs 
squarely set with clean bone, sloping pasterns not too long, and a wide, 
deep foot. Avoid a stallion narrow between the eyes, ugly-headed, with 
ears set too wide, narrow in front or behind, short-ribbed, or with a 
crooked or puffy hind leg, a straight pastern, or a flat foot.” 
Prichard gives his view as follows: “Forty-seven years of experience 
and observation have convinced me that the most serviceable Percheron 
stallion should stand from 16.2 to 17.1 hands high and weigh from 1800 
to 2000 pounds in thrifty breeding condition. Some 200 or more fat 
could be added to this weight, but it is to the injury of the stallion; it is 
usually not real horse, it is worthless blubber. 
“In looking over a stallion have him stand in the shade of a stable door. 
Take him by the bit with the left hand, look in his mouth, look in his 
eyes, look over his face; then drop your eyes down to his breast and 
shoulders, then down to his knees, pasterns and feet. See that he stands 
equarely on his feet. Then step to his left shoulder; chin him. Then step 
back about ten feet and take in the topline and depth of body, especially 
the flank. Step behind and observe the width of quarters, the fullness and 
depth of the stifles. Step around to the right side and look him over just 
as on the left. Examine his coronets; observe how he stands on his pas¬ 
terns, which should be fair in length and sloping. See that he has plenty 
of bone of good quality below the knee and hock, and is sound. Then let 
him walk out and return on the walk. Have him move at the trot, out and 
back, and see that his action is straight. 
“The stallion should be rugged and masculine, and not feminine, in ap¬ 
pearance. He should have a strong head, well poised on a good neck. His 
breast should be full, wide, and deep. The body should measure well at 
the heart, and be full and deep at the flank. The back should be strong 
