Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919 edition. Excerpt: ...The head shows intelligence and quality. It should not be too large, but should exhibit a refined appearance. The ears should be comparatively small, thin, and covered with short, silky hairs. They should be active, and usually pointed forward. Ears inclined backward are indicative of a mean, sordid disposition, while lolling ears are a sign of laziness. The eyes should be clear and active, full sized, set a good distance below the ears, and not sunken nor too small. The last two characteristics also indicate a bad temperament. The forehead should be broad and full, as this is a sign of good brain development. The nose should be straight, or may be slightly Roman. Large nostrils and a broad space between the jaw bones at the neck, where the trachea is located, are necessary for a free passage of the air in breathing. The lips should not be coarse and the teeth should be in good condition. The top line of the neck should be slightly crested, or it may be straight, but never bowed downward, thus forming the undesirable ewe neck. Poll evil, when present, is a running sore on top of the head, just back of the ears. The legs are very important parts of the farm horse. They are the parts that form the contact with the ground and, therefore, form the bases and the braces for pulling. "No feet, no horse," is a good old English adage that is quite as true today as it was centuries ago. The application may also include the legs. The legs of the farm work horse should be short, straight, strong, broad, hard, and well formed. The joints, esespecially, should be well formed, free from unnatural bumps, bends, or soreness. The foot should be large, properly set, and a hard, unblemished hoof. Each pair of legs should be well separated, and...