The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-10-16
POINTS OF A coon HORsE

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POINTS OF A GOOD HORSE.
MUzzLE-Nostrils should be large
md wide, Indicating great breathing
power, and hence ability to stand
breathing, and is also a point of
beauty.
JAwS-The space between the
should be wide, so as to allow
play for larynX and trachR; otherwise,
bre athing will be interfered with.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES be wide, indi-
GAZING Il large brain, which gives cour-
age. tractability and good temper.
UEAD--Should not be set on |
but the animal must be able !
to draw it in well towards the breast.
Straight heads indicate dull temper
ament, and not being able to yield to
the bit, the horse becomes hard
mouthed. Size of head should be
small or medium.
Ears.-Medium seized, not locked;
but this is characteristic of some
thoroughbreds. Must be able to prick
ears well forward.
Eyes.-Large, bright, full and mild,
indicating freedom from disease and a
good temperament.
Neck--Full, muscular and rather
short. If long the leverage strain on
the muscles is too great. Should be
gracefully arched, gradually tapering
towards the head, and wide at base;
but it should not be too narrow to-
wards the head, as this is fruitful
cause of roaring"
Shoulder.-Obliqu for fast horses
giving large base for attachment and
play of muscles; upright for heavy
horses, giving more leverage and an
equal pressure on all parts of the col
lar, being nearly at right angles to the
line of draught.
Humerus.-Long and well placed
under body.
Elbow Joint.-Should not be turned
in, but have plenty room between
joint and body. If turned in, it will
cause turning out of toe; hence liza
bility of speedy cut and interfering
The opposite condition (pigeon-toed
is not so Objectionable.
Fore Arm.-Must have length ant
we'll clad with muscles, especially il
front, indicatingI muscular develop
ment of the whole body.
Knee.--Large, broad in front AM
projecting on sides, so as to be able t.
bear much conclusion; well marke,
ridge behind knee. Should not b.
calk-kneed; but this is not so object
ionable in heavy horses. Opposit
conformation is faulty in heav,
horses, but not SO much in lgh
horses.
Metacarpal Cannon BoDe).-Shoul
be flat, indicating strength of BON
and tendons and ligaments should b
well developed and marked.
Fetlock, : Good size, square an
. clean.
Pastern.-Oblique CAS- to 60 deg Ian
medium length. If too long and oil
llque is subject to strains. If too III
right there is liability to navicula
3 disease.
Hoof.-Tough, oily, bright and fir
texture. If dry look out for crack
Quarters should not be low, indicatin
thin sole and disposition to bruise
Frog full and elastic and large; Gle
, well developed.
Chest.-Volume indicates capacit
f for lungs and large organs of diges
= ion. The more room the more endu
o ance and stamina. Fast hors'
! should have deep and narrow chest
: wide ones being fatal to speed.
= WITHERs.- prominence Il
: elegance, and for saddle should exteI
well back.
: BARREL.-Ribs well sprung, al
7 posterior ones long, giving room
digestive organs, and producing stan
o ina, constitution. and good feedi1
; properties.
, BACK.-Should be short on top al
y bottom line long, giving more spa
4 for travelling. Animal should be we
- ribbed home. The line of back shOu
= be slightly depressed behind witheI
. but rising towards loin, and well clf
with muscle. Hog-back disfavo
elasticity.
q LoIN.-Cannot be too broad al
f muscular on any animal. Lo
+ sometimes appear broad on accouI
, of narrowness of croop and hiI
r, quarters
CRooP--Variable in the differel
f breeds. Goose rump Objectionable
: fast horses but not considered so
Clydesdales.
QUARTERs-Fleshy, wide and mu
cular, with deep hollow between, ar
7 not sunken at anus. View alway
q from behind. Muscles on lower e;
b tremity CT tibia (gaskiuo should
b well developed. For speed gre
: length of femur and tibia is require
t but for heavy horses the tibia may
Q shorter, although the femur may
y the same length.
{, HoCK--Fat and clean. Point
g hook should stand well out, and 10y
making cannon bone short, whit
d gives it strength.-Farmers' Adv
s cate.