Selecting Your Horse R. M. Jordan Professor, Animal Science

Table of Contents Breeds and Use Classification Breed Relationship Special Attributes of Different Breeds Appearance and Conformation Judging Gaits and Action Defects and Peculiarities in Gait Unsoundnesses, Blemishes, Ailments Other Important Traits

Pride of ownership and accomplishment is evident with this young rider and her Quarter Horse.

Soundness of wind and limb, style, animation and beautiful form, coupled with spritely and true action is what horse selection is all about. Since there is such a variety of type, color, size, and disposition in horses and ponies, it shouldn't be hard to find a suitable mount.

In horse selection, the first questions to answer are—

What use will be made of the horse? Will the horse be suitable for the person who is going to use him? Is the horse trained?

Reading a bulletin will not make you an accomplished judge of horses, but a brief description of such points as desired type, breeds, gaits, and unsoundness may be a useful guide and may help you avoid later disappointments.

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