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State College of Agriculture
At Cornell University
Athaca, N. V.

_—

Librarp
Cornell University Library

anagement and breeding of horses,

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“SasJoy SUIALP YsIAJs 10j Sao] S,2]d09d ueoTJeUTY 94) JO |IMOITINO 243 SI Sasioy Fuloed puke Su1jj04} Jo paasq siyy
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Management
and

Breeding of Horses

—

185

*e
ao
+

Ms

veep

By

Merritt W. Harper

Professor of Animal Husbandry
in the New York State College of Agriculture
at Cornell University

New York -.
ORANGE JUDD COMPANY

London
Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Company, Limited
1915

 

 

 

 
Copyright, 1913, by
ORANGE JUDD COMPANY
All Rights Reserved

ENTERED AT STATIONERS’ Hatt, LoNpDoN, ENGLAND

go Oe a

Printed in U. S. A,
PREFACE

This book is an attempt at arranging information use-
ful to the farmer, breeder and student. It is the out-
growth of experience both as a practical horse breeder
and an instructor. The book includes a discussion of the
economic usefulness, judging and allied subjects, early
history, a study of the breeds, breeding, feeding, care and
management of both horses and mules. Special emphasis
is placed on the management of the brood mare as well
as that of the colt from the time the mare is bred until
the colt is ready for farm work or the market. This in-
cludes a discussion of the methods of training, overcom-
ing undesirable habits, fitting, harnessing and the like.

Because of the increasing popularity and field of useful-
ness, the mule is given prominence. This necessitates a
consideration of the several breeds of jacks, as well as
special suggestions on the care and development of the
mule-breeding jack, as not all jacks are suitable for siring
mules.

In choosing the subject matter a wide search has been
made and it has been necessary to eliminate much valu-
able data, as there is quite an accumulation of material
upon the production, care and use of the horse. In this
elimination, the author has attempted to keep in mind
the needs of the farmer, breeder and student.

The arrangement of the subject matter in a book of this
class is important. The outline employed has been chosen
because in experience it seems the most favorable for the
presentation of the text. Following a discussion of judg-
ing considerable space is given to the history and de-
velopment of the several breeds of horses, each breed
being discussed in a separate chapter. Farmers and

v
vi PREFACE

breeders are interested in the history and description of
the breed with which they are working. Possibly they
may not care for the detailed description of the other
breeds and may wish to proceed with the breeding, feed-
ing, care and management. The subject matter has been
arranged with this thought in mind. On the other hand, the
student of horse breeding is interested in a comparative
breed study and no doubt will wish to consider each
breed. In this breed study, the several breeds have been
arranged in sequence, as far as possible, and not in order
of importance. This is necessary, as some of the older
breeds were important factors in forming the more recent
ones.

To facilitate a comparative breed study and to promote
interest in correct type, many photographs of horses of
the various breeds have been used. Untouched photo-
graphs have been employed, as they show natural char-
acteristics.

Realizing the many difficulties that present themselves
in the management and breeding of horses, the writer will
be glad to correspond with those into whose hands the
book may fall concerning such difficulties, and also to
receive suggestions that will make the book more useful
as a practical guide and text.

M. W. HARPER.

Cornell University,
Ithaca, N. Y., August 6, 1913.
CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

THE Horse AND His MASTER .........ccccuecceece

Saving human time—Horse labor and man labor—The
horse cheapens production—The horse as a pleasure ani-
cass and value of horse stock in the United

tates.

CHAPTER II

Jupcinc A Horse ....... iedtasae pl aiiain iene nese ahaa are woes

Requirements of a good judge—Method of judging a
horse—The score card—Rules of scoring—Types of horses
—Method of scoring—Comparative judging—Examine the
horse in his stall and in harness.

CHAPTER III

PROPORTIONS AND MECHANICS OF THE HORSE.........

Dimensions of the parts—Measurements of the horse—
The unit of proportions—Dimensions of articular angles—
Mechanics of the horse.

CHAPTER IV

ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS AND AGE OF A HoRSE.......

Anatomy of the horse—Common unsoundness and
faults—Estimating the age of a horse.

CHAPTER V

History OF THE HORSE .......-+-- sate higead ane Meese

Antiquity of the horse—Distribution of prehistoric horse
--Fvolution of the horse—Cause of the evolution—Exist-
ing species of horses—Ancestors of modern horse.

vii

Page

1

26

34

56
viii CONTENTS

CHAPTER VI

THE BREEDS OF HORSES .........4. Bags eg texiec pai meee a

Establishing a breed—The light breeds—The draft
breeds—The coach breeds—The pony breeds—The breeds
of jacks—The mule. :

CHAPTER VII

THE ARABIAN HORSE 3 coccnce uence mecca neg earns

The native home—Origin—Families—Arabian in Amer-
ica—Breeders—Description of the Arabian—Popularity—
Organizations.

CHAPTER VIII

THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE ....... 0.0 ccc seceveeees

The native home—Origin—Early racing—Foundation
stock—Improvement—Famous animals—Thoroughbred in
America—Description—Speed records—Popularity of the
Thoroughbred—Organizations.

CHAPTER IX

THE AMERICAN SADDLE HORSE .......- ee cceeceeeees

The origin—Influence of the Thoroughbred—Denmark,
F. S—Famous animals—Description—Classes—Gaits—
Popularity—Organizations.

CHAPTER X

THE STANDARDBRED HORSE .......... 0c ce cee eceecee

The origin—Source of Standardbred blood—Hamble-
tonian 10—Families—Famous animals—Description—
Trotting and pacing records—l‘amous drivers—Organiza-
tons—Orloff Trotter.

CHAPTER XI

THe Hackney CoacuH HORSE ......... cee ceeeceeeee

Native home — Origin — Development — Shales—The
Hackney in America—Famous  stallions—Description—
Distribution—Organizations.

78

88

106

115

135
CONTENTS

CHAPTER XII

Tue Frencu Coacu Horse ....... ‘oe

Native home—Origin—French methods for improving
horses—French Coach horse in America—Notable animals
——Description—Speed records — Distribution — Organiza-
tions.

CHAPTER XIII

THE GERMAN COACH HORSE ....... cece cece eee eee

Native home—Origin—German methods for improving
horses—Types and breeds of German horses—German
Coach horse in America—Description—Distribution—Or-
ganizations—Criticisms.

CHAPTER XIV

THE CLEVELAND BAy CoAcH HorsE ....... 00.000 50e

Native home—Origin—Decline of Cleveland Bay—
Yorkshire Coach—Cleveland Bay Coach horse in Amer-
ica — Description — Distribution — Organizations—Criti-
cisms.

CHAPTER XV

THE PERCHERON DRAFT HORSE ..... eee e eee ee eeee

Native home—Origin—Early development—Deteriora-
tion of the La Perche horse—Improvement—Government
methods—Endurance of the Percheron—Percheron draft
horse in America—Famous Percheron sires—Notable
breeders—Description—Distribution—Organizations.

CHAPTER XVI

Tur FRENCH DRAFT HORSE ..... eee cece eee eee
Breeds of French Draft horses—Organizations—Criti-
cisms.

CHAPTER XVII

Tue CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE «2... eee erence eens
Native home—Origin—Early _ development—Famous
Clydesdale sires—Clydesdale draft horse in America—
Famous American animals—Description—Criticisms—Dis-
tribution—Organizations.

ix

161

169

183

188
x CONTENTS

-CHAPTER XVII

Tue SuHrire DRAFT HORSE ...... eee eee ee eee eens 199

Native home—Origin—Bakewell methods—Early types
Famous Shire sires—Shire draft horse in, America—De-
scription—Criticisms—Distribution—Organizations.

CHAPTER XIX

Tue BetGIAn DRAFT HORSE ..... see eee ee etree eens 208

Native home—Origin—Early types—Belgian methods
for improving horses—Belgian draft horse in America—
Growing popularity—Description—Criticisms — Distribu-
tion—Organizations.

CHAPTER XX

Tuer SuFFOLK DRAFT HORSE ....... ee cee eee eee ens 217

Native home—Early origin—Crisp’s Horse—Foreign
tribes—Modern Suffolk—Suffolk draft horse in America—
Description—Criticisms—Distribution—Organizations.

CHAPTER XXI

POINTES sx.nat als: atcdeaicd Sein aed aves alae ca ansatiec sdb) Brand is lwwefadaeend 225

Shetland pony—History—Shetland in America—De-
scription—Welsh pony—Exmoor pony—New Forest pony
—Dartmoor pony—Irish pony—Polo pony.

CHAPTER XXII

AMERICAN HORSES ...... 0. ccc cece cee e eee nceeeens 233

Early importations—Colonial_horse-breeding centers-—
Virginia—New York—New England—Canada—Indian
pony—Mexican pony. i

CHAPTER XXIII

THE. DOMESTIC ASS ec onc os 4 a Saeed hae ies & awa 240

Species of the Ass—Early history—Breeds of Jacks—
Jacks in America—Characteristics of the Jack—Jacks for
mule breeding—Organizations.
CONTENTS xi

CHAPTER XXIV

pH BIE owe areca ns ee eye TS A Ero eae eketsa'e 248

_ Mule a hybrid—History—Mule in America—Character-
istics of the mule—Endurance of the mule—Distribution—
Organizations.

CHAPTER XXV
PRINCIPLES OF HorsE BREEDING ......ecccceccceccee 252

Variations in horses—Causes of variation—Selection—
Heredity—Prepotency—Fertility — Sterility — Systems of
breeding.

CHAPTER XXVI

PRACTICAL Horsz BREEDING ......ee cee cecccccecece 263

Number of horses produced—Conditions favorable to
horse breeding—Practical plan for breeding horses—Co-
operative horse breeding—Selection of animals for horse
breeding—Uniformity.

CHAPTER XXVII
THE Broop MARE ....... 0... ccc ccc cece cence ee eeane 274

Care of brood mare—Productive period—Breeding two- +
year-old fillies—Spring and fall foals—Barrenness—Abor-
tion—The pregnant mare—Working—Feeding—Gestation
period—Foaling time.

CHAPTER XXVIII

Pre: POA: ssid aiare-cwtelsis aeesea Moa aes we Rese s AMARA ees 287

S 5 é yy
Ailments of the young foal—Feeding—Weaning—Man- a
agement of the weanling—Care of feet—Castration of
male foals.

CHAPTER .XXIX

PractTicAL MuLE BREEDING ....eeeccecceccceecrees 295

Number of mules produced—Breeding Jacks and Jen-
nets—Selecting breeding stock—Raising a_mule—Breed-
ing Jack—Mule breeding—Selecting mule—Breeding stock.
xii CONTENTS

CHAPTER XXX

BreEDING Horses FOR FARM AND MARKET ....-.++->
Farm breeders’ limitations—The farmer’s horse—The

market horse—Market requirements—Value of matched °

teams.

CHAPTER XXXI

Market CLasses oF Horses AND MULES ............

Draft horses—Chunks—Wagon horses—Carriage horses
—Road horses—Saddle horses—Draft mules—Farm mules
—Mining mules—Cotton mules—Sugar mules—Export
mules—Rules of auction.

CHAPTER XXXII

PRINCIPLES OF HORSE FEEDING .... 0.2.00 cca e eae an

The animal body—The food; its composition—Uses of
the food; digestion—Kinds of rations—Balanced ration—
Nutritive ratio—Computing a ration.

CHAPTER XXXIII

PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING ....... 0.0.0 -eeceveeee she

Regularity of feeding—Order of supplying grain, hay
and water—Food required to grow a horse—Method of
feeding work horse, driving horse, idle horse, stallion,
mules—Cost of ration—Sample ration.

CHAPTER XXXIV

GRAIN AND CONCENTRATES FOR THE Horse ..........

The cereal grains—-Oats—Corn—Oats and corn—Barley,
tye and wheat—Leguminous grains—By-products and
commercial feeds—Patent stock foods.

CHAPTER XXKV

Hay AND Foracr ror THE Horse ............ essneaabians

Timothy—Clover—Alfalfa—Cereal hay—Millet—Corn
stalks—Straw—Silage—Roots—Injurious feeding stuffs—
Foods that influence digestion.

340

323

334

346

303
CONTENTS

CHAPTER XXXVI

CaRE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE Horse ......... saliee

Grooming—Clipping — Blanketing — Bedding — Care of
et and teeth—Shoeing the horse—Shoes for unsound
eet. :

CHAPTER XXXVII

PRACTICAL Horse TRAINING ....cc.cceeeeccecveces

Training the foal—Training the work horse—Age to
train for work—Bitting—Teaching commands—Training
to objects of fear—Training to walk fast—Training the
wild horse.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE .........00...000e

Causes of whims and vices—Overcoming them—Balking
—Kicking—Running away—Tossing the head—Tongue-
lolling—Halter pulling—Difficult to harness—Tearing
blankets—Gorging grain—Rolling—Difficult to shoe.

CHAPTER XXXIX

HARNESSING THE HORSE ........ 0... e eee ceeeeeaes

Bridle and check reins—Collars, kinds and fitting—
Sweat pads and housings—Breast harness—Crupper and
back-strap—Breeching and holdbacks—Care of harness.

CHAPTER XL

THE PRACTICAL HORSE BARN ....... cece cece cece eee

Drainage—Ventilation—Light — Cleanliness — Convent-
ence—Interior fixtures—Construction—Labor-saving ap-
pliances—Care of manures—Paddocks,

CHAPTER XLI

CoMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE ...........00000-
Nursing a sick animal—Feeding—Giving medicine—In-
digestion—Colic—Worms—Azoturia— Distemper — Influ-
enza—Sweeney shoulder—Sore shoulders and neck—Foul
sheath—Mud fever—Scratches—Cracked hoofs—Difficult
parturition.

373

885

395

407

419
xiv CONTENTS

CHAPTER XLII

STALLION LAWS AND REGULATIONS ......- eared es

State stallion laws—Soundness—Breeding of stallions
that qualify—National Association of Stallion Registration
Boards—Result of such laws—Inspection and quarantine
for horses, mules and asses.

NPE EIN DIK 300 soaxcdapruan ous sete Gee toa wah ea ee dsnasieiaie ets

Horse breeders’ associations—Statistics of horses and
mules—Average weights of feeding stuffs—Energy value
and digestible nutrients in feeding stuffs—Digestible nutri-
ents and fertilizing constituents in feeding stuffs.

441
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

 

Page
The American Standardbred Horse _._____.__..--_____ Frontispiece
Saving human time. Plowing the soil___________..__...__.____ 2
Saving human time. Fitting the soil-.__............ 3
Three generations of the reaper___..______...._..___..___. 4
A six-horse team delivering coal _-.-___.______...._--..---_- 5
A well-equipped judging pavilion _..--_.__._.__..._____... 8
Light active type --____ Hesteso— Sea e eel alo 14
Heavy draft type --------__--._-_---- 15
Good action 22-226 se tole Alon ee) eee eee 18
Front view, correct position _.._.-..-________________._._- 19
Rear view, correct position ______.__-_-____--____---__ 19
Position of front legs ---..-._________._-__-_______-- 21
Positton:of hind legs:i< 12200 vee tn oe eo ee 23
Measuring the head ~__-__-___-__-____--___-_-______ 28
A study in proportions _-_____-_-___---------------e 29
A study in articular angles _----___----.--______--___--__-____ 31
A study in mechanics of the horse _-_--..-_______.--_-_-_____ 33
Skeleton of the horse -----_-----------__-__-__- eee 35
Muscles of the horse -_----_-----.-------------______--.-____- 36
(Circulatory systetn wucw ott tel eee te 38
Respiratory systém 2-2... 22012 soc se scot s ee eee ee cececec eek 39
Digestive system. sues suesoeeo tase serene eae eet en ee 40
Nervous system 2x eecnetoteedest esses seek eae SS 42
Pol ei Sos 2 eee oe oe aoe a a ee 44
Mistula cwithers :n02 wh Ue See os Snore ee 44
Collar bot a2 aii kee eee erie a be ah oleh inlets 45
Buck: knees! aeosc2t ccd eos So ee elas e eae eee 45
Sidebone and cracked hoofs ---------------------------------- 46
PRY OTe eke Pa ata ra at a Le nro a 46
Weak and sickle-shaped hocks -------------------------------- 47
Sound and unsound hocks ~-----.---------------------------- 47
Sound hock, showing tendons _-_--_--------..----.------------ 48
xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

 

 

Page
Cocked ankle --- 48
Lower front teeth at three years of age ----------------------- 51
Lower front teeth at four years of age ----------------------- 51
Lower front teeth at five years of age ------------------------ 51
Lower front teeth at six years of age ------------------------- 51
Lower front teeth at seven years of age ---------------------- 52
Lower front teeth at eight years of age ----------------------- 52
Upper front teeth at nine years of age ------------------------ 52
Upper front teeth at ten years of age ------------------------- 52
Upper front teeth at eleven years of age ---------------------- 53
Upper front teeth at fifteen years of age --.------------------- 53
Upper front teeth at twenty-one years of age ------.--_------- 53
Upper front teeth at thirty years of age ----------------------- 53
Front and side view of teeth at five years of age --.----------- 54
Front and side view of teeth at nineteen years of age ---------- 54
Changes in the skull, teeth and feet showing evolution of the
TOES 6 is ease a hh ee rectal 59
Changes in the legs and feet showing evolution ---------------- 61
NUTIICRS 72a tes a bo tee ee ae ee ene ome see 64
Light breed. Arabian stallion, “Anizeh”_____-_-.-.-____-_------- 70
Draft breed. Percheron stallion, “Intitule’___._______.------_- 72
Coach breed. Hackney mare, “Queen of Diamonds”_.__.-.---- 74
Shetland pony tense evesee ee oee st seed ee Seah ee Sian aia asad 15
Arabian stallion, “Obbelan” Seno bele aos a ee ee 79
Arabian stallion; “Antoe’ 2. ess ce he ee ee enero 80
Arabian: mare, “Hamita’ veneer ee ae et 83
Arabian stallion, “Deux” ~-....-..-----__-_-- eee 85
Arabian stallion; “SMaleite? 2 6 ec I ee Re 86
Thoroughbred stallion, “Chocornae” _.-___.-..---------------- 89
Thoroughbred stallion, “Hermis” --._________---____--__------- 93
Thoroughbred mare, “Blue Girl” _-.____._.-------------------- 96
Thoroughbred stallion, “Jean Bereaud” ____--_------_---------- 100
Thoroughbred English Hunter mare, “Isenll” -_________----.-- 104
American Saddle mare, “Carolina”’—Major J. B. Castleman__-_-- 108
American Saddle horse, “Kentucky Choice” _-.-.---_---.------ 109
American Saddle mare, “Edna May” _-____----_------_--_--__- 110

American Saddle horse, “Kentucky Colonel” ~.---------------- 111
List OF ILLUSTRATIONS xvii

Gaited Saddle horse, “Royalist”
Standardbred stallion “Directum,” 2.0514-___-__.______________- 116
Standardbred stallion “Bretini,” 2.2214 _-______... 117
Standardbred Morgan stallion _.---__-______..... 121
Standardbred stallion, “Carmon,” at the head of the Ft. Collins
stud Achaia moe 122
Standardbred stallion, “Kremlin,” Q0T84. ees o seek ae ens. 124
Standardbred stallion, “McKinney,” 2.11% ----_-----.-----____ 126
Standardbred stallion, “Bingara” ___-____.____.__ 128
Standardbred stallion, “Cresceus” 2.0234 _____--.....__________ 132
Standardbred stallion, “Dan Patch,” 1.5514 _.___---______-_-___ 133
Hackney stallion, “Enfield Nipper,”
Hackney stallion, “Sir Humphrey” ___-___--__________-
Hackney stallion, “Lord Marlborough”
Hackney brood mares _--_-_-____-_-_-_--_-__--e
Hackney stock: farm.» 22-200 -25 0. 22 so
French Coach stallion, “Paladin” ___.._..-__-___-_-_-___-________
French Coach stallion, “Chaudernagor”
French Coach stallion, “Fadiavolo” _-...-_____________________
German Coach stallion, “Nero” ____--.-_______-___--_--__-___
German Coach stallion, “Landgraf” ______-____-___-_--__-____e
German, Coach: maré,. “Fope” .co..csen cone ee coe cesececns
German: Coach mare; ““Funge™ <0 vnc ee
Cleveland Bay stallion, “Beodloin Fred”
Cleveland Bay stallion ----------_------_--_---------.--------
Cleveland Bay geldinigs: 2222-262 eseeeeseebeb see ceseeeeess
Cleveland Bay mares and colts _------------------------------
Percheron stallion, “Calypso” ~-------------------------------
Percheron stallion, “Klaqueur” ____------__------_-_----------
Percheron:stallion; “My Lord? 2222: 22223 S see
Percheron:stallion; “Negro? 22-2. - 228 kl ees
Percheron stallion, “Jantier” -----------------_---------------
Prench: Piatt: Horse .-oe2 5225 Shen ce ese Gate eben sash
French Draft stallion: qs2-ceseessesseuw ee He Se
Clydesdale stallion, “Silver Cup” -----------------------------
Clydesdale stallion, “Caliph” ~--_____.------------------------
Clydesdale mare, “Nunas Numice” __--------------------------
Clydesdale stallion, “Pride of Drumlandrig” __----------------- 196
Shire stallion, “Bletchley Royal Duke” _-2--_--_---_-_---------- 200
ae Shire stallion, “Narden Lad” ~-------------------------------- 202

 

 

 
xviii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page
Shire stallion, “Lockinge Hingist” --..------------------------ 206
Belgian stallion, “Melon” oe sah 209
Belgian stallion, “Leopard” _-_--_----------------------------- 211
Beleian mares “Bella? fase pe pete Saee sl 213
Belgian mare, “Gamine” _____._-..---------------------------- 215
Swtolle stallign:---=---.50.022 2 ssc ao sean does eet ete eee 217
Suffolle mate: concer s eok ee exon, 219
Suffolk stallion: .J2-sssec2 ccsnee ee ee en see 222
Suffolk stallion _----__----__ 35 a 223 -
Shetland ponies at home. Lerwick, Shetland Islands --------~-- 226
Shetland pony, “Vespa of Belle Meade” ---------_------------- 227
Welsh ponies, “Queen Bee,” and her colts -----------------_--- 229
Pony showing style and finish -------------------------------- 230
American Saddler, “Carroll Preston” ------------------------- 235
Standardbred stallion, “Gay Audobon” _----------------------- 237
Burro at work ~-------------------- s ats 241
Gatalonian jack 223. 2-. ie sce esas esses ee cece anes eeees. 243
Prize jack, “De. Hartman” 22222 -25-2ee eee ese cece ce 245
Prizéjacle “General Wood?” astcsesee notes see eee sees 247
Span ‘of prizemules:..- 222 ete ee 250
Percheron stallion, “Galba” --------------------.-----..------ 254
Belgian mare, “Elequante” ~.-_-----.------------------------- 256
American Saddle:mané eosssee5e see eee ew sence ne ese sseee 261
Shire:stallion; “ord Carlton” 22.22. 22222. 252 225k 265
Percheron. ‘Stallion: Ss2222--Scei eee sees et ot escccess tes es 269
Arrangement of breeding hopples --------__.---..------------ 272
Percheron mares of excellent type for breeding---_--.--.------- 276
Belgian mares of good conformation --__-__._--.-____--------- 278
Brood mares, showing conformation, soundness and uniformity 283
Arabian mare and foal e 288
Mares and foals at pasture ------_--- ---- 290
Percheron weanling, well bred and well fed ---.-------------_- 292
Catalonian jack ose : 296
Jack colt, fifteen months of age £98
Spanvof prize mules w.02. 23004 eo ee ee 299
Grade Percheron colts ready for market -.-.------------------ 303
Shire stallions suitable for breeding farm or market horses.---- 304
Belgian mares for breeding _-_ 307
Heavy draft geldings, weight 4,000 pounds ..-_---------------- 311

Percheron grade, weight 1,925 pounds at 4 years old ----------- 312
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page
Export chunk, weight 1,550 pounds _.________-__..... 313
Wagon horses, weight 3,400 pounds _____-____.__________ Be Qees 315
Coach horses of stylish action _.-___.-___.________________ 316
Dish, hunter: <=<0ch oo ees oo sei a a Ae len 319
Percheron stallion, “Hyslope”’ _.-.----.---_---_-___-_______ 325
Shire stallion, “Dan Patch” _.._-_-_.---- 332
Pezcheron brood mares at work. Weight 3,200 pounds -_-____- 338
Percheron stallion and mare working side by side ----_---_____ 342
Fattening horses for the market _.__---_.--_-_________________ 347
Bulkvin: gain Paton secosc ew ey 349
Belgian stallion, “Ludia” _-.--_..-.---_---___-----e 350
Modern method of making hay _-_--_______-_-_--___-__--_____e 354
Arabian stallion, “Nimr” ~._.------_---------- 355
Grooming (001s =... 5 2e eas, sea tae a re aid 361
French Coach grades, well hitched and well groomed ____--___- 365
Saddlers, well groomed and well trained ___-------__-_._--___- 367
Well-fitted shoe --------------_._____ Bate 370
Methods of shoeing ~------._-________-___-- eee 371
Catching the fal cst rele er ta en 374
Ditheultto lead 2ncs2-oke sos io eet tes 376
Bitting harness 378
Guy line : -- 381
Rarey’s double safety harness and guy line ----------_--------- 382
Rarey’s: throwing: harness).c. 2225-050 2-es-- 2s eto c 38 383
INO@SE*tWwitch 2-2 =o seo se enn kk oe eh en ae he seasons 391
Warebridle so2cncesscoesooe sane ee soos SS 392
Types of bridle=bits 222 222-s2e2s5222e5 23 toe ei ae Sees 396
‘Types GL -collars 2200-3 ee Ue as ee 400
Heavy work harness un ~ 402
Light driving harness 2, 404
Harness repair kit 405
Horse barn, showing paved court and teams ready for work_--~ 408
Cross section through horse barn ~---------------------------- 411
Trotting-horse barn with track in foreground ----------------- 414
Litter carrier in use = Bees 417
Hackney brood mares 420
Shire mare, “Wyderlands Sunshine” _------------------------- 423
Natural presentation of young ~------------------------------- 428
Belgian staliion, “Frank Briser” ------------------------------ 432

Arabian stallion, “Khaled” 437

 
CHAPTER I
THE HORSE AND HIS MASTER

For many centuries the horse has been the sturdy and
esteemed servant of man. There is no more interesting
and important subject for our study than the origin, de-
velopment and improvement of the various breeds of the
domestic horse. He is the noblest of all creatures that
we have subdued to our will. His acquisition has been
one of the chief factors in the rise and supremacy of the
great nations of ancient, medieval and modern times.
We have no history that is not intermingled with his.
In all the ages he has occupied an important position.
This is especially true at the present time. The founda-
tion of our civilization rests on agriculture and our agri-
culture rests on the horse.

Saving human time.—In America we have learned to
substitute brute force for human energy to a greater
extent than any other country. The Thirteenth Census
shows the horse and mule population of the United States
to be approximately one-fourth that of the human popula-
tion. In other words, the United States possesses four
inhabitants for each beast of burden—horse or mule;
whereas France possesses ten inhabitants, Germany
twelve, and England twenty-four inhabitants for each
beast of burden. Those who settled and developed our
country were early taught that human muscle was the
most expensive material from which to procure energy,
even though the person be a slave. Human muscle,
however cheap, cannot successfully compete with im-
proved implements operated by well-bred horses adapted
to their work and directed by intelligent workmen.

As a nation we are extremely saving of time, but waste-
ful of everything else. We have destroyed our forests,
2 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

wasted our coal and soil fertility; but we have used
human energy more economically than it has ever been
used before. The older nations are saving of everything
but human time. Our extensive use of the horse has
greatly influenced our national character and history.
Because we make our labor count for so much, we are
able to make farming an attractive business rather than
a peasant’s drudgery.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 2,—SAVING HUMAN TIME. PLOWING THE SOIL

Horse labor and man labor.—The horse, properly
directed, is equal in productive energy to ten men, and it
will cost about one-half as much to keep him as one man.
Hence a horse intelligently handled may be made to
cheapen labor twenty fold over the old hand method.
Here lies the secret of success in America. The Amer-
ican farmer is not, as a rule, contented to direct the
energies of but one horse at a time. He usually har-
nesses two, sometimes three or four and even more, to a
THE HORSE AND HIS MASTER 3

single implement or machine. Where the fields are large
we frequently see two 16-inch plows mounted on wheels
and drawn by four large horses plowing as much as six
and even more acres in a single day, more than a hundred
laborers could do in a day of the severest toil. A very
striking illustration of the economy of horse over man
power may be seen in the great wheat fields of California
and the Northwest where 14 teams, 28 horses or even

 

 

 

 

 

FIG, 3.—SAVING HUMAN TIME. FITTING THE SOIL

more, are attached to a combined machine which cuts,
thrashes, cleans and sacks one thousand or more bushels
of wheat in a day. One man drives the horses and three
others tend the machine and sew up the bags. It would
require at least sixty men to accomplish this task in one
day with cradle and flail.

Equally as great economy of human muscle is seen in
our large cities, where men are displaced by horses in the
transportation of heavy merchandise. Because of the
4 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

crowded streets only a few horses are hitched together,
in this case, to assist a single man; but the horses are
large and strong. A single team, consisting of two
horses, is able to move a load of four to ten tons over
paved streets—a load equal to that carried by a freight
car in the early days of steam railways.

The horse cheapens production.—In 1830, it required
an average of three hours and three minutes of human
labor for each bushel of wheat grown; in 1896 it required

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 4.—THREE GENERATIONS OF THE REAPER

ten minutes. In 1855 it required an average of four hours
and thirty-four minutes to grow, harvest and shell one
bushel of corn; in 1894 it required 41 minutes.* The
heavy, clumsy plow of 1830 has given way to more
modern implements, such as the gang plow, disk plow,
disk harrow and the like, which both plow and pulverize
the soil in the same operation. Hand sowing has been
displaced by the mechanical seeder drawn by horses.
Hand harvesting with knife and peg, cradling and thrash-
ing with flail has given way to reaping, thrashing and

*Yearbook, United States Department of Agriculture, 1897, page 600,
THE HORSE AND HIS MASTER 5

sacking with the combined reaper and thrasher drawn by
horses.

The horse as a pleasure animal—Not only is the horse
of service to us in conserving our energies, but he pro-
vides us with health-giving pleasure. There can be no
doubt that the horse was used in war and sport many
centuries before he began to take up our burdens. This
is fully attested: by our earliest written history. In fact,
the first improvement attempted was to increase the
horse’s efficiency in war and sport and not in economic

 

ra a OP tay eT te 8 OR RR eT

Aas

 

 

 

 

FIG. 5.—A SIX-HORSE TEAM DELIVERING COAL

industry. Breeding horses for sport and fashion consti-
tutes a very large part of the industry at the present time,
though this work has been affected to some extent
by the automobile.

Number and value of horse stock in the United States.
—-According to the Thirteenth Census there are 27,618,-
242 horses, mules and asses in the United States, valued
at $3,085,460,483. This value is twenty-eight per cent
greater than that of cattle, swine, sheep and goats com-
bined. At least one-half of this horse stock is capable
of doing work, which is equal to more than one hundred
million hand laborers. ‘This illustrates the vast addition
to the wealth and productive power of the nation that we
6 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

secure by the intelligent breeding and utilization of the
horse, as well as the great economy secured in substitut-
ing brute force for human energy. This also illustrates
the strength of the horse as an economic animal. Though
he has been threatened by the steam car, the bicycle, the
electric street and suburban car, by the automobile and
the like, he has steadily increased in numbers and value.
As a source of power and as a substitute for human labor
in combination with machines, the horse’s economic place
is more strongly established than ever before.

Since the horse is such an economic factor in our pro-
duction and progress, we should acquaint ourselves with
the history and methods of improvement of this most
useful and pleasure-giving animal; so that not only good
horses may be produced, but that such selection, breed-
ing, feeding and training be practiced as will secure, not
only the best horses, but those which shall be best
adapted to the work for which they are intended. It is
not only unwise but poor economy to grow a horse which
will increase man’s productive power only fivefold, when
a more intelligent effort might have produced one which
would increase it ten times.
CHAPTER II
JUDGING A HORSE

The ability to judge a horse accurately is acquired by
careful observation, study and experience. Not all of us
have the naturally keen observing powers and love for the
horse peculiar to some persons, who become notable ex-
perts; but each of us may acquire a practical, useful
knowledge of the exterior of the horse by methodical and
conscientious effort. To become a good judge of horses
is well worth our earnest attention. - Such an attainment
gives us much personal satisfaction as well as the neces-
sary information for use in breeding, feeding, buying,
selling and managing horses.

REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD JUDGE

To become proficient in judging any class of farm
animals there are three faculties that should be well
developed—familiarity with type desired, powers of ob-
servation and good judgment.

The use influences the type——In judging horses we
must first consider the uses for which they are desired
and the type or breed that will best accomplish the given
purpose. Thus, if the horse is wanted for light harness
and fast driving, it would be a mistake to choose an
animal of the coach type; or if the object sought is style
and high action, it would be none the less a mistake to
choose a trotting or pacing horse. The more familiar we
are with the demand and the type best suited to meet it,
the better our chances of success.

Cultivate the power of observation.—The power of ob-
servation should be well developed. We must train the
eye to see quickly and accurately, so that there may be no

7
3 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

mistake in the observations that are to form the basis for
a conclusion. In addition to seeing things as they are,
we should be able to detect deviations from the correct
form. This is often difficult. We may be familiar with
the fact that a few gray hairs on the inside of the pas-
terns may indicate that the horse interferes, and yet when
we examine him entirely overlook the white hairs. In
such cases as this the difficulty is often increased by the
horseman attempting to cover up such signs, and this
should serve to put us on our guard. Having examined

 

 

 

 

 

FIG, 6.—A WELL-EQUIPPED JUDGING PAVILION

the horse carefully we should retain a mental picture of
him, as it often happens that we are called upon to judge
large rings of animals, and the work can be greatly
facilitated if we can remember each animal. Further,
retaining such a picture is of value in matching teams.
Efficiency depends on judgment and practice.—After
having noted each of the horses to be considered, the
judgment is brought into play to decide which should be
placed first. In judging horses, efficiency depends largely
JUDGING A HORSE 9

on practice and experience. The type or breed to fill a
given demand, and the value of the horse for such pur-
pose, are recognized much more quickly and accurately
by one who is in practice judging horses than by one who
judges only occasionally.

Method of judging a horse——To examine the horse, we
should have him led into an open, well-lighted place and
stood at ease. First, we should view him from all direc-
tions, noting his general appearance—form, height,
weight, action, quality, temperament and the like. To
impress these general characters the animal should be
moved around, first at the walk and then at the trot.
While in action, view him from in front, behind and either
side. Second, we should make a careful examination of
the detail characters. To facilitate this detail examina-
tion the score card was devised.

In judging horses, we should learn to use our eye
rather than the hand. The eye is master of the situation
and the chief reliance with the expert judge. The hand
should be used only as an assistant to the eye, and may
be used when the eye unaided cannot determine a ques-
tion of quality, size, condition or soundness.

THE SCORE CARD

The score card gives, in systematic order, a detailed
description of the parts or characters of an ideally perfect
animal, It emphasizes the relative importance of the
various characters. The score card teaches the method
of seeing the parts or characters in a logical, orderly way
that none may escape observation. It deals with one
animal, comparing it with an ideal.

Purpose of the score card.—It is primarily an aid to the
study and teaching of stock judging. It enables us to
analyze the various characters of the horse in a logical
order. Thus, point by point, we learn to estimate the
value of each character that goes to make up the animal.
Io MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

In time, practice with the score card will enable us rapidly
to look over a horse, note his good and bad points and
arrive at a correct estimate of his value. After having
learned the method of examination, the art of seeing the
parts of the animal instead of merely the animal as a
whole, and securing an idea of the relative importance of
the parts, we are ready to discontinue the use of the card
and take up comparative judging.

Using the score card.— Two types of horses have been
placed on the same card (p. 11), although the descrip-
tion and the numerical value differs in nearly every
character. This has been done to facilitate teaching, as
it indicates rather vividly the differences in the light and
heavy types. It will be noticed also that the card has
been divided into several main divisions, each assigned
a numerical value, and these again divided into a number
of parts or characters, each of which is described and
given a figure which shows the percentage value attached
to each particular part.

In scoring a horse first note the part or character crit-
ically and if the animal is as nearly perfect as is possible,
leave blank the column headed “student’s,” which means
that the part is worth all the card allows. If the char-
acter is imperfect, make a “cut,” taking away from the
numerical value given the part, the percentage which in-
dicates how much it would have to be improved to be
perfect. Make the “cut” on the percentage basis; that
is, if scoring say the action of a driving horse which is
deficient Io per cent, take 1o per cent of ten, the numerical
value given the character, which is 1. Place I in the
column headed “student’s.” Continue until all parts have
been scored in the order given and the “cuts,” if any, re-
corded. Add the “cuts,” which show the total deficiency,
subtract this from 100 which gives the score of the animal.
By this method we can tell at a glance the parts that are
deficient, as they are the only ones marked.

When the work has been completed by the class each
JUDGING A HORSE It

student should correct his card to correspond to that of
the instructor, who will then give his reasons for each
“cut” made and discuss the merits and demerits of the
horse in detail.

Rules for scoring.—In scoring a horse on the percent-
age basis, it is not considered advisable to make a “cut”
of less than 5 per cent. Seldom will a part deserve a
“cut” of more than 50 per cent, as an important character
deserving more than this is so seriously at fault that it
may disqualify the horse. The scorer must use his judg-
ment in deciding the proportionate score to allow be-
tween these limits.

StTuDENT’s Score Carp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HORSES.
For Draft |For Driving
gl 21 Blu 2t3
SCALE OF POINTS #1 8/318] 813
elueletlelsle
S| 3/ so] 8) 8] 9
HALO alaloO
A. General Appearance: Draft 35: Driving 43:
Age—Estimated.......... yrs; actual.......... yrs.
Height—Estimated.......hands; actual....... hands] ..}..]..] 8
Weight—Estimated......... lbs; actual......... Ibs.t; 8 || sx [cw f see
Form, for draft, low, massive, symmetrical; for

driving, high, lithe, indicative of extreme activity] 6|..]..] 4
Quality, bone, flat; tendons, clean; skin and hair fine] 8] ..]-. | 10 eee
Color, according to breed.......-. cece eee eee cece Ae ces Mae. se
Action, step, smooth, quick, long; trot, rapid, straight,

TOQUIAT , gare esses eres cceieve ecounse wiecqind Hiacalie GSN See A] ..]..]10
Attitude, members vertical..........ee creer rece SH ue feared] “5
Temperament, lively, pleasant........-6-.0++-2 ee) 3]..[..] 4

B. Head and Neck: Draft 5: Driving 5: ;
Head, lean; length, two-fifths height of withers;

width of forehead, more than one-third length

of head; depth of head, one-half its length. For

driving, smaller, carried higher and more hori-

ontal....ccc eee reece reece eee e eet eee n ene 1 1
Muzzle, fine; nostrils, large; lips, thin; teeth, sound] 1 1
Eyes, full, bright and intelligent........--+++++++- 1 1
Ears, short, clean, fine, directed forward, wide apart} 1 1

 

 

 

 
I2 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

 

 

For Draft |For Driving

 

SCALE OF POINTS

Standard

Corrected
Standard
Student's
Corrected

Student's

 

Neck, pyramidal, muscled; throat, clean, fine; wind-
pipe large. Depth of insertion at shoulder equals
length of underline 2 to 4 inches shorter than head.
For draft, neck shorter, thicker, more horizontal} 1]..].. 1

C. Forequarters: Draft 20: Driving 19:

Shoulders, long, extending into back; point of shoulder

to point of withers, equals length of head. For|

draft, shorter and more upright............... BM su [cee] 22
Arms, relatively short, 12 to 13 inches. For draft,

MOrer MOTI ZOMG sielevscevoseveriak Suatceaveld edebectd cacesbons “avedens Dal baht case pk
Forearms, vertical, long, 14 to 15 inches; wide. For|

draft, shorter, more heavily muscled........... Di ose see. |) BD
Knees, clean cut, wide, deep; for driving, 3 inches,

for draft, 4 inches, strongly supported......... SH ssl aes | 28
Canons, vertical, short, 9 to 10 inches, lean, wide;

tendons well detached. For driving, longer....] 2]..] ..] 2
Fetlocks, wide, thick, clean, free from puffiness....] 1]..].. 1

Pasterns, angle 45 degrees, fetlock to ground, 7 to 8
inches. For driving, long, sloping; for draft,
SHORty, NORE SUPA Eh cosasacaees cesnsiaders wavs tore ocudtloorsceiehs D5) sce |v 2

Feet, round, even size; horn, dark colored, dense;
sole concave; bars, strong; frog, large, elastic;
heel, vertical, one-half length of toe........... 6} ..]..] 6

D. Body: Draft 10: Driving 8:
Chest in general, high, long. For draft, wide, half
height of horse; for driving, higher............ Sali secif ees. $2

Withers, clearly defined for driving................ Os) sass | sve AF eself ce

Breast, for driving, high, projecting. For draft,

 

broad: and muscular: iccaia tineawueaey tains eee AG seal ovg!| | al
Ribs, long, round curvature, wide apart 2 1
Back, straight, short, muscular; shoulders, to haunch

equals length of head. For driving, longer....} 2]..]..] 1]..]..
Loin, wide, short, thick, strongly joined to hips...J 1]..]..] 1]..]..
Underline, long; for draft, flank low............... DP) seach ee edhe tI ca

E. Hindquarters: Draft 30: Driving 25:

Hips, level, wide in proportion to other parts, for

draft, smooth; for driving, more prominent..... 1 ]Lce Wee | Oe
Croup, wide, long, muscular, 2 to 4 inches shorter

than head. For driving, horizontal; for draft,

shorter, ‘more: obliques cancer esac earthen VES a 4])..].. 3

Tail, set and carried high, long, full, fine.......... DY seca | asec |) S| sel] aes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
JUDGING A HORSE 43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Draft |For Driving
~~ rs]
dS 2i/o\v nls
SCALE OF POINTS S/8/8)8|8 2
a/ylelejd
@}xsloiais]2
&|/5\Ol;a}a 1°
Thighs, for driving, long, 15 to_16 inches, upright:

stifle, deviated outward. For draft, shorter:

more horizontal, muscular............. 060000 3 asset dt .
Buttocks, heavily muscled, well descended......... DY coef zee || OF sees
Gaskins, for driving, long, 14 to 15 inches, upright;

for draft, shorter, more horizontal, heavily

MISC LOD arse snninnarens sesbnaittnssaiohenne sveldetasenosir cue svexananilestieniac 3) a5 )ee] 2
Hocks, clean cut, large, straight, deep, for driving,

3 inches, for draft, 4 inches. For draft, wider] 6]..|.--] 4
Canons, 11 to 12 inches long, otherwise as above..| 2]..]..| 2
Feétiocks-as aboversussass se ese eae ee DU een [seer ff
Pasterns as above; angle 60 degrees..........----. Byes: owe P 2
Feet, compared with above, more oval, more concave;

heels, higher, more separated; walls, more vertical} 5]..]|.. 5

Stall Ae ga icistlsias ecnassaatioai Steaomenette ee 100| ..| .. [100] ..

 

 

 

 

 

 

TYPES OF HORSES

There are two distinct types of horses. The light type,
useful for light work and speed, and the heavy type used
for heavy draft work. Horses belonging to the former
type are usually designated “light horses,” while those
belonging to the latter are commonly called “draft
horses.” Light horses are further divided into running,
trotting, pacing, saddling, coaching and like classes.
Draft horses, likewise, are divided into light, medium and
heavy draft classes.

The light type—There is considerable variation in
type among light horses, depending on the purposes for
which they are adapted. Thus the trotting horse differs
in many respects from the saddle horse, and the running
horse has many characteristics unlike either. However,
14 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

since horses belonging to the light type are each intended
for rather fast and light work, they possess many points
in common.

In form the light type of horse is rather tall and the
legs long, so that the distance from the chest to the
ground is more than one-half the height of the horse from
the withers to the ground. The distance from the withers

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 7—LIGHT ACTIVE TYPE

to the knees and from the hips to the hocks is great. In
general conformation the light type resembles the grey-
hound. (Fig. 7.)

The heavy type.—In form the heavy type of horse is
low set and the legs rather short, so that the distance
from the chest to the ground is about one-half the height
from the withers to the ground. The draft horse re-
sembles the bull dog. Weight is important. To pull
efficiently the draft horse must possess weight. The
draft horse in fair condition at maturity weighs 1,600 to
2,400 pounds, according to the class. (Fig. 8.)
JUDGING A HORSE 15

GENERAL APPEARANCE OF A HORSE

In judging the horse first consider the general char-
acters, such as age, height, weight, form, quality, action,
attitude, color and temperament.

Age.—Since the age has an important bearing upon the
general appearance as well as the various parts of the
horse it is placed first on the card. The age, therefore,
should be the first character considered (p. 49).

 

 

 

 

: ees

FIG. 8.—HEAVY DRAFT TYPE

 

Height.—The unit for measuring the height of the
horse is a hand—4 inches. The height is taken at the
withers. A measuring staff (hippometer), marked off
in hands and inches, is used where the accurate height is
required. When such is not available, or where absolute
accuracy is not demanded, a good way to estimate the
horse’s height is to “chin” him. Find out how high it is
16 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

from the ground to the point of your chin when standing
erect. Stand facing the horse close to his left side and
note the height of the withers as compared with your
chin. Gradually train the eye to estimate height
unaided.

In draft horses the desired height is from 16 to 17.2
hands, with the average approximately 16.3 hands. This
should be due to depth of body instead of length of leg.
In driving horses the height is exceedingly variable, but
should be at least 15 hands. This should be due in a large
measure to length of leg. The card does not give a
numerical value to height in the draft horse for, as a rule,
if he is heavy enough he will possess sufficient height.
For driving eight points is a perfect score.

Weight.—The draft horse must weigh at least 1,600
pounds. This weight should be due to strong bone,
heavily muscled, as well as to large proportions, and not
the result of excessive fatness. Weight holds the horse
to the ground, enabling him to secure a foothold against
which to exert his strength. Weight brought forward is
power in itself and the greater the weight to bring for-
ward the greater the power derived from it. This is of so
great importance that on the market draft horses are
divided into classes according to their weight: Light
draft, weighing 1,600 to 1,700; medium draft, 1,700 to
1,800 and heavy draft, 1,800 pounds and up. For the
draft horse eight points is a perfect score.

Among light horses, weight is considered of minor im-
portance and no numerical value is given to it on the
card, as the horse that meets the height requirement and
possesses sufficient action will, as a rule, be heavy enough
to fill the. demand. oa

Form.—-The draft horse should be broad, deep, mas-
sive, evenly proportioned and symmetrical, the entire
make-up suggesting great strength and weight. The
body should be blocky and compact, with short, broad,
JUDGING A IIORSE 17

clean, well-set legs showing fine skin, large joints and
prominent tendons. Perfect score, six points.

The driving horse should be more upstanding, rather
lean, lithe and muscular, having a general appearance of
extreme activity. In this type speed and action is de-
sired. Animals of speed possess long bones, long muscles
and slightly angular joints. Perfect score, four points.

Quality.—This is a term rather loosely applied and has
reference to the hair, skin, tendons, muscles and bones.
Good quality is shown by fine, bright, silky hair; soft,
pliable skin; clean, well-defined tendons; smooth, well-
developed muscles; and strong, smooth bones. Freedom
from coarseness in the hair, skin, tendons, muscles and
bones emphasizes soundness and guarantees durability.
The best way to determine quality is to run the hand
down the legs, over the knees, hocks and cannon bones.
The hair and skin should feel soft and pliable to the touch
and the bones firm and smooth. The fingers should al-
most seem to touch each other as they pass between the
tendons and the bones, especially in the light type, where
the tendons are well detached. Soundness also indicates
quality (p. 42). Perfect score, eight points for draft
and ten for driving.

Action.—While very important, especially at the walk,
action is usually considered second to weight in the draft
horse. The walk, however, deserves special considera-
tion, since it is the principal gait of the draft horse. It
should be regular, straight, level and fast. He should be
able to walk four miles an hour with a load. While action
at the trot is not so essential, it should not be overlooked,
as occasionally draft horses are required to work at the
trot. There should be no “paddling,” “dishing,” or
“winging” in or out, “cutting” or “interfering,” nor should
the forelegs swing out or “roll,” or the hindlegs be carried
too close together or too far apart. Watch closely for
lameness. Good trotting action is not only valuable in
itself, but it.indicates many other desirable qualities, such
18 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

as temperament, conformation and soundness. Perfect
score, four points.

Among light horses, theré is no single feature held in
higher estimation than that of desirable action. Each
class of light horses has an action peculiar to itself, that
of the high-stepping coach horse differing materially from
the trotter, while that of the Saddle horse is unlike either.
While desirable action varies according to the object
sought, the light horse
' should possess as much
as may be displayed
and used to advantage.
As with the draft horse,
good action indicates
many other qualities.

The walk, in addition
to being regular, straight
and frictionless, should
be fast. This is a point
often neglected, and
many otherwise good-
acting horses are pro-
vokingly slow walkers.

Fic. 9.—Goop AcTION Action at the trot varies

according to the class.

In the trotter the stride should be long and not too high;

whereas in the coacher a rather high, bold knee-and-hock

action is the most sought. In all classes the movement

should be straight and regular as viewcd from the front,
rear and either side. Perfect score, ten points,

Attitude—This term refers to the position and direc-
tion of the horse’s legs while standing. The legs should
be viewed from the front, behind and either side, and
should be formed so as to meet the following require-
ments: The foreleg, when viewed from the front, should
be formed so that a plumb line dropped from the point
of the shoulder would divide equally the knee, the cannon

 

 

 

 

 
JUDGING A HORSE 19

and the foot, leaving between the two front feet an inter-
val almost equal to the width of the hoof in the light type,
and somewhat wider in the heavy type; when viewed
from the side the line lowered from the elbow joint should
pass through the middle of the knee, the cannon and the
fetlock and fall a short distance behind the heel. The
hindleg, when viewed from behind, should be so formed
that a plumb line lowered from the point of the buttock
will pass through the middle of the hock, cannon, pastern
and foot, leaving between the two hind feet an interval
almost equal to the width of the hock. This line should
also just touch the back
of the hock and the fet-
lock joint.* Perfect score
for draft, five points, and
for driving, five points.
(Figs. 10, 11.)
Color.—In scoring a
horse the color of the
hair should be taken into
account. First, because
some of the most beau- hi
Fic. 10.—Front View tiful colors fade on ex- Fic. 11.—REAR VIEW
Correct position 2 Correct position
posure to sunlight, at-
mospheric action and the like. Second, because there are
many tndesirable colors, such as duns, speckled, flea-
bitten gray, rusty, leopard spotted and like colors, to
which attention should be directed. Perfect score for
draft, one point, and for driving, two points.
Temperament.—The horse should show a vigorous,
lively, energetic disposition, yet be docile, teachable and
intelligent. The temperament is reflected in the action
and manners. Horses may be divided into four general
classes according to their temper: ‘Teachable, nervous,
stubborn and treacherous. The horse with a teachable
temper is kind and docile. He is easily taught and

  

 

*Exterior of the Horse, Gouboux & Barrier, page 464,
20 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

readily adapts himself to various conditions. The horse
with a nervous temperament is ambitious and deter-
mined. He is quick to learn and acts with all his power,
and if properly directed rapidly develops into the best
kind of a horse. The horse with a stubborn temperament
is willful and difficult to conquer. He, is slow to learn
and requires tact and patience, otherwise he may become
sullen and his senses blunted. The horse with a treach-
erous temper is very resentful. He acts without apparent
cause and when least expected. He may balk, fight or
run away. The other classes when once conquered re-
main obedient, but not so with the treacherous horse.
Perfect score for draft, three points; for driving, four
points.

DETAIL CHARACTERS OF THE HORSE

After considering the general appearance pass to the
detail examination carefully noting each character, tak-
ing them in a regular order, that none may escape ex-
amination.

Head and neck.—The head should be lean, with broad
forehead, tapering toward the nostrils, and the features of
the face distinct. In the draft horse the head wil! be
larger, fuller, and coarser proportionately than in the
driving horse. The muzzle should be fine; nostrils large,
open and of pink color; lips thin; and teeth sound. The
eyes should be large, full, clear and bright, indicative of
a kind disposition and good health. The ears should be
active, refined, directed forward and wide apart.

The neck of the draft horse should be short, massive,
well arched and carried horizontally. A nicely arched and
well-muscled neck of sufficient length, carrying the head
gracefully, is a very desirable feature of the light horse.
The windpipe should be large and the outline appear dis-
tinct from the rest of the neck. The head and neck, as
well as the neck and body, should blend smoothly at the
JUDGING A HORSE 2I

attachments, Perfect score for draft, five points; for
driving, five points.

Forequarters.—To give elasticity to the movement and
to permit of clean action the light horse’s shoulders
should be long and sloping well into the back, thus
strengthening the back and extending the length of the
underline; the arms should be short and comparatively
upright, giving an upstanding appearance; the forearms
should be vertical, long and well muscled. The muscles
should be well developed and stand out distinctly just
below the junction of the leg and body and taper grace-
fully downward. The
knees should be clean , 7
cut, wide and deep. They - =
should be much broader /; Z
in front than the leg, ‘
either above or below.
The cannons should be
short, deep, clean, and
the tendons well de-
tached; the  fetlocks
should be wide, deep
and free from puffiness;
and the Basterus should 1. Correct position; 2, standing under; 3.
be clean, strong and standing forward.
sloping. The feet should
be round, dense, fine in texture and sound. The sole
should be concave; the bars strong and the frog large
and elastic and bear the mark of natural usage as a
buffer. Perfect score for driving, 19 points.

Among draft horses, the shoulders should be smooth,
heavily muscled and moderately sloping into the back.
A slope of about 45 degrees is proper. The arms should
be short, heavily muscled and extending well to the rear,
thus giving the horse a low-set appearance; the fore-
arms should be large, wide and heavily muscled. The
knees should be broad, deep and well defined, though

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 12.—PosiTioN OF FRONT LEGS
22 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

they may not be as clean cut as among lighter horses.
The cannons should be short, deep and clean, with the
tendons well detached; the pasterns should be clean cut,
sloping, and of medium length. The feet, though often
inclined to be large, should be round, dense, fine in struc-
ture, of equal size, and perfectly sound. Dark-colored
hoofs are preferred, and they should have an oily coat of
natural wax. The sole, bars and frog should be much as
suggested above. Perfect score for draft, 20 points.

Body.—In the light horse the chest should obtain its
capacity more from depth than width. A deep chest per-
mits a freer play of the shoulders and indicates staying
power. The breast should be carried forward with much
prominence. The withers should be clearly defined. The
ribs should be well sprung and of good length, as a well-
sprung rib gives lung capacity and a long rib gives diges-
tive capacity. The back should be short, strong and well
muscled; the loin should be short and strongly joined;
and the underline should be long. This combination
favors action and speed. Perfect score for driving, eight
points.

In the draft horse, the chest should be deep, wide and
full, with the breast broad and muscular. The front ribs
should be well sprung and long, giving the horse a broad
back and deep chest. The back and loin should be short
and heavily muscled; the coupling should be close and
strong; the ribs roundly arched; the flanks low, giving
a deep, strong body with an abundance of room for the
respiratory and digestive organs. This conformation
favors draft and endurance. Perfect score for draft, 10
points.

Hindquarters.—In the driving horse the hips should be
wide in proportion to the other parts, and prominent.
The croup should be long, muscular and comparatively
straight. This allows greater play of the main muscles,

which is favorable to the production of speed. The tail
should be long, full, fine and carried high. The thighs
JUDGING A HORSE 23

should be upright, well muscled and deep; the buttocks
firmly muscled and well descended; and the gaskins or
hind legs, from the thighs to the hocks, should be long
and well muscled.

The hocks should be large, deep, clean cut and
properly set. The bone forming the point of the
hock should be prominent, since this gives a better
attachment for the ten-
dons which pass over it,
thereby giving the hind
leg a deeper appearance
and increasing its ef-
ficiency. The cannons
should be short, deep,
clean, with tendons well
detached and parallel to
the cannon bones; the
fetlocks should be wide,
deep and clean; and the
pasterns rather long, Pe :
sloping and strong. The nee 2. standing under; 3.
hind feet should be oval,
dense, fine in texture, of good size and perfectly sound.
Perfect score for driving, 25 points.

In the draft horse, the hips should be level, wide and
smooth. The croup should be broad, thickly muscled and
moderately sloping, though there is considerable differ-
ence in draft horses in this regard. The thighs and
buttocks should be heavily muscled. The direction of the
thigh and hind leg should be such as will give the muscles
the most favorable attachment for the development of
power. This means, perhaps, that the lower part of the
thigh should be inclined well forward and that the leg
should be moderately sloping from the thigh to the hock.
The hock should be wide, deep, properly set and clearly
defined; the cannons should be short and clean with ten-
dons well detached ; the fetlocks should be wide, deep and

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 13.—PosiTion of HINnp LeEcs
24 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

clean; and the pasterns clean cut and of medium length.
The foot, though inclined to be large, should be oval,
dense, fine in texture and sound. Perfect score for draft,
30 points.

COMPARATIVE JUDGING

In comparative judging, instead of comparing the horse
with a standard of perfection, we compare two or more
animals. To do this carefully examine and compare the
relative size, height, weight and the like; also the detail
characters of the horses in a class, to be placed in the
order of their merit. Make examination for soundness
when comparing quality. While the horses are being
moved to compare their action, note their temperament
and style.

The horse which is superior in the greatest number of
these considerations and without notable fault will be of
the greatest service and will sell for the highest price on
the market; therefore, is the most desirable and should be
placed first. Continue until each horse has been placed
according to his merit.

Examine the horse in his stall—When purchasing a
horse, if possible, he should be examined in his stall.
Note the manner in which he is tied to the manger;
whether he has been chewing the tie-strap or the fixtures;
how he stands in the stall, and his general behavior when
one steps to his side. Note the animal’s behavior while
grooming, particularly along the abdomen, the back of
the forelegs and the front of the hind legs, as well as the
flanks. Harness him. Note the manner of taking the
bit; the general conduct when placing the head stall over
the ears; the harness over the back; the crupper under
the tail; and when buckling the girth.

The horse may now be taken from his stall. Note the
action as he is being turned around. Ina few sale stables
there is a contemptible practice of introducing ginger into
JUDGING A HORSE 25

the rectum as the horse is being taken out, as this serves
to stimulate him and he shows to advantage. As the
horse passes out of the stable, the doorway affords a good
place to examine the eyes, nostrils, mouth, and to note the
age.

Examine the horse in harness—Lead the horse to
halter, observing the action and temperament, first at the
walk and then at the trot. These observations should be
made from the front, from behind and from either side.
Now attach the horse to a vehicle and observe the action
and temperament at both the walk and trot as before.
Do not neglect the walk, as this is a very important gait.
Note the manner of starting, stopping, turning to the
right and left, backing and the like. Drive the horse
rapidly a short distance, stopping him quickly and ob-
serve the ease and regularity of breathing and his man-
ner of standing (p. 49).
CHAPTER III

PROPORTIONS AND MECHANICS OF THE
HORSE

., By proportions of the horse are meant the correlation
and the agreement of the various parts with each other
and with the body as a whole. The parts of the horse
when studied in the light of proportions show us rela-
tions of length, width, thickness, direction, devclopment
and the like. This detailed study of the relationship of
the various parts is very efficient in developing the “eye”
and the judgment.

The proportions of the horse are considered from two
points of view. First, the relations existing between the
length, width and thickness of the various parts of the
horse; and second, the relations of the directions pos-
sessed by the bones superposed one upon the other, thus
forming angles. These relations tend to make the legs
long or short and have an influence upon the production
of speed or power.

Dimensions of the parts——To study the relation exist-
ing between the various parts of the horse, we must first
obtain the dimensions of the parts. The lengths, widths,
thicknesses, and the like, are taken with a measuring
staff of parallel bars, the circumference with a tape and
the angles and inclinations with a compass and plumb
line, although for accurate results in measuring the angles
an arthrogoniometer should be used. This is an instru-
ment somewhat similar to a compass. The following
list includes the more important parts useful in a study
of the proportions of the horse:

26
PROPORTIONS AND MECHANICS OF THE HORSE 27

Stupent’s Carp For THE PROPORTIONS OF THE Horse.

 

Inches

 

Height at withers.
Height to highest point of croup

Height of crest of head from ground ou... ee
Length from point of shoulder to quarter... cue

From lowest point of chest to the ground... cccsssceeesee| coerce ete enenee

From the point of elbow to the ground

From the point of elbow to Kme@ wo. ciccccccecsecseeceeeeeneeneerse) conesseecsesssensens| ccsacereese eneeceee

Front: Meret CO BrOUn joins caccigicesndssenssrnsneeenconbengessporowenseanssengs

Circumference:‘of the ianmc..issiceisassnsssoste nies accent stosnnccesenioninasesea| gigieastasientenesaafl cadeseanepeee dete

Circumference of cannon in CeMteP.... cscs cece ce teeres

Circumference of foot at COrONet... cece cee cene ce cee ete

Length of head

Width of forehead... ccscccincesesecstsssesnsssneiaisunsenecantennnermantieense:

From angle of lower jaw to forehead above eye

From throat to superior border of neck.cccccccceee cn| ee cee

Circumference of muzzle at angle of mouth...

Width of chest from outside of shoulder points..................
Top of shoulder to Wipe... secssecsessssessesene sees cssseereerenanenssee] csseesee reer sree ees
Width across hips..cssccsscsscssseseesseterscesssssescsnvseestnssarsessse|

Length of Croupa...secescscsscesscsstscsserssssnsesnscenacon sons anencuanensecaes

From center of dock to point of stifle 0... cece

From point of hock to point of hip...............
From point of hock to ground.............+

Circumference of thigh.........c.ceee
Circumference of shank in the center.

Circumference of body at the girth...

 

 

    
   

 

 

 

Measurements of horse.-—Accurate measurements are
extremely difficult to obtain: First, because the horse is
continually shifting his position, which alters the meas-
28 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

urement; and, second, because some of the parts are not
well defined and it is often difficult to know just where
to begin the measurement. Where reliable information

 

 

 

 

FIG. 14.—MEASURING THE HEAD

is desired, the measurements should be carefully checked.
The following table gives an idea of the measurements
of some of the more important parts in both heavy and
light horses:

“MEASUREMENTS FOR DRAFT AND SPEED Horses

 

 

 

  

Name of part Draft Speed
Number of horses measured.........0 2.0 e cece eee 55.0 32.0
Weight, pounds) oo 3s6 sce. 4 ardie.c6;5 sneedre,arecedeces en 1,613.0 ee
Height at withers, inches............... tlt 66.0 61.7
Height at highest point of croup........... den 65.6 61.6
Length from point of shoulder to quarter......... 67.8 62.8
From lowest point of chest to ground............ 33.5 34.0
Length of should eres sis:sseiace-avsnci'sjareconaticeas tnbie ean toecd ieisianedt 27.25 23.9
Length from top of shoulder to hip.............. 30.4 28.5
Circumference of body at girth................05 90.0 70.0
Length: of head wing scammers andunieener anaemia 26.6 24.6

 

 

 

 
PROPORTIONS AND MECHANICS OF THE HORSE 29

The unit of proportions.—In a study of the proportions
of the horse, the length of the head is taken as the unit.
This is because the head varies less, perhaps, than any
other part and its length is easily obtained, as the boun-
daries are clearly defined. It is interesting to note that
the total height of the horse from the crest of head to
the ground is equal to about three head lengths; that the
height from the withers and from the croup to the ground,

 

 

 

mer
FIG. 15.—A STUDY IN PROPORTIONS

 

 

as well as the total length of the horse from the point of
the shoulders to the buttocks, is about 2% head lengths;
and that the length of the neck from poll to withers, the
length of the shoulder from the withers to the point at
the elbow, the thickness of the body from side to side,
and the depth of the body from back to the abdomen, is
equal to about one head length.
Dimensions of articular angles.—Besides the relations
30 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

of length, width and thickness which exists between the
different parts of the body, it is also important to know
the relations of directions possessed by the different bony
regions, superposed one upon the other, to form the fore
and hindquarters. From the manner in which the bones
are arranged angles are produced. The inclination of the
bones and the dimensions of the angles have an influence
upon the draft and speed. Such measurements as these,
however, are exceedingly difficult to obtain, as the bones
are so deeply imbedded in muscle that their direction can-
not be located with exactness. The following table in-
cludes the more important parts useful in a study of the
proportions of the horse.

STUDENT’s CARD FOR THE ARTICULAR ANGLES OF THE Horse.

 

 

INCLINATION UPON THE HORIZON Degrees Degrees

 

Sek out ea eeu sss cte serrated santo eee a tava as wap dco soo lot ee ia deal fdseae [remain cesoocatenie | essaoetuauentees

Mrameralisedctiatavcacvuimirsdakernsadea tarnennteaiasnteniea iranian tere seateniiietieed mtaecrens

EE ANS clita AS hc pine le Dd igi Na uc ep othige Ubstaaclad dante
ARTICULAR ANGLES IN STATION

Scapular-humeral ....cccccecscec cee ceeessessee ee

 

bute ec ch acnerentiionnsannnceentie

 

Meétacarpo=phalatigalveccasiverecsomveneneenenamak areata:
Wis-femi Oral cassevavceteessresaanhsareeeuigante ol wi tes Sag Me ea
TRE MORG* CUB IA fcr. caste kes a tcecscessa bnace Uetasy eed desttdz ad gee anadeneashecaiazseaesunacdfnei daar aaates

Mil iOzrmet atarsal es cacssscrwecsaletteiloitedesceh cocsbeted bien sidietnees Mersbueevsaettoadid hlanbienitatheds

 

 

Metatarso-phalangal..... cee

ATTITUDES IN STATION
Anterior members viewed in profile...

 

Anterior members viewed in front.

 
  

 

Posterior members viewed in profile..

Posterior members viewed from behind... cccseceene

 

 

 

*For location of parts see page 35.
PROPORTIONS AND MECHANICS OF THE HORSE 31

Measuring the angles.—If an arthrogoniometer, useful
for measuring articular angles, is not available, the in-
clination of the members and the value of the angles may
be obtained by sticking wafers over the joints, on the
withers, hips and hoofs, which serve as marks to indicate
the direction of the members. Place the horse in a good
position and photograph him. Upon the photographic

 

 

FIG. 16.—A STUDY IN ARTICULAR ANGLES

print thus obtained the wafers serve as landmarks which
may be joined by straight lines to obtain the real direc-
tions of the members. It only remains now to estimate
with a protractor the inclination of each line as well as
the value of the angles which are formed by the lines.
32 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

INCLINATION OF THE Parts Upron THE Hor1zON AND VALUE
OF THE ARTICULAR ANGLES IN Fast Horsrs*

 

 

 

 

 

Inclination
Value of angle
Name of part Contained
Of the superior Of the inferior
sigment sigment

Forequarters Degrees Degrees Degrees
Scapulo-humeral tf... . 55 60 115
Humero-radial....... 50 to 55 90 140 to 145
Metacarpo-phalangal. 90 60 150

Hindquarters
Coxo-femoral,....... 30 to 35 80 110 to 115
Femoro-tibial........ 80 65 to 70 145 to 150
Tibio-tarsal.......... 65 to 70 90 155 to 160
Metatarso-phalangal 90 65 55

 

 

 

 

* The Exterior of the Horse, Goubaux and Barrier, page 377.
+ For location of the parts see page 35.

Mechanics of the horse—A study of the mechanics of
the horse enables us to compare the horse with a machine.
A machine may be defined as a combination of one or
more of the six mechanical powers—lever, wheel and
axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw—arranged
in such a manner as to transmit power in a desired direc-
tion. In a somewhat similar manner the bones and
muscles of the horse are combined in such a way as to
constitute a prime mover, also capable of transmitting
power in a desired direction. In the horse as in the
machine power is gained at the expense of speed, and
speed is gained at the expense of power.

In the draft horse power is obtained in two ways: By
the weight of the animal and by propulsion through the
hind legs, body and shoulders. In the light horse speed
is obtained in three ways: By the long reach of the legs,
by propulsion and by leaping. In the light horse the
muscles have a tendency to parallel the bones, thus giving
PROPORTIONS AND MECHANICS OF THE HORSE 33

a slender form; whereas in the draft horse the muscles
work more at right angles to the bones, thus favoring
power and giving a massive appearance. It can be stated

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 17.—A STUDY IN MECHANICS OF THE HORSE

as a general law that in animals of speed the muscles are
long and slender and have a tendency to parallel the
bones; while in animals of power the muscles are short
and thick and have a tendency to work at right angles
to the bones.
CHAPTER IV

ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A
HORSE

In order to be a successful judge of horses it is im-
portant to be able to recognize the slightest unsoundness,
as well as to tell the age of a horse. Since unsoundness
often has its origin in the bones, muscles, tendons and
ligaments, as well as in the respiratory and digestive sys-
tems, we should have a general knowledge of the anatomy
ofthe herse.

ANATOMY OF A HORSE

In this brief review of the anatomy we will consider the
bones, cartilages, muscles, tendons, ligaments and con-
nective tissues as well as the circulatory apparatus,
respiratory apparatus, digestive apparatus and nervous
system.

Bones.— The framework of the horse's body consists of
the skeleton, which is composed of a large number of con-
nected bones moved by muscles. The bones that enter
into the formation of the skeleton are of various forms and
sizes according to the use for which they are destined.
They are divided into three classes: Long, flat and
irregular.

Long bones, which are composed of a hollow shaft and
two extremities, are situated in the legs. Flat bones,
which are composed of two layers of compact bone with
one of cancellated tissue intervening, form cavities; and,
irregular bones, which consist chiefly of cancellated tissue
covered by a thin, compact layer, enter into formation of
joints. Good examples of.long bones are the humerus
and radius; of flat bones are the scapula, ilium and

34 :
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE

35

ischium ; and good examples of irregular bones are those

of the knee—scaphoid, lunar and the like.

(Fig. 18.)

Cartilage.—This is a strong, flexible, bluish-white sub-
stance, which is found in connection with bone and of

 

FIG. 18—SKELETON OF THE HORSE

. Pubis
. Femur
. Patella
. Fibula

. Tibia
. Tarsus, 6 bones
. Large metatarsus

1. Incisor teeth
2. Molar teeth 15. Humerus 28
3. Lower jaw 16. Ulna 29
" 4, Cervical vertebra 17, Radius 30.
5. Dorsal vertebra 18. Carpus, 7 bones 31
6. Lumbar vertebra 19. large metacarpus 32
7. Sacral vertebra 20. Small metacarpus 33.
8. Caudal vertebra 21. Sesmoids 34.
9. Sternal ribs 22. Os suffraginis 35:
10. Asternal ribs 23. Os coronae 36
11. Sternal cartilages 24. Os pedis 37
12. Asternal cartilages 25. Navicular 38
13. Sternum 26. Ilium 39.
14, Scapula 27. Ischium 40

which there are various kinds such as
porary, prolongation and the like.

. Small metatarsus
. Sesmoids

. Os suffraginis

. Os coronea

. Os pedis

. Navicular

articular, tem-

Articular cartilage

covers the ends of bones that form movable joints; tem-
porary cartilage is bone in transition form; and prolonga-
tion cartilage forms an elastic continuation of the top of

the shoulder blade.
36 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Muscles.—The horse’s moving power is derived from
muscles, which form the lean meat and which, as a rule,
are indirectly attached to bones. Muscles act by virtue
of the property they possess of being able to shorten
themselves on being stimulated by the nervous system.

 

FIG. 19.-MUSCLES OF THE HORSE

1, Masseter 13. Levator humeri 23. Serratus magnus
2. Splenius 14. Postea spinatus 24. Intercostal muscles
3. Levator humeri 15. Triceps extensor brachii 25. Obliquus abdominis
4. Cervical trapezius 16. Triceps extensor 26. Rectus femoris

5. Dorsal trapezius 17. Flexor brachii 7. Vastus externus

6. Latissimus dorsi 18, Extensor metacarpi 28. Gluteus externus
7. Serratus parvus magnus . 29. Semitendinosus

8. Glutens medius 19. Extensor pedis 30. Glastrocnemii

9. Sterno maxillaris 20. Extensor suffraginis 31. Flexor phalanges
10. Rhomboideus anterior 21. Flexor metacarpi 32. Extensor phalanges
11. Pectoralis parvus 22. Pectoralis magnus 33. Extensors lateral

12, Antea spinatus

They are composed of contractile fibers, and their
strength, other things being equal, is proportionate to
their thickness. (Fig. 19.)

Tendons.—These are hard, fibrous cords of great tough-
ness. In order to economize space, muscles are generally
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 37

attached to bones by tendons. In such cases, the tendons,
at one extremity, are united to the end of the muscles, and
at the other to the bones. It is difficult to tell how the
muscle and tendon are joined, or by what means the union
is brought about, for the parts become insensibly blended.

Ligaments.—These are fibrous structures arranged in
flat bands or bundles and sometimes in membranous
form. They are composed of white fibrous or yellow
elastic tissue, the former has a bluish-white, silvery ap-
pearance, the latter a yellow color and is very elastic.
Ligaments bind the ends of bones together and thus form
strong bonds of union at the joints.

Connective tissue——This consists of strong, fibrous lay-
ers and bands which furnishes a supporting network for
the muscles, skin and other tissues. Connective tissue
has only the passive action of support, and the more of it
a muscle contains the coarser and less powerful it will be;
though it will be better able to resist the effects of ex-
ternal violence than one of finer grain. The connective
tissue, also, forms ligaments, tendons, surrounds bones,
cartilages, nerves and the like. Where the tissue is
present in large amounts the underlying parts will be ill-
defined. This is especially noticeable about the tendons
and ligaments below the knees and hocks, owing to the
absence of muscle about these parts.

The thickness of the skin is a measure of the amount
of connective tissue contained in the muscle, and as the
action of this tissue is only passive, the more of it a
muscle contains, the slower will be the movements.
Hence the horse having a thick skin and ill-defined ten-
dons would warrant us in supposing that he was deficient
in quality.

Circulatory system.—This consists of the heart, ar-
teries, capillaries and veins. The heart is the central
organ of the system and is divided into four chambers—
the right and left auricle and the right and left ventricle.
The action and the function of the blood will be best
38 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

understood by following its course. The left auricle re-
ceives the pure blood from the lungs and delivers it to the
left ventricle, then through the arteries, to the capillaries
in all parts of the body, where it is relieved of oxygen
and other constituents necessary to the life of the tissue

 

FIG. 20.—CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

1. Heart, right ventricle 12. Vertebral artery 23. Vena portae

2. Heart, left ventricle 13. Humeral artery 24. External iliac artery
3. Heart, left auricle 14. Radial artery 25. Internal iliac artery

4, Pulmonary artery. 15. Metacarpal artery 26. Lateral sacral artery
5. Pulmonary veins 16. Coronary artery 27. Femoral artery

6. Anterior aorta 17. Posterior aorta 28. Posterior tibial artery
7. Carotid artery 18. Celiac artery 29. Metatarsal artery

8. Maxillary artery 19. Mesenteric vessels 30. Venous network of foot
9. Left axillary artery 20. Renal artery 31. Internal sophenal vein
10. Dorsal axillary artery 21. Spermatic artery 32. Brachial vein

11. Cervical artery 22. Posterior vena cava 33. Jugular vein

and is loaded with waste matters. It is then returned
to the right auricle and delivered to the right ventricle,
then through its branches to the lungs, where it gives up
the waste materials and receives a fresh supply of oxygen.
(Fig. 20.)
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 39

Respiratory system.—This consists of the nostrils,
pharynx, larynx, trachial tubes and lungs. The lungs are
the central organs and are two in number. They consist
of a great number of small sacs, which are collected into
lobes of various sizes, each of which is connected with the

 

1. Cranial cavity 7. Epiglottis 13. Left lung

2. Guttural pouch 8. Trachea 14. Sternum

3. Nasal cavity 9. Oesophagus 15. Ribs

4. Tongue 10. Left bronchus 16. Heart

5. Pharyngeal cavity 11. Right bronchus 17. Posterior aorta
6. Cavity of larynx 12. Right lung 18, Anterior aorta

branches of the bronchial tubes. It is by means of these
lobes and sacs that the lungs relieve the blood of its waste
materials and invest it with a fresh supply of oxygen
during respiration. (Fig. 21.)

Digestive system.—This apparatus consists of a series
of organs which receive and digest the food. These
organs are the mouth, pharynx, cesophagus, stomach and
intestines. The stomach of the horse is a single organ
and is much smaller than the stomach of the cow, having
4o MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

a capacity of about 19 quarts.* The intestines consist of
two parts of unequal size. The smaller, which is about
74 feet in length, has a capacity of approximately 70
he small intestine. The larger,
in-length, has a capacity of ap='

  
  

FIG. 22.—DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

1, Mouth 7, Duodenum 13. Rectum

2. Pharynx 8. Liver. 14, Anus

3. Oesovhagus 9. Large colon 15. Left kidney
4. Diaphram 10. Cecum 16. Bladder

5. Spleen 11. Small intestines 17. Urethra

6. Stomach 12. Floating colon

proximately 140 quarts, and is called the large intestine.
It is divided into three parts, the cacum, colon and
rectum. (Fig. 22.)

While the capacity of the horse’s stomach is less than
that of the cow, that of the large intestine is much greater
due largely to the cecum—a greatly enlarged portion of
the alimentary tract, linking the small and large intes-

*Feeds and Feeding, W. A. Henry, page 19.
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 41

tines. Into the czecum is passed much of the undigested
matter, together with the digestive agencies of the small
intestine. Here the digestive processes are prolonged,
thus compensating, in part at least, for the small capacity
of the horse’s stomach.

CAPACITY AND LENGTH OF THE HorsE’s STOMACH AND
INTESTINES, COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE Cow, SHEEP
AND Hoe.

 

 

Animal Capacity, quarts Length, feet

 

Stomach | Small Large -Total Small Large Total
intestine | intestine intestine | intestine

 

Horsey cguy 19.0 67.4 137.4 223.8 73.6 24.5 98.1
COW pices. ss ees 266.9 69.7 40.1 376.7 150.9 36.3 187.2
Sheep...... 31.3 9.5 5.9 46.7 85.9 21.4 107.3
Hogs ew: care 8.5 9.7 10.8 29.0 60.0 17.1 V7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nervous system.—This system consists of the brain,
spinal and sympathetic ganglia, and nerves. The dif-
ferent organs of this system are composed of two struc-
tures, the vesicular or gray matter and the fibrous or
white matter. The nervous substance presents two dis-
tinct forms—nerve cells and nerve fibers. The nerves
arise from the cerebro-spinal axis and, branching as they
go, are distributed to all parts of the body. Every organ
and tissue has its supply of nerves connecting it with
the brain or spinal cord. (Fig. 23.)

The nervous system of the horse is the power which
stimulates and directs the action of his muscles, and is the
source of his mental capacity. In general, the amount of
contraction force exhibited by a muscle is proportionate
to the degree of stimulation given by its nerves. In con-
sidering the form of the horse from a mechanical point
of view, we must not lose sight of the marked difference
which exists in the nervous system of various animals.
42 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Thus the horse possessing a very energetic nervous
adaptation may be a very superior animal even though
his conformation may not be all that is desired; or the

      

    
 
 
  

ii
ff.

    

FIG. 23.—-NERVOUS SYSTEM

1. Brain 13. Gastric solar plexus

2. Optic nerve 14, Solar plexus, center’

3. Superior maxillary nerve 15. Sacro lumbar plexus

4. Inferior maxillary nerve 16, Anterior femoral and saphena nerves
5. Pneumogastric nerve, front 17. Sciatic trunk

6. Spinal cord 18. Small femoral popliteal nerve
7. Brachial plexus 19. Great femoral: popliteal nerve
8. Prehumeral nerve 20. Posterior internal tibial nerve
9. Anterior brachial 21. Posterior plantar nerve
10. Radial nerve 22. Internal radial nerve
11. Cubital nerve 23. Anterior plantar nerve
12. Pneumogastric nerve 24. Plantar nerve

horse of excellent form may be rather inferior because
of the lack of nervous application.

COMMON UNSOUNDNESS AND FAULTS

The imperfections of the horse may be divided into two
general classes—tinsoundness and faults. A satisfactory
definition of either an unsoundness or a fault is not easily
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 43

given. The term “unsound,” as used by horse dealers, is
often loosely applied. It may mean anything from a
slight injury to a defect so serious as to render the horse
worthless. The best usage warrants dividing these im-
perfections into two classes—blemishes and unsoundness.
Likewise the term “fault” is applied to a variety of con-
ditions. It may signify anything from a mere bad: habit
to a vice that renders the animal worthless. Usage war-
rants dividing these imperfections into two classes—
whims and vice.

A blemish—This may be defined as an imperfection
that depreciates the value of a horse without interfering
with his usefulness—as a wire cut, car bruise, and the
like—which mar the appearance of the horse but do not
limit his functions.

An unsoundness.—This may be defined as an imper-
fection of so serious a nature as to interfere with the use-
fulness of the horse, as ringbone, sidebone, splints and
the like.

A whim.—This may be defined as a minor moral im-
perfection, as tongue lolling, tossing the head, tearing
blankets, pawing, and the like.

A vice.—This may be defined as a more serious moral
‘imperfection, as balking, kicking, running away, and the
like.

Locating unsoundness.—The ability to locate unsound-
ness depends largely on practice; although some imper-
fections, principally the faults, cannot be detected by an
ordinary examination, and it is only after becoming famil-
iar with the horse that these will be observed. Hence,
to detect faults the reader is referred to Chapter 37, Whims
and Vices of the Horse (p. 385). In locating unsoundness

it is well to follow a regular order beginning with the
head.

Poll evil——This is an enlargement of the poll at the top
of the head, containing or discharging pus. It is a serious
44 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

unsoundness and difficult to cure. Look for scars.
(Fig. 24.)

Impaired vision—A horse by his action will usually
betray imperfect eyesight. The ears are exceedingly
active, as if trying to
aid the eyes. The
pupils should con-
tract in the light.
This indicates that
the eye is sensitive
and functional.
Cloudiness or opac-
: ity denote “moon-
ae blindness”—periodic
Fic, 24.—Pott Evi ophthalmia.

Defective hearing.

-—-Lack of mobility in the ears and active eyes denote
deafness. The horse is unresponsive when commanded.

Discharge from the nostrils —The lining membrane of
the nostrils should be healthy, pink in color and free from
ulcers, or purple
spots. <A profuse,
foul-smelling and
colored discharge
suggests _glanders,
catarrh, distemper,
and the like.

Irregular, decayed
and broken teeth.—
Examine for dis-
eased, missing or
projecting molars;
broken or _ over-
lapping incisors; “bishoping” (p. 55), and under-shot
jaws. Broken incisors suggest cribbing. A foul odor
indicates unsound teeth.

Broken crest.—The top of the neck should be examined

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 25.—FIsTULA WITHERS
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 45

for broken crest, particularly in stallions, and for
“braided in” mane, as well as sores and skin disease.

Fistula —Exceeding tenderness at the withers may in-

dicfate that the horse has
fistulas, though at the time
there may be no external
signs. (Fig. 25.)

Fibroid tumors.—These
occur at the top of the
withers and appear as hard
calluses.

_ Sweenied shoulder. —
This is a wasting away of
the muscles on the outside
of the shoulder blade. It
can be readily. detected, as

 

 

the shoulder appears flat and
the blade bare of muscle.

Fic. 26.—CoLLAR BOIL

Collar boils —Examine the shoulders closely for collar

 

 

 

 

Fic. 27.—Buck KNEES

boils, galls, and the like. (Fig. 26.)

Capped elbow.—This consists of
a tumor or boil on the elbow joint
produced by the shoe while the horse
is lying down. Such sores are often
called “shoe boils.”

Unsound knee.—The knee should
be examined for bony enlargements,
puffs, scars, high splints, capped
knee, “buck knee”—bent forward—
“calf knee’—bent backward—and
the like. Scars on the front indicate
that the horse stumbles. (Fig. 27.)

Splints These are abnormal bony
growths formed at the sides of the

cannon bones. When located on the back part of the leg,
near the tendon, or close to the knee or fetlock joint, they
are considered most. objectionable. as they are likely to
40 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

cause lameness. Splints may disappear from young draft
horses.

Unsound fetlocks——Examine these joints for puffs—
wind galls —“‘interfer-
ing” sores, “knuckling”
or “cocked” ankles. grease
heel and scratches. It
is on or near these
joints that horses are
occasionally “un-
nerved” — cutting the
nerves to prevent lame-
ness. Scars suggest this.

Sidebones.—T hese
are bony growths located
under the skin of the
coronet, at the quarters. They are due to the lateral car-
tilages at these parts changing to bone. Sidebones are
common in draft horses having wide, flat, low-heeled
hoofs. (Fig. 28.)

Ringbones.—These are
bony bunches located on the
pasterns. There are two
forms, called high or low,
depending on the location.
(Fig. 29.)

Scratches.—These painful
sores are located at the bot-
tom of the cannons, at the fet-
locks and on the pasterns.

Quittor.—This is a fistulous
abscess or running sore occur- Fic, 29.—RINGEONE
ring at the top of the
hoof or coronet, sometimes called “gravel.”

Cracked hoofs.—Closely examine the hoofs for quarter
cracks—cracks extending from the coronary band down-
ward; for sand cracks—cracks extending from the bottom

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 28.—SIDEBONE AND CRACKED Hoors

 

 

 

 

 
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 47,

upward ; and for toe cracks—cracks at the toe. (Fig. 28.)
Seedy toe.—This is a diseased condition of the wall of

the hoof at the toe, usually

caused by bad shoeing.

Navicular disease.—This
is due to overworking the
tendons that pass to the
navicular bone, and is rather
common in light and very
active horses. It is indicated
by a contracted hoof. The
affected horse usually points
his lame foot forward when
standing. It is a cause of
chronic lameness.

Laminitis, or “founder.”—
This is due to a congestion of the blood in the region of
the toe, and is rather common in heavy horses. It is in-
dicated by rings and
ridges on the hoof
wall, abnormal pro-
jections at the toe,
convexity at the sole
and lameness.

Bunions or “corns.”
—These are located
in the corner of the
heels and are rather
common in _ horses
with-low, weak heels.

Thrush.—This is a
diseased condition of
the foot in the region

po eee apse ot the frog, char

acterized by a foul-
smelling: discharge from its cleft.

Fractured hips——Examine the hips for fractures. Com-

 

 

 

 

 

Fic, 30.—WEAK AND SICKLE-SHAPED
Hocks

 

 

 

 

 
48 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

pare one hip with the other from the rear. Note the
haunches at the side of the tail for similar distortion.

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 32.—Sounp Hocx,
SHOWING TENDONS

front of the hind

Sore tail—The black skin of the
under side of the tail and nearby
parts is often the seat of cancerous
or pigment tumors in white or gzay
horses. Note the tail to see that
it is not artificial.

Thoroughpin.—This consists of
an enlargement in the “hollows”
between the tendon and the upper
part of the hock. It may be easily
detected, as it may be pushed from
side to side.

Spavin.—There are four kinds
of spavin—bone, bog, occult and
blood. Bone spavin consists of a
bony growth on the inside and
leg just below the hock. Bog

spavin occurs in the natural depression on the inner

and front part of the hock, and
consists of a soft swelling. Occult
spavin is located-in the hock joint.
The term “blood spavin” is some-
times applied to the enlargement
of the vein that passes across the

front of the hock.

Jard.—This is a bony growth
appearing on the outer side of the

hock joint.

Curb.—This occurs on the back

of the cannon between the hock :
and the fetlock, usually just below Oi

the hock.

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 33.—Cock ED ANKLE

Stringhalt.—This consists of a
marked jerking of the hind Jeg as the horse travels,
noticeable when the animal starts.
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 49

Forging and overreaching—When the shoes of the
hind feet strike those of the fore feet, the horse is said to
forge. Overreaching is the striking of the fore and
hind feet in such a way as to injure the horse.

Interfering —When the horse strikes his fore or hind
feet in such a way as to injure himself he is said to
interfere.

Locating lameness.—When standing, a horse troubled
with a sore foot will extend it forward. When the lame-
ness is in the shoulder, the leg will be flexed at the knee.
When in motion, the horse puts down the sound foot with
confidence and makes an effort to ease the ailing one by
throwing the head up as it strikes the ground.

Unsound wind.—There are three defects of the wind—
thick wind, roaring and heaves. To detect these drive
the horse rapidly a half mile, then stop and quickly note
the breathing by placing the ear near the lungs, or the
neck. If the horse gets his breath with difficulty, he is
thick winded; if he wheezes and whistles, he is a roarer;
and if the breathing is irregular, he is likely troubled with
heaves.

A horse that has passed through many hands in a short
period should be carefully examined, for it is likely that
he possesses some whim, vice, blemish or unsoundness
that is not easily discovered.

ESTIMATING THE AGE OF A HORSE

The value of a horse depends largely upon his age.
Familiarity with the characters that indicate age are,
therefore, often extremely useful. A knowledge of these
characters is easily secured, but skill in their application
depends much on continued practice.

General characters indicating age.—The teeth furnish
the best index to the age of a horse, yet there are other
general characters that play an important part, especially
in young and old animals. In estimating the age of
50 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

young horses, size is the principal factor to be considered.
In old horses the joints become angular; the poll more
prominent; the sides of the face more depressed; the
hollows above the eyes deeper; the backbone becomes
more prominent and often strongly curved downward;
and the horse does not stand squarely on his legs, which
show much wear. White hairs make their appearance
around the temples, the eyes, the nostrils and elsewhere.

Age by the teeth.—_The order of the appearance of the
teeth and their method of wearing are considered the
most important and accurate means of estimating the age
of the horse, and are the means employed by all horse-
men. The teeth are not absolutely accurate, however,
as much depends on the condition as well as the in-
dividuality of the horse. The teeth of a horse with bones
of a somewhat open structure are likely to indicate that
he is older than he really is; while the teeth of a horse
with bones of a fine close texture may indicate him to be
younger than he is. Again, the horse fed on soft and
succulent food is likely to show a younger mouth,
whereas one fed on hard, dry food is likely to show an
older mouth.

The mature horse has 40 teeth, 20 on either jaw, divided
as follows: Six incisors, two canines, one on either side,
and 12 molars, six on a side. In the mare the canines
are usually absent. Since the incisor teeth are noted in
estimating age, they alone will be considered. It is the
order in which they make their appearance that enables
us to estimate the age up to five years and the manner in
which their surface is worn that aids us in the estima-
tion subsequently.

The colt—Soon after foaling, usually within two
weeks, the central pair of incisors make their appearance
in both upper and lower jaw; the second or intermediate
pair appear in from two to four weeks and the third pair
or corners make their appearance about the fifth or sixth
month of age. The difference in size of the jaw-
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 51

bone between the foal and the mature horse makes
a change from milk to permanent teeth necessary.

Three years old—
At approximately two
years and nine months
of age the permanent
pair of center incisors
replace the temporary

 

Nee Koen

ones in both the lower , =

Fic, 34.—LoweEr FRONT TEETH AT THREE
YEARS OF AGE

and upper jaws, and by
the time the horse is
three years of age they
are up and ready for use.
They are easily recog-
nized as they have deep
hollow cups and are
much longer than the
temporary teeth. In
the male tusks may ap-
pear at about this time.
( Figs 34.)

Four years old.—
At approximately three
years and nine months
of age, the intermediate
pair of permanent in-
cisors appear in both

 

Fic. 36.—LOWER FRONT TEETH AT FIVE
the lower and upper Venus’ GH AGE

jaws, and by the
time the horse is
four years old they are
up and ready for use.
The center pair show
wear and the cups are
about one-third gone. ae
(Fig. 35-) Fic. 37.—Lower FRONT TEETH AT SIX
Five years old— YEARS OF AGE
At approximately four years and nine months, the per-

 
52 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

 

Fic. 38.—Lower FRONT TEETH AT
SEVEN YEARS OF AGE

 

Fic. 39.—LOWER FRONT TEETH AT
EIGHT YEARS OF AGE

 

Fic. 40.—Uprer FRONT TEETH AT
NINE YEARS OF AGE

 

Fic, 41.—Upprer FRONT TEETH AT
TEN YEARS OF AGE

manent corner incisors appear
in both jaws and are up and
ready for use at five years of
age. At five years of age the
horse has a full mouth of per-
manent teeth. The center in-
cisors show much wear and
have changed slightly in
shape, having become rounder
on the inside, the cups being
about two-thirds gone. The
intermediates show wear and
the cups are about one-third
gone. (Fig. 36.)

Six years old.—The cups in
the center pair of incisors, in
the lower jaw, have disap-
peared, or nearly so; they
have become much reduced in
the intermediates and show
one year’s wear in the corner
incisors. (Fig. 37.)

Seven years old.—The cups
in the intermediate pair of in-
cisors in the lower jaw have
disappeared, or nearly so; and
have become very shallow in
the corner teeth. There is a
notch in the upper corner in-
cisor where it overlaps the
lower one. The teeth show
marked changes in shape,
having become thicker and
rounder from the inside, and
meet at a sharper angle.
(Fig. 38.)

Eight years old—The cups
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 53

in the corner pair of incisors
in the lower jaw have disap-
peared, or nearly so; but they
are present in all of the incisors
of the upper jaw, though show-
ing wear. (Fig. 39.)

Nine years old.—The cups in
the center pair of incisors in
the upper jaw have disap-
peared; though these cups are
not likely to disappear at such
regular intervals in the upper
as in the lower jaw. There-
fore, it is not always possible
to tell the age of the horse so
accurately. (Fig. 40.)

Ten years old—aAs a rule,
the cups have disappeared from
the intermediate incisors in the
upper jaw. The teeth are more
triangular in shape, and those of
the lower and upper jaw meet
at a sharper angle as the age
increases. (Fig. 41.)

Eleven years old.—Asg a rule,

the cups have disappeared from:
the corner incisors in the upper:

jaw. However, because of the
fact that some horses have
denser bones than others, it is
not uncommon to find cups in
the upper teeth as late as the
twelfth or the fifteenth year.

(Fig. 42.)

‘Aged horses—After the
horse has passed the twelfth
year, the matter of a year
or two is unimportant. The

  

 

Fic. 42.—Upper FRONT TEETH AT
ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE

 

Fic. 43.—Upprer FRONT TEETH AT
FIFTEEN YEARS OF AGE

 

Fic. 45.—UPPER FRONT TEETH AT
THIRTY YEARS OF AGE
54 MANAGEMENT’ AND BREEDING OF HORSES

value depends on the individuality of the horse, as some
are worth more at 15 than others at 12. The general

 

Fic. 47,—FRONT AND SIDE VIEW OF TEETH AT NINETEEN YEARS OF AGE

appearances and activities, rather than the age, determine
the value.
ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 55

As the age increases, the incisor teeth become more
triangular, and those of the lower and upper jaws meet
at a more acute angle. The tusks become large, blunt
and round. The incisors may grow out so long as to
prevent the molars from meeting, thus interfering with
the mastication of the food. In such cases rasping the
incisors until the molars meet will prove beneficial. (Figs.
45, 47.)

Irregularities in the teeth—-When the teeth are not
regular the horse is said to have a “false mouth.” These
irregularities may occur in the number, as there may be
more or less than the regular number—36 in mares or 40
in the horse; they may occur in the form of the teeth, or
in the uniting of two teeth; they may occur because one
jaw happens to be longer or shorter than the other;
they may occur as the result of cribbing—a bad habit in
which the horse bites the stable fixtures or other objects,
thus breaking the teeth; or they may be due to fraud-
ulent means, the horseman striving to give the teeth the
characteristics of that period of life in which horses
have their greatest value, thus endeavoring to make the
young appear old and the old young. This altering the
natural appearance of the teeth is called “bishoping.”
While many are skilled at this work, it is difficult to alter
the teeth without detection, though they can no longer
serve as an index in estimating age.
CHAPTER V
HISTORY OF THE HORSE

The early history of the horse is both interesting and
instructive. It is interesting because of the marked
changes that have taken place in the size and conforma-
tion. It is instructive because it affords the best-known
illustration in existence, of the adaptation of a race of
animals to its environment, and shows clearly the in-
fluence of selection—whether natural or artificial.

The history of the horse, as now worked out, extends
farther back into the past than that of any other farm
animal. He was one of the first animals to receive the
attention of progressive breeders, his improvement ante-
dating that of cattle, sheep or swine. Nor do we wonder
at this when we consider the intimacy of horse and mas-
ter, their constant companionship, and the dependence of
man upon his horse in the chase, in the pursuit of his
foes, or in the escape from his enemies.

Antiquity of the horse——The ancestry of the horse
family has been traced back, without a single important
break, to the Eocene epoch in the Tertiary period.* Dur-
ing this long period, estimated at three millions of years,
the animals of the horse family have passed through im-
portant changes in all parts of the body, but especially in
the feet and teeth, adapting them more perfectly to their
environment. Thus the earliest known ancestors of the
horse family differed widely from the horse of the present
time. These early ancestors were very small animals,
not larger than the domestic cat. They possessed four
complete toes on each forefoot and three on each hind-

*The geologist divides time into eras, ages, periods, epochs and the like.
Fossiliferous remains of the horse are found in the Tertiary period, which is

divided into four epochs, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene and Pliocene; as well as in
both the Quarternary and Recent periods.

&6
HISTORY OF THE HORSE 57

foot. Some scientists believe that the still more ancient
ancestors possessed five toes on each foot. The teeth of
these very early animals were short-crowned and covered
with low, rounded cusps of enamel somewhat similar to
those of swine, and differing widely from the long-
crowned, rather complicated, molars of the horse.
Distribution of prehistoric horse——In the latter part of
the Tertiary and in the early Quarternary periods, wild
species of the horse were to be found on every continent
except Australia. Remains of the horse have been found
in all parts of the United States, in Alaska, in Mexico,
in Central and South America, as well as in Europe, Asia
and Africa. The first discovery of these fossil horses in
the United States was made by Mitchell, in 1826, near the
Navesink Highlands in New Jersey. About the middle
of the century Leidy made similar discoveries in Ne-
braska. Following these came other discoveries, until the
wide distribution of the horse in America became well
established. Specially rich localities are on the Niobrara
River in Nebraska, in central Oregon, in the phosphate
mines near Charleston, South Carolina, in central
Florida, in southern Texas, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana
and many other states. In fact, thé fossil remains of the
horse are so abundant in deposits of rivers and lakes of
the Pleistocene epoch that the formation in the western
United States has received the name of Equus Beds.
Evolution of the horse—The prehistoric development
of the horse has been thoroughly investigated by the
American Museum of Natural History. Twelve stages
have been recognized in the evolution of the horse family
from the early Tertiary period to the present; each stage
being characteristic of its peculiar geological time, with
the horse becoming more and more developed toward the
present-day. type, as the periods become more and more
recent. A few of these stages have been found in various
parts of the world, but by far the most complete and best-
known series comes from the Tertiary Badlands of our
53 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

western states. Of some stages all parts of the skeleton
have been found, while of others only the jaws, or jaws
and feet, have been discovered. The stages properly
grouped are as follows :*

1. Hyracotherium—From the Lower Eocene. This is
the most primitive stage known, and only the skull has
been found, so that it has not been determined what the
feet were like. The teeth display six rounded cusps on
the upper molars and four on the lower. The premolar
teeth have only one main cusp, except the third and fourth
premolars, in each jaw, which have two and three respec-
tively. The animals were no larger than the domestic
cat. Found only in London clay, England.

2. Eohippus—From the Lower Eocene. Teeth vary
somewhat from above, the molars having the cusps more
clearly fused into cross-crests, and the last premolar is
beginning to look like one of the true molars. The fore-
foot has four complete toes and the splint of a fifth. The
hindfoot has three complete toes and splint. The
animals were about the size of a fox terrier dog and
known as “Dawn Horses.” Found in New Mexico and
Wyoming.

3 and 4. Protorohippus and Orohippus.—From_ the
Middle Eocene. In these animals the splints have dis-
appeared, leaving complete toes, as in the Eohippus. The
crests in the molars are more apparent, and the last pre-
molar has become almost like the molars, while the next
to the last premolar is beginning to assume a similar form.
This type was about the size of a small dog, perhaps about
14 inches high. The Protorohippus was found in 1880 in
the Wind River Badlands of Wyoming and was described
under the name of the “Four-Toed Horse.”

5. Epihippus—From the Upper Eocene. Only incom-
plete specimens have been found of this stage of the
evolution of the horse. The molar teeth have the round

 

*Made up from Guide Leaflet, No. 9. American Museum of Natural History,
W. D. Matthew.
HISTORY OF THE HORSE 59

cusps almost completely converted into crescents and
crests, with another premolar tooth becoming like the
molars. There are four toes in front and three behind,
but the central toe in each foot is larger, stronger and
more important than the toes on either side.

6 and 7. Alesohippus—From the Middle and Upper
Oligocene. There are three toes on each foot and a splint
representing a fifth toe on the forefoot. The middle toe

THE EVOLUTION OF THE HORSE.

Formstiocs i

seer @
Taw eitogs Three Toes
Sa Teer * .
tomcat the fyowed ‘Short
@ vice
Cemeel

ca ao A Four Toes

Four Te Three Te
a — A erase sks, 1 @

a Cretaceous Hypothetical Ascestors with Five Toes on Lech Foot
Me Jursesic, aed Teeth like Unase of Monkeys etc.
Trissax.

 

FIG. 48.—CHANGES IN THE SKULL, TEETH AND FEET SHOWING EVOLU-
TION OF THE HORSE

has become much larger than the side toes, which bear
very little of the weight of the body. Three of the pre-
molars have become like full molars, with crests on the
crown completely formed. The outside crests in the
upper molars have taken the shape of two crescents. The
animals found in the Middle Oligocene were about the
size of a coyote, while those of the Upper Oligocene were
as large as a sheep. Of these species all parts of the
skeleton are known.

8. Anchitherium—From the Lower Miocene. This
stage is much like the Mesohippus, but is larger and has
60 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the crests of the teeth higher and more complete. Some
persons think that this form is not in direct line of
descent, and consider it a side branch. Found in -both
America and Europe.

g. Parahippus and Hypohippus—From the Middle
Miocene. In Parahippus the crests of the teeth are much
higher and the upper molars are changing in form, a
second pair of crescents appearing inside the outer pair.
Like Anchitherium, Hypohippus is off the direct line of
descent. The teeth of the two forms are much alike, and
they are often confused, though Hypohippus is much
larger, equaling a Shetland pony in size, a specimen of
this size being found near Pawnee Buttes, Colorad
in 1901. The forefoot has small rudiments of the first «
fifth toes, but there is no splint of the fifth, as in Mey
hippus. The second and fourth toes still touch th
ground, though lightly. These animals have been calle«
the “Forest Horses,” and are supposed to have lived
forests and on lowlands. The feet of Parahippus w
much like those of Hypohippus, with side toes smaller.

toand tt. Protohippus aud Pliohippus—From the Mid-
dle and Upper Miocene. The crowns of the upper molars
have become much longer, the two pairs of crescents on
the upper molars are complete, with two half-separated
cusps within the inner pair. Cement fills the valleys be-
tween the crests, so that with the wear of the teeth th:
edges of hard enamel are backed inside the dentine anu
outside the cement. Thus the surface of the tooth has a
series of enamel ridges projecting somewhat above the
grinding surface, due to the softer material on each side
wearing down into hollows, yet never breaking off, be-
cause they are braced so thoroughly on each side. This
provides an efficient instrument for grinding hard grasses.
In these two forms, especially Protohippus, the crowns of
the teeth are not so long as in the modern horse.

The feet in these two forms have but one toe touching
the ground. The side toes are complete, but are more
HISTORY OF THE HORSE 61

slender than in the earlier stages and are useless, as they
do not reach the ground. In some species of Pliohippus
they have almost disappeared. The forefoot of Proto-
hippus still retains small nodules of bone, which are the

 

STOCE NE MODERN

 

 

 

 

FIG. 49.—CHANGES IN THE LEGS AND FEET SHOWING EVOLUTION ©

remains of the first and fifth toes. The animals of this
period were about 40 inches high.

12. Equus—From the Pleistocene and Recent. This is
the stage of the modern horse. The side toes have dis-

- appeared and are represented by splints on the fore and

“hind foot. No trace remains on the forefoot of the small
nodules, which in Protohippus represented the first and
fifth toes. The crowns of the teeth are much longer, and
of the two half-separated inner columns on the upper
molars, one has disappeared, while the other has increased
in size and changed in form. The skull has lengthened
and the animal is much larger.

Meaning of the change in feet and teeth.—Along with
the disappearance of the side toes there is considerable
increase in the length of the legs, especially of the lower
part. The surface of the joints, at first more or less of
62 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the ball-and-socket kind, which allows free motion of the
limb in all directions, becomes keeled and grooved like a
pulley wheel, permitting free motion forward and back-
ward, but limiting the motion in all other directions and
increasing the strength of the joint. The increased
length of the lower leg increases the length of the stride
without decreasing its quickness, thus giving the animal
greater speed; and the heavy muscling in the upper leg in
connection with the increased strength at the joints gives
greater strength. Additional strength is obtained by the
consolidation of the two bones of the forearm (ulna and
radius) and of the leg (tibia and fibula).

The increase in the length of limb renders it necessary
for the grazing animal that the head and neck should
increase in length in order to enable the mouth to reach
the ground. The increase in length and crown develop-
ment of the teeth enables the animal to subsist on the
hard, comparatively innutritious grasses of the dry plains,
which require much more thorough mastication before
they can be used as food than do the softer green foods of
the swamps and forests.

All these changes in the evolution of the horse are
adaptations to a life in a region of the level, smooth and
open grassy plains which are now his natural habitat. In
the beginning, the race was better fitted for a forest life,
but it has become more and more completely adapted to
live and compete with its enemies or rivals under condi-
tions which prevail in the high, dry plains. The increase
in size, which has occurred during this evolution, is de-
pendent on abundance of food. While a large animal
requires more food in proportion to its size than does a
small one, in order to keep up a proper amount of activity,
yet the large one is better fitted to defend itself against
its enemies and rivals. Thus, as long as food is abundant,
the large animals have the advantage of the smaller ones
and tend to become continually larger until a limit is
reached, when sufficient food becomes difficult to obtain,
HISTORY OF THE HORSE 63

the animal being compelled to devote all its time to
getting enough to eat.

Cause of the evolution.—The evolution of the horse,
adapting him to live on the dry plains, probably went
hand in hand with the evolution of the plains. At the
beginning of the Age of Mammals the western part of
the North American continent was not as high above the
sea level as now. Much of the country had but recently
emerged, and the Gulf of Mexico stretched far up the
Mississippi valley. The climate was probably very moist,
warm and tropical, as is emphasized by the tropical
forest trees found fossil even as far as Greenland. Such
a climate, with the low elevation of the land, would favor
the growth of dense forests, and to such conditions of life
the animals of the beginning of the mammalian period
must have been adapted.

During the Tertiary period the continent was steadily rising
above sea Icvel. At the same time other influences were
at work rendering the climate continually colder and
drier. The coming of a cold, dry climate thinned and
restricted the forests and in their place appeared the open
grassy plains. The early forest inhabitants were forced
either to retreat and disappear with the forests or adapt
themselves to a life on the plains. The ancestors of the
horse, following the latter course, changed with the
changed conditions, and the race became, as it is today,
perhaps the most specialized of animals in its adaptation
to its environment.

First uses of the horse.—The first association of man
with the horse, so far as discovered, existed in the Early
Paleolithic or Chipped Stone Implement Age. The
earliest evidence of the existence of primitive man is his
crude implements chipped from stone, and since these are
found in caves, river gravels and rocks associated with
the. fossil remains of the prehistoric horse, we have no
history of man which is not associated with that of the
horse. It is assumed that man first hunted horses for
“64 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

food, then drove them, then used them for riding and
finally used them as beasts of burden. That the horse
was used for food is emphasized by the frequency with
which the remains of the prehistoric horse are found
associated with those of the primitive man in both the

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 50.—HUNTERS

Mammoth and Reindeer Age of the Paleolithic and in the
Neolithic.

That the horse was driven before used for riding seems
to be borne out by this evidence, nor is this strange when
we consider the small size of the ‘prehistoric horse.
When the horse was first domesticated is not definitely
known, perhaps in the Neolithic, as this seems to be es-
tablished by the findings among the Swiss lake dwellers.
The horse was used extensively for driving during the
Bronze Age, as is evidenced by the frequency with which
the remains of man, horse and chariot are found in the
caves, river gravels and rocks.
HISTORY OF THE HORSE 65

The early domestication of the horse was the result of
necessity. Primitive man needed help in the hunt, he
was not as strong as many of the animals about him and
no match for them in battle, he was not as fleet of foot
as most game that he hunted, nor could he trail by scent
as the wolf. Thus primitive man was not long in dis-
covering that his chief advantage lay in his wits. His
attention must have been very early attracted to the horse
on account of his fleetness and to the wolf on account of
his hunting habits, as these were the first animals
domesticated. With his horse and his dog, man was
match for anything that roamed the forest or the plain,
and with them he established and made good his claim
as master of all creation.

Existing species of wild horses—There are now no
known wild representatives of the true horse (Equus
caballus), although related species run wild in the open
arid desert plains of central Asia and Africa. There are
two species in Asia, the Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hem-
ionus and Przewalsky’s Horse (Equus Przewalskii),
while in Africa there are the African Wild Ass (Equus
asinus) and the several species of Zebra. In the Amer-
icas and Australia there are no wild horses. The mus-
tangs and bronchos of the western plains and South
America are feral (domesticated horses run wild), and
descended from the horses brought over from Europe
by the white settlers. Thus when the New World was
discovered by the Spaniards they found no horses on
either continent. The Indians were unfamiliar with them
and at first regarded the strange animals with wonder
and terror.

Why the horse’ should become extinct in the: Americas
is not known and seems strange in view of the fact that
both the prehistoric and modern horse found conditions
agreeable to development. He may have been unable to
stand the cold winters, probably longer continued and
more severe during the Ice Age than now. The com-
66 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

petition with the bison’ and the antelope, which had recently
migrated to America, may have made it more difficult
than formerly for the horse to get a living. Probably
primitive men in the hunt played a large part in ex-
tinguishing the race. Some unknown disease or pro-
longed season of drouth may have aided in the extermina-
tion.

Ancestors of modern horse.—The connecting link be-
tween the prehistoric horse and the modern horse is not
definitely known, but is assumed to be the present form
of zebra, the Asiatic and African wild ass, and Przewal-
sky horse. The latter was discovered on the desert of
Zungaria in western Mongolia in Asia by Poliakoff, in
1881. This animal stood about 4o inches high and is as-
sumed to be similar in type to the horse as known by
primitive man. The drawings left by the European cave
dwellers show a strong resemblance to this type, and it is
probable that from such an ancestor have come the ponies
of northern Europe as well as of Mongolia and China.
CHAPTER VI
THE BREEDS OF HORSES

A breed may be defined as a group or class of animals
possessing a number of distinctive qualities and char-
acteristics in common, which are so firmly fixed as to be
transmitted with reasonable certainty under suitable
environment. In America, there are six rather common
breeds of light horses, four of coach horses, six of draft
horses, five of ponies, and six of jacks.

Establishing a breed.—A breed is usually started by
one, two or more superior animals which have been
produced in a locality by reason of better food, more
agreeable environment and intelligent selection. In-
breeding is often practiced to a greater or less extent for
the purpose of perpetuating and intensifying one or more
of the desired characteristics. As a rule, this work is
carried on by one, or at most a few, of the more intelli-
gent breeders, who, by improving conditions, have first
improved the quality of their own horses. This work is
continued until a number of animals are produced, each
possessing the desirable characteristics and having them
so strongly fixed as to be uniformly transmitted. The
American saddle horse furnishes a typical example.
Denmark, the most distinguished saddler of his time, was
bred to “Stevenson’s mare,” and produced Gaine’s Den-
mark, Muir’s Denmark and Rob Roy. These animals,
more especially the former, proved great breeding
stallions, and from them are descended many of the best
saddle horses.

From time to time, one or more animals with superior
characteristics are selected from a breed and these are
closely bred for a time, producing a variety or “family.”
The Hambletonian family of trotters, descending from

67
68 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Hambletonian 10, furnishes a good example; for to him
may be traced the most illustrious trotters of history.

The breed stud book.—When the founders of a breed
decide that the distinctive characteristics are reasonably
well fixed, they publish what is known of the breeding of
the betitcr animals and call the volume, in which this
record of breeding appears, a stud book. Thus the breed
makes its official appearance. It will readily be seen that
when an attempt is made to start a breed, the first pedi-
grees must be based on unpublished records. Frequently
the foundation stock is recorded simply by name, and
nothing is said of the ancestors, because nothing is
known. At first the rules governing the registration are
not difficult, and half-bloods, three-fourths bloods, and
even animals of unknown origin are sometimes registered.
As years go by, however, the rules for admission to regis-
tration are made more strict, and finally no animal is
eligible for record whose sire and dam are not recorded.

The stud book stimulates maintenance of breed purity;
it certifies to a line of descent from ancestors of high class,
and is a most important factor in live stock improvement.
Other things being equal, the longer the breed has been
established the greater are the chances that the offspring
will closely resemble its ancestors in all of its character-
istics. If one is familiar with the breed under considera-
tion, he will quickly recognize the names of the superior
animals recorded in the pedigree. This will naturally
lead to a study of the history and performance, which is
likely to result in an endeavor to improve the breed along
definite lines, and this in turn serves to stimulate an
honest pride in the breeder’s profession.

Records of performance.—The main use of the stud
book is to preserve a record whereby we may trace the
descent of our animals to the purest source, but it tells
us nothing of the individual merits of the animals re-
corded. Jf this register could be supplemented by a
record of performance, it would be of greater value still.
THE BREEDS OF THORSES 69

This is emphasizd by the advancement made in breeding
Standardbred horses, where an accurate record of the per-
formance of each animal is recorded in Wallace’s Year
Book; also by the recent advancement made in breeding
dairy cattle, where an accurate record of the amount of
milk and butter fat produced by each cow is made in the
Advanced Registry.

The difficulty in keeping a record of performance
among horses, other than the trotters and pacers, comes
in knowing what characteristics to record; but it is hoped
in the near future some characteristics, which will prove
of merit, may be decided upon and an accurate record
made of them, as such would be of great value in selecting
breeding stock and in mating.

The light breeds.—The several breeds of horses, as we
find them, have been developed along certain definite lines
to meet given conditions. Thus, we have the various
light breeds developed to perform rather light, but very
fast work; the coach breeds for stylish action and heavy
coach work; the draft breeds to perform heavy draft
work, and the like. The light breeds were developed
under conditions fundamentally different from those that
resulted in the heavy phlegmatic drafter.

Each of the light breeds of horses owes its improve-
ment, in part at least, to horses from the East, particu-
larly Arabia, Turkey, Persia and the Sahara region. Con-
ditions in these countries are such as to develop rather
light horses of quality and endurance. Arabia, especially,
is noted for the quality of her horses, as the rather dry,
barren’ soil makes it necessary for the animals to graze
over large areas to get sufficient nutrients. Thus a
natural selection is continually at work and only those
animals of quality and endurance survive. Further, it is
stated, that the forage, though scant, stimulates the de-
velopment of dense firm bone. It would seem, therefore,
that high lands, possessing a rather dry climate and pro-
70 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

viding a scant but nutritious forage, furnish ideal con-
ditions for development of the light breeds.

Since the breeds of light horses are useful for light, fast
work, they possess many characteristics in common, yet a
detail consideration reveals much difference in both size

 

 

X. « <%&
— “ANIZER®

 

 

 

FIG. 51.—LIGHT BREED. ARABIAN STALLION ‘“‘ANIZEH”

and conformation. Thus the Arabian horse is a small,
symmetrical animal of great beauty. There is a peculiar
balance and harmony throughout that must be seen to
be appreciated. The Thoroughbred horse is more upstand-
ing, his joints and muscles are more prominent and he
represents the highest possible development of muscular
energy. The American trotter, though lean and angular,
possesses more general symmetry than the Thoroughbred.
The American saddler has been justly called the most
beautiful modern breed. The graceful form and smooth,
frictionless action are remarkable examples of the results
of skillful breeding.
THE BREEDS OF HORSES 71

Tas_e Givinc Name, Native Country, Heicut, WEIGHT,
UsEs AND CoLor oF Eacu oF THE BREEDS oF LIGHT
Horses

 

 

 

Name of breed Native country Height, hands Uses Most frequent
Weight, pounds color
Arabian Arabia 14 -— 14.2* Riding White,
800 — 1,000 Bay
Thoroughbred England 14.2 — 16.2 Racing, Bay, brown
900 - 1,050 hunting
Standardbred United States 15 — 15.3 Driving, Bay, brown,
/ 900 — 1,150 racing black
Orloff Trotter Russia. 15.3 -— 16.2 Driving, Gray, bay,
1,100 — 1,300 racing black
American Saddler United States 15.13 -— 15.2% Riding, Bay, brown,
950 — 1,050 driving black
Morganf United States 14.3 -— 15.3 Driving, Bay,
. 900 ~— 1,150 riding, chestnut

racing

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 14.2 equals 14 hands and 2 inches. All heights are recorded in this manner
in this book.

+ Usually not considered a breed, merely a family of the Standardbred.

The draft breeds.—The horse is very susceptible to
climatic conditions, perhaps more so than any other
animal domesticated by man. Temperate climate, fertile,
grassy plains with abundant nutrition, produce horses
distinguished for size and strength; and, as we have seen,
high lands and mountain ranges, with bleak, cold climate
and scanty subsistence, dwarf the frame and produce a
hardy, diminutive animal. There is no exception to this in
Nature, though man may do much by supplying warm
stables and abundant food, and by selection to counteract
the influence of climate, but with the utmost care the
tendency will be much as suggested. Thus the fertile
plains of Germany and France (Flanders region), with
their agreeable climate and abundant herbage, have pro-
72 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

duced the ponderous draft horse, which still distinguishes
the region, and has been the source from which all the
countries have drawn the foundation for their draft
breeds.

Since the breeds of draft horses are used for heavy
draft, they possess most of their characters in common.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 52. DRAFT BREED. PERCHERON STALLION “INTITULE”

There is less difference between the heavy breeds than
among the light breeds, though a detail study reveals
variation. Thus, the Percheron horse is a large, massive,
smooth, short-bodied, clean-legged drafter, often possess-
ing a rather short rump with tail set low. The French
draft horse appears much the same, though as a breed
the animals lack uniformity. The Clydesdale is equal to
the Percheron in weight, but lacks in massiveness, in that
ie is more upstanding and longer in the body. Long hair
grows from the back of the cannons. The English Shire
THE BREEDS OF HORSES 73

resembles the Clydesdale in general appearance, but is
more massive, possessing shorter legs and a larger and
deeper body. The Belgian horse has a very compact
form, a full body with short rump and tail set low, and
clean legs. The Suffolk horse is not so large as the other:
draft breeds, but is rather massive and noted for depth of
body. The legs are clean.

TABLE Givinc Name, NATiIvE Country, HeicHt, WEIGHT,
Uses AND CoLor oF EACH OF THE BREEDS OF DRrart
Horses

 

 

 

Name of breed Native country Height, hands Uses Most frequent

Weight, pounds color

Percheron France 15.2 - 17 Heavy Black,
1,809 ~— 2,300 hauling gray

French Draft Trance 15.2 17 Heavy Black,
1,800 ~ 2,303 hauling gray

Clydesdale Scotland 16 - 16,2 Tleavy Light bay
1,800 — 2,300 hauling

Shire England 16 - 17 Heavy Light bay
1,800 — 2,300 hauling

Belgian Belgium 16 -— 17 Heavy Bay, black,
1,600 — 2,300 hauling brown

Suffolk England ~ 16 -— Heavy Chestnut

17
1,600 — 2,000 hauling

 

 

 

 

 

 

The coach breeds.—The coach breeds owe their im-
provement, in part at least, to the light breeds, particu-
larly the Thoroughbred, which was used more or less in
the formation of each of the coach breeds. Since the
coach breeds are useful for stylish action and heavy coach
work they each possess many characters in common, but
a detail consideration reveals great variation. Thus the
Hackney coach horse is a rather small,symmetrical animal
with intelligent head, neat neck, strong level back, power-
74

MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

ful loins and short legs, and possesses stylish action.
The French coach horse is large, though smooth, with a
body of good length, an arching neck, strong loin and

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 53.—CoacH BREED.

HACKNEY MARE “QUEEN
oF DIAMONDS”’

level croup. The
German coach
horse is still larger,
with a broad deep
body, powerful
loins and legs of
good length. The
Cleveland bay
coach horse is more
upstanding, with a
rather long, though
symmetrical body,
sloping shoulders
and a high, broad
croup. The action
of the French

coach, German coach and Cleveland bay is long and
powerful, rather than high and stylish, as in the Hackney.

TABLE Givinc Name, Native Country, HEIcHT, WEIGHT,
Uses AND CoLor oF EACH OF THE BREEDS OF CoACH

 

 

 

Horses
Name of breed Native country Height, hands Uses Most frequent
Weight, pounds color
Hackney England 15.2 15.3 Park Chestnut
1,000 — 1,200 driving
French Coach France 15 - 16 Coach Bay, brown,
1,200 - 1,350 driving chestnut
German Coach Germany 16 - 16.2 Heavy Black,
1,350 — 1,450 coach driv-} brown,
ing, gener-| chestnut
al utility
Cleveland Bay England 16 -— 16.3 General Bay
1,200 - 1,550 utility

 

 

 

 

 

 
THE BREEDS OF HORSES 75

The pony breeds.—The various breeds of ponies owe
their small size to adverse climatic conditions and scanty
subsistence. The pony breeds vary greatly in both size
and conformation,
according to
the environment.
Thus, the Shet-
land pony is a
very diminutive
animal, but pos-
sessing a confor-
mation similar to
a small draft
horse; the Welsh
pony is more up-
standing, and
while varying con-
siderable in con- Fic, 54.—SHETLAND Pony
formation, is somewhat similar in this respect to the
light breeds; the Exmoor pony is equal in size to the
larger type of Welsh ponies, which it resembles slightly
in conformation, though is more massive; while the
Hackney and Arab ponies are simply Hackneys and
Arabian horses under 14.1 hands high.

 

 

 

 

 

Tasie Givinc NAME, Native Country, Heicut, WEIGHT,
Uses AND COLOR oF EACH OF THE BREEDS OF PONIES

 

 

 

Height, inches Most frequent
Name of breed Native country Weight, pounds Uses color
Shetland Shetland 34 — 44 * Driving, Black,
Islands 250 — 400 riding brown
Welsh Wales 48 — S6 Driving, Brown,
400 — 600 riding gray
Exmoor Devonshire 48 -— 56 Driving, Bay, gray
500 — 700 riding
Arabian Arabia Under 56 Driving White, bay
riding
Hackney England Under 56 Driving, Chestnut
riding

 

 

 

 

 

 
76 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The breeds of jacks.—The several breeds of jacks. vary
in conformation and size, though the difference _ not
so marked as in horses. The variations in jacks are
brought about by the same condition as in the hor... The
Andalusian jack is of medium size, with excellent bonc
possessing much substance; the Maltese jack is of small
size, with rather fine bone and perhaps too much general
refinement; the Catalonian jack is of large size, possess-
ing unusual style, beauty and action; the Majorca jack
is the largest, standing a hand higher than the Catalonian,
but the animal is sluggish in action; the Italian jack is
the smallest, though well proportioned and possessing
good quality; while the Poitou jack is of medium size,
possessing large bone of much substance.

Taste Givinc Name, Native Country, Heraut, User ani
COLOR OF THE BREEDS OF JACKS

 

 

 

Name of breed Native country Height, hands Use Most frequent
color
Andalusian Andalusia, 14.2 15.2 Siring Gray
Spain mules
Maltese Malta Island 14 - 14.2 Siring Brown,
mules black
Catalonian Catalonia, 14.2 - 15.2 Siring Black,
Spain mules brown
Majorca Majorca Island 15 -— 16 Siring Black
mules
Italian Italy . 13 - 14 Siring Blue, black
mules
Poitou France 14.2 -— 15 Siring Black
mules

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mule and hinny.—The mule is not a true breed, as
‘often considered, but is a hybrid, as is the hinny. The
mule is the product of a cross between a jack and a mare,

‘
THE BREEDS OF HORSES 77

whi' the hinny results from crossing a stallion and a
jen... Being hybrids, both the mule and the hinny are
sterile and will not breed, though several cases are on
recotu of mare mules getting in foal and producing to a
stallion. While the mule has been known many cen-
turies, and is a very useful animal, the hinny is seldom
seen and plays no part in economic industry.

Breed study necessary.—The horse breeder should have
a knowledge of the early development and peculiarities
of the breeds of horses. He should know that Percheron
improvement was due to an infusion of Arabian blood
and that until recently this breed was small and not a
heavy horse, hence the bone of the Percheron horse is to
be carefully observed. The breeder should know that the
Clydesdale has a rather short rear rib, with a tendency to
ranginess of body; that the Shire has a tendency to straight
shoulders, straight pasterns and flat feet; and that the
Suffolk is often criticized for lack of quality in his feet.
The horse breeder must be aware of all such peculiarities
in order that he may guard against them in selecting
breeding stock,
CHAPTER VII
THE ARABIAN HORSE

Although the Arabian horse played an important part
in the formation of practically all modern breeds of
horses, it is only recently that an organization has been
formed for its promotion. This breed performed its part
in the development of the horse because of merit.

The native home of the Arab horse.—Arabia is the
native home of the Arabian horse. This is a vast country
some 1,500 miles long and from 400 to 1,000 wide, lying
east of the Red Sea, with the northern boundary not far
from the east end of the Mediterranean Sea. Though
large, its chief characteristic is the barrenness and aridity
of its soil. The inhabitants, called Bedouins, are of two
classes, the agriculturist and the warrior. The former is,
of course, the more domestic, while the latter is migratory,
having no occupation other than war, and keeps at least
one mare always saddled so that he may spring on her
back at the slightest alarm. While there are several
groups of these desert Bedouin tribes, the most powerful
are the Shammar race of Mesopotamia, in the north and
to the east of the Euphrates, and the Anezah in the
south. Turkey, Persia and parts of northern Africa,
notably the Sahara region, also possess many Arabian
horses. These countries and others are often collectively
spoken of as the “Orient” (the East) and their horses as
“Oriental horses.”

The origin of the Arabian horse.—The early history of
the Arab horse is obscure. Youatt states that as late as
the seventh century the Arabs had few horses and those
of little value. Major Upton and Lady Anne Blunt, who
lived among the Bedouins for months, Blunt with the
Shammar and Upton with the Anezah, and spoke their

78
THE ARABIAN HORSE 79

language, give what is accepted to be more definite and
satisfactory information on the subject. They trace the
origin back to the time of Ishmael, whom they say prob-
ably was contemporary with Isaac. According to the
tradition, Ishmael inherited a valuable horse from the
Kuhl race of very remote antiquity. The Anezah tribes
who, by common consent of all the Bedouins, are the most
wealthy, the most powerful, and have the best horses,

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 55.—ARABIAN STALLION “OBBEIAN”

descended in a direct line from Ishmael through Sheik
Salaman, four generations removed from Ishmael. Sala-
man lived about 1635 B. C., and owned five famous mares
called “Al-Khamseh” (the five). The blood of the Kuhl
race has been preserved in these mares and from this
ancestry has come the purest and best Arab horses.
Families of Arab horses.—According to Upton there
are five great families of Arabian horses descending from
80" MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

foundation stock tracing to the five Al-Khamseh mares.
The names are as follows:

I. Keheilet Ajuz and descendants.

2. Maneghi, with four sub-families.

3. Hadban, with five sub-families. '

4. Jelfon, with two sub-families.

5. Homdani, with two sub-families.

From Keheilet Ajuz comes the most distinguished
Arabian blood. According to tradition, this family

 

 

 

 

FIG. 56.—ARABIAN STALLION ‘‘ANTOE”

descended from a mare that gave birth to a filly colt
when on a long and rapid journey, her master being pur-
sued by an enemy. He left the colt where foaled and
continued his journey, reaching his own camp after much
difficulty. To the great surprise of all, the young filly
came in also a few hours later, having followed the dam.
The foal was placed in charge of an old woman, who
raised her, hence the name Keheilet Ajuz (“the mare of
the old woman”), Ajuz meaning woman and Keheilet
THE ARABIAN HORSE 81

mare, while Keheilan signifies stallion. Keheilet and
Keheilan are derived from the word Kuhl, which means
antimony, a substance which Arabian women use to
blacken their eyebrows and eyelashes.

Upton states that the entire race of pure-bred horses of
the Anezah have black skins irrespective of coat color,
which he thinks accounts for the use of the words Ke-
heilet and Keheilan. The Anezah Bedouin, however,
declines to consider any animal as Keheilet or Keheilan,
the pedigree of which does not go back to the five Al-
Khamseh mares of Salaman.

Descendants of Keheilet Ajuz—According to Upton 37.
strains or sub-families have descended from Keheilet
Ajuz, five through mares and 32 through stallions, in ad-
dition to eight other families, some of which are so dis-
tinguished as to be confused with the five Al-Khamseh
mares. The eight families that are of recognized merit
are as follows:

1. Seglawi, with three sub-families.
Abeyan, with seven sub-families.
Dalman, with four sub-families.
Abu Arkab, with three sub-families.
Rishon, with two sub-families.
Radban, with three sub-families.
Twaissan, with two sub-families.
Milliah, with two sub-families.

SAI AnH

The influence of the Arabian horse.—As early as the
reign of King James I. (1603-1625) Arabian horses were
imported into England and crossed with the light horse
stock, though it was not until after the middle of the
century that the English began to appreciate the im-
portance of Oriental blood. During the reign of Charles
II (1660-1685) the so-called “Royal Mares” were im-
ported, while during that of William and Mary (1689-
1702), Anne (1702-1714) and George I. (1714-1727),
Byerly Turk, Darley Arabian and Godolphin Bard were
82 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

introduced,and became foundation stock of the Thorough-
bred. From Darley Arabian is descended the best Hack-
ney blood. Since the time of James I. many eastern
horses, J. Osborne placing the number at 164, have been
imported to England. These played an important part
in the formation and improvement of both the Hackney
and the Thoroughbred. Of this number, Osborne says 90
were Arabs, 36 Barbs, 32 Turks, four Persians and two
of unknown ancestry.

The Arabian horse was used in the improvement of the
French horses. In 1820 two Arabian stallions—Godolphin
and Gallipoli—were used upon French mares, and did
much to improve the quality, action and style of the
French horses. As these sires were gray, no doubt they
had considerable influence in developing the gray color
among the horses of La Perche. The horses of Germany,
Russia and Hungary have been much improved in quality
and action by the use of eastern sires.

The Arabian horse in America.—The early accounts of
the Arabian horse in America are conflicting, due, in part
at least, to the fact that many horses called Arabian were
not of that breed, but were of Oriental ancestry. The
first record we have of the Arab in America was the im-
portation of the stallion Ranger about 1765 to New Lon-
don, Connecticut. This horse was later taken to Vir-
ginia, where he became known as Lindsay’s Arabian. In
1838 J. D. Elliott imported a number of both sexes.
In 1856 Hon. A. Keene Richards imported three stallions
and two mares to Georgetown, Kentucky. Three Arab
horses, Maanake, Hedgrogi and Liklany Gidran, were
presented to William H. Seward; one, Umbark, to Presi-
dent Martin Van Buren; and two, Linden ‘Tree and
Leopard, to General U. S. Grant. A number were
brought to the World’s Fair, Chicago, in 1893, some of
which were destroyed by fire and the remainder pur-
chased by Peter B. Bradley of Boston, Massachusetts.

Arabian horse breeders,—During recent years a num-
THE ARABIAN HORSE 83

ber of Arabian studs of importance have been maintained
in England and America. In England the late Major
Upton and the late Henry Chaplin, Minister of Agricul-
ture, maintained pure Arab studs, both of which were
sold. Lady Anne Blunt of Crabbet Park, near Three-
bridges Station, Sussex County, England, and her hus-
band,’Sir Wilfred, are the largest breeders of pure Arab
horses in England, and for 20 years or more have bred,

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 57.—ARABIAN MARE “HAMRA”

with the greatest care, the best stock that the desert has
ever furnished the outside world. In‘the summer of
Ig11, Henry K. Bush-Brown saw about fifty head of pure
Arabians in the Blunt stud. These were divided into
seven different sub-families and possessed superlative
merit. In addition, Rev. F. F. Vidal and Miss Ethelred
Dillon also have studs in England.

In America, Randolph Huntington of Oyster Bay, Long
Island, New York; Peter Heyl of Milwaukee, Wiscon-
sin; and J. A. P. Ramsdell of Newburgh, New York, have
84 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

maintained notable Arabian studs in recent years. In
recent years the most prominent breeders are or have
been Homer Davenport, Holmdel, New Jersey; Peter B.
Bradley, Boston, Massachusetts; Richard W. Tully,
Pleasanton, California; Spencer Borden, Fall River,
Massachusetts; and the Hartman Stock Farm, Colum-
bus, Ohio. These are breeders of pure Arabs and their
combined studs represent a total of over 100 head of
horses in this country. Some of these were imported
from Lady Blunt’s stud and some by the Hamid Hippo-
drome Company (who showed their horses at the Chicago
World’s Fair) and others. Huntington was the pioneer
at this kind of breeding. Davenport and Borden im-
ported direct from the Bedouins.

Notable Arabian horses.—The desert-bred Arab stallion
Kismet was perhaps the most noted. He was imported
to England by Rev. F. F. Vidal of Needham Market, Suf-
folk, England, who was offered $20,000 for him by the
French government, but declined the offer. Huntington
tried repeatedly to buy Kismet, but finding it impossible
to purchase him outright arranged a contract to bring him
to the United States. The contract provided heavy
bonds, including one in Lloyd’s insurance agency, for
Kismet’s safe return to England, in addition to a large
fee for use in Huntington’s stud.

Thus bonded, Huntington imported Kismet in 1891.
The journey proved a hard one, and on his arrival Kismet
was sent to the Cattanach infirmary, New York city, with
a temperature of 106, resulting from pleuro-pneumonia,
and died a few hours later, causing great financial loss to
Huntington. Kismet’s skeleton, said to be one of the
most remarkable ever seen, is preserved in the American
Veterinary College, 151 West Fifty-fourth street, New
York City, and used as a specimen in clinical lectures.
Other famous stallions are El Emir, Maidan, Kouch,
Kars, Shahwan, Himyarite, Anizeh Khaled and Haleb.
Among the mares Haidee, Keziah, Naomi, Nazli, Naarah
THE ARABIAN HORSE 85

and Wadduda are important modern females of the breed.

Description of the Arab horse——In his purity the
Arabian horse is of high courage, possessing balance and
harmony, power and substance, combined with elastic
and graceful movements. He is gentle and affectionate,
seemingly having no fear. His strength is remarkable:
considering size,
which is due in
part to the large
muscle develop-
ment, thus en-
abling him to car-
ry heavy burdens.
He has a great
constitution and
extraordinary
staying power.
While he is not
noted so much for
speed, as he is not
nearly the equal of Fic. 58.—ARABIAN STALLION “DEUX”
the Thoroughbred
or Standardbred in this respect, yet he can perform long
journeys across country with comparative ease, such as those
requiring extraordinary endurance.

The head of the Arabian horse indicates superior char-
acter and intelligence, the forehead being broad and full,
and the head tapering toward the nose more than in
other breeds. The nostrils are prominent and capable
of great distention; the eyes soft and intelligent, and the
ears are of fine texture and pointed inward. In general
outline, the head is lean and clean cut, representing high
spirit. The neck is of medium length and sustains the head
gracefully; the throat of medium size and the windpipe
prominent, thus promoting staying power. The shoul-
ders are long and sloping, though Hayes states that from
a saddle point of view they are often thick and the withers

 

 

 

 

*

 
86 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

low and broad. The chest is deep and long, indicative
of constitutional capacity. The body is deep; the back
is short; the loins broad and of immense power; and the
quarters long and strong, with the whole beautifully
turned. The tail is set high and carried with style. The
legs and feet are superior.

In height the Arabian horse ranges from 14 to 14.2
hands; thus he is often classed as a pony, and in fact,
many of the most famous Arabs brought to England were
ponies. Esabin Curtis, an importer of Arabs to Bombay,

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 59.—ARABIAN STALLION “‘MALEIK”

is said to have stated that the best Arabs did not, as a
rule, exceed 14.1% to 14.2 hands high, though Homer
Davenport states more stand 14.2 hands than any other
height. The size is largely a matter of the feed given
the horse when a colt. This is emphasized by the fact
that among the Gomussa tribe of the Sabba Anazeh, who
pay better attention to their horses than do others, we
find colts at two years of age standing 15 hands high.
The color varies, and may be white, gray, bay, chest-
nut, brown, but rarely black. The bays often have black
points and generally one or more white feet, with some
THE ARABIAN HORSE 87

white on the face. The chestnuts vary from brightest to
dullest shades. According to Davenport, roan, spotted
or piebald and yellow colors are not found among the
Arabs, though roan and yellow are common among Barbs.

Popularity of the Arab horse.—In the past, the Arabian
horse’s value has been incalculable, as he has transmitted
constitutional vigor, quality, intelligence and style to
practically all the modern breeds. At the present, how-
ever, it is thought that he has served his usefulness in
this capacity, though European governments are using
the Arab to improve their depleted horse stock. In 1899
the French government crossed 60 Thoroughbred mares
with Arabian stallions, in order to obtain cross-bred
stallions, for service in low, soft districts, where the
horses are coarse and of inferior bone. In addition, the
Arab horse is used to some extent in breeding Welsh,
Exmoor and other ponies to produce small animals for
polo playing. ‘Thus it seems that the present use of the
Arabian horse is quite largely limited to sports and to
show.

Organizations and records——The Arabian Horse
Club of America has established a stud book and pro-
vides for registration, one volume of which has been pub-
lished, recording 127 pure Arabians. In England, regis-
tration is provided for in the General Stud Book of Great
Britain.
CHAPTER VIII
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE

Of the modern breeds or horses, the Thoroughbred was
the first to receive systematic attempts at improvement.
For more than three centuries this breed has been con-
sidered as the fountain head from which much of the
quality and endurance among horses have been derived.

The native home of the Thoroughbred horse.—Engtand,
the largest and most densely populated division of the
British group, is the native home of the Thoroughbred
horse. The climate is moist, temperate and adapted to
barley, oats and pasture, thus providing ideal conditions
for the development and improvement of the horse. An-
other factor of vital importance in the development of this
breed is the temperament of the English people, who for
more than 1,000 years have fostered racing. The sport-
loving Cavaliers of England played a very important part
in founding and developing this renowned breed of
running horses.

The origin of the Thoroughbred horse.—A knowledge
of the early history of Great Britain is necessary for a
complete understanding of the origin of the Thoroughbred
horse. There are no indications of any horses having
been indigenous to Britain. The horses with which the
islands were first stocked are generally held to have been
derived from the pony types, native to northern Europe,
though recent researches by Ridgeway indicate that
horses of the north African type were in Ireland as early
as the sixth century; yet, whatever the source, these early
horses were small of stature. We know that the first
efforts at improvement were in the attempt of increas-
ing the size.

88
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE 89

Early racing in England.—The horse, as a feature in
the sports of the times, is first mentioned in the latter
half of the twelfth century, when races of a primitive
character were conducted at Smithfield. The first race
reported was run between Richard II. and the Earl of
Arundel in 1377. Henry VIII. was the first king who
tan horses for his own amusement. He maintained a
royal stud, had laws enacted regarding horse breeding,

 

we

ee

sé

#

 

 

 

 

FIG. 60.—THOROUGHBRED STALLION ‘“CHOCORNAE”

and imported from Turkey, Spain and Naples. System-
atic racing, however, did not begin until the time of
James I., who is credited with having imported the first
Arabian for the purpose of breeding horses of greater
speed. In 1616, through an English merchant, James I.
imported from the Orient a stallion named Markham’s
Arabian, for which he paid £500. This horse was a
failure in the stud and was much ridiculed. Charles L,
son of James I., established racing at Newmarket and
Hyde Park. He also passed laws encouraging horse
breeding.
go MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Foundation stock.—According to British authors, the
| Thoroughbred was created by Charles II., son of Charles
iT, He not only took an active interest in racing, but
‘imported direct from the Orient. His most notable im-
portation was that of two Barb mares, which, with their
descendants, are commonly known as the “King’s mares”
or “Royal mares,” and are regarded by some authorities
as the foundation dams of the breed. Others, however,
doubt the accuracy of thus limiting the base of the breed.
By far the more noted of the foundation animals are the
three famous foreign stallions, Godolphin Barb, Byerly
Turk and Darley Arabian.

Three famous Oriental sires—During the formation of
the Thoroughbred there were many horses introducéd
into England. Three of these foreign horses exerted an
influence so important as to make them worthy special
mention.

Byerly Turk—Captain Byerly’s charger at the battle
of the Boyne, during the wars of William in Ireland, at-
tracted such favorable comment that he was subsequently
placed in the stud and became famous as a sire of speed,
his descendants being represented by Herod. He became
known as Byerly Turk, is said to be of pure Arabian
descent, and was probably brought to England in 1689.

Darley Arabian.—Mr. Darley, a merchant at Aleppo,
Syria, sent an Arabian horse, as a gift, to his brother,
Mr. John B. Darley of Aldby Park, near York. This
horse, a pure Arab, was bay in color with a blaze on the
face and white on three feet, and stood about 15 hands
high. He was known as Darley Arabian, and became
a very famous sire, his descendants being represented by
Flying Childers and Eclipse, the greatest racers of their
day. Darley Arabian was brought to England about
1706,

Godolphin Barb--The Emperor of Morocco presented
to Louis XIV. an Arab (or a Barb) stallion, which was so
little valued by the French ruler that he was placed in the
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE g!I

shafts of a Paris water cart and cruelly overworked, but
is said to have been watched over closely by a faithful
attendant until rescued and brought to England by Mr.
Coke, where later he became the property of Lord Godol-
phin, and became known as Godolphin Bard (or
Arabian). He was placed in the stud, where he became
a very famous sire, his descendants being represented by
Matchem. He was probably brought to England about
1728,

From these three Oriental stallions, and their descend-
ants, are derived the best blood of the Thoroughbred.
There are few running horses of eminence which could
not directly trace their descent from one or more of these
famous sires.

Three famous English sires—While many English-
bred horses were prominent in the development of the
Thoroughbred, three stand out as really famous in the
production of the modern running horse.

Herod (King Herod).—This horse was born in 1758,
and was bred by William, Duke of Cumberland. He was
sired by Tartar and was out of Cypron. He begun his
racing career in October, 1763, when he was five years
old, and ended it in May, 1767, when he was placed in the
stud. While only moderately successful on the race
course, he was a sire of great renown, siring 497 prize
winners, and it is estimated that they won for their
owners £201,505, or over $1,000,000.

Eclipse —This horse was born in 1764, during an eclipse
of the sun, and was bred by the Duke of Cumberland, at
whose sale he brought 75 guineas. He was sired by
Marske, and was out of Spiletta. In 1769, D. O’Kelly
bought him for 1,650 guineas ($8,250). He begun his
racing career at Epsom, May, 1760, at the age of five years,
and ended it at Newmarket, October, 1770. He was never
beaten, and was retired from the race course because no
one would race against him. In 1779 one of the Bedford
family asked O’Kelly to place a price on Eclipse and
92 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

received the reply that “all Bedford Level wo iow
purchase him.” At another time O’Kelly was ¢ rered
$125,000 and an annuity of $2,500 for life. Eclipse won
eleven King’s Plates, and O’Kelly cleared £25,000 on hin.

At the close of his racing career, Eclipse was placed nt.
the stud, where he was equally as successful as on the
race course. He sired 334 winners that won for their
owners £160,000. He died in 1789 at the age of 25 years.
In historical description this noted horse is said to have
been about 15.1 hands high; his shoulders were low,
oblique and thick above, while he stood high behind. He
possessed a powerful loin, very long quarters as well as
powerful and long thighs and forearms. His stride was
very wide, and he was so thick winded that he could be
heard some distance. John Lawrence said of him that
“he puffed and blowed like an otter and galloped as wide
as a barn door.” While Eclipse is described as being of
fine disposition, in a race he took his own gait, rushing
along with his head down, indifferent of his rider, who
found it impossible to control him.

Afatchei—This horse was born in 1748, and was‘ bre.:
by Sir John Holmes of Carlisle. He was sired by Cad.
and was out of Sister to Miss Patten. He begun In
racing career August, 1753, as a five-year-old, and ended
it September, 1758, when he was placed in the stud. He
was only moderately successful as a racer, but very
famous as a sire, due to his superior blood and conforma-
tion. His best-known son, also called Matchem, became
a great racer and a successful sire. It is stated that he
made a record of 1.44 for the mile on the Beacon course.
Matchem sired 354 sons and daughters that were the
winners of races. Matchem died in 1781 at the age of
33 years. :

Improvement of the Thoroughbred.—For nearly three
centuries Thoroughbreds have been bred under a most
rigid system of selection, performance on the race course
being the standard, The high degree of perfection
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE 93

sca A by the best individuals, as well as the prominence
--whian the breed has attained, can be attributed, in part
it least, to the fact that the destiny of the breed has been
ast with men who have unlimited resources on which
co draw.

During the past century important changes have oc-
curred in the system under which Thoroughbreds are

 

 

 

 

Pani CBOs

FIG. 61—THOROUGHBRED STALLION “HERMIS”

raced, which have resulted in corresponding modifications
in type. Formerly the horse was not raced until mature
and the distance covered was two, three, four and five
miles, while at the present time the custom is to run
dashes of a mile, or less, to carry less weight, and to start
as two-year-olds. Some persons doubt the wisdom of
the present methods and contend that the stamina and
weight-carrying ability are not improved by the modern
method of racing. Further, conflicting opinions are ex-
pressed with regard to the probability of modern horses
being capable of lowering the long-distance records of a
century ago. Comparison is difficult; formerly the races
were few and the horses specially trained, while at
94. MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

present they are kept in racing condition for nine months
each year and running many races.

Notable Thoroughbred horses.—During the develop-
ment of the breed the names of many famous ‘Thorough-
breds have appeared. The following are worthy repre-
sentatives, all of them famous racers and many of them
successful breeders. For convenience of study they are
arranged in tabular form, giving date of birth and the
sire and dam.

Britistt TMOROUGIIBREDS

 

 

 

Animal Date of Sire Dam
birth

Squirt 1732 Bartlett's Childers Snake Mare
Pot-8-os 1773 Eclipse Sportsmist re: s
Woodpecker 1773 Herod Misfortune
Highflyer 1774 Herod Rachael
Sir Peter 1784 Highflyer Papillon
Wax 1790 Pot-8-os Maria
Whalebone 1807 Waxy Penelope
Tramp 1810 Dick Andrews Gohanna
Whisker 1812 ey Penelope
Sir Hercules 1826 Whalebone Peri
Touchstone 1831 Camel Banter
Irish Bird Catcher 1833 Sir Hercules Guiccioli
Gladiator 1833 Partisan Pauline
Faugh-a-Ballagh 1841 Sir Hercules Guiccioli
Orlando 1841 Touchstone. Vulture
The Baron 1842 Trish Bird Catcher Echinda
Stockwell 1849 ‘he Baron Pocahontas
Kingston 1849 Venison Queen Anne
King Tom 1851 Harkaway Pocahontas
Blair Athol 1861 Stockwell Blink Bonny
Hermit 1864 Newminster Seclusion
Robert the Devil 1877 Bertram Cast OF

en 1878 Doncaster Roupe Rose
St. Simon 1881 Galopin St. Anyala
Tsinglass 1890 Isonomy Deadlock
Persimmon 1893 St. Simon Perdita IT
Flying Fox 1896 Orme Vampire
Diamond Jubilee 1807 St. Simon Perdita IT
Rock Sand 1900 Sainfoin Roguebrune
Spearmint 1903 Carline Maid of the Mist
Lemberg 1907 Cyllene Calicia

 

 

 

 
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE

95

THOROUGHBREDS ImMPoRTED TO AMERICA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animal Date of Sire Dam
birth
Matchem 1754 Godolphin Bard Soreheels Mare
Stark 1771 Marsk Snap Mare
Diomed 1777 Florizel Spectator Mare
Messenger 1780 Mambrino D. of Tur
Saltram 1780 Eclipse Virago
Highflyer 1784 Highflyer Thistle
Buzzard 1787 Woodpecker Misfortune
Olderman 1787 Pot-8-os Lady of Bolingbroke
Sarpendon 1828 Emilius Icaria
Glencoe 1831 Sultan Trampoline
Leamington 1853 Faugh-a-Ballagh . of b. m.
Bonnie Scotland 1853 ago ueen Mary
Australian 1858 W. Australian. Emilia
Phaeton 1865 King Tom Merry Sunshine
Prince Charlie 1869 Blair Athol Eastern Princess
Rayon d’Or 1876 Flageolet Auracaria
St. Blaise 1880 Hermit Fusee
Ormonde 1884 Bend Or Lily Agnes
Sysonby 1901 Melton Optime
AMERICAN THOROUGHBREDS
Animal Date of Sire Dam
: birth

Sir Archy 1805 Diomed Castinanira
Am. Eclipse 1814 Duroc Miller's Damsel
Boston 1833 Timoleon S. of Tuckahoe
Lexington 1850 Boston Alice Carneal
Norfolk 1860 Lexington Novice
Emperor 1860 Leamington
Longfellow 1867 Leamington Nantura‘
Enquirer 1867 Leamington Lida
Tom O'Chiltree 1872 Lexington Katona
Parole 1874 Leamington Maiden
Himyar 1875 Alarm Hira
Spendthrift 1876 Australian Aerolite
Lake Blackburn 1877 Bonnie Scotland Nevada
Foxhall 1878 King Alfonso poi
Troquois 1878 Leamington aggie B. B.
The Bard 1883 Longfellow Brademante
Firenzi 1884 Glenelg Florida
Hanover 1884 Hindoo Bourbon Belle
Emperor of Norfolk 1885 Norfolk Marian
Salvator 1886 Prince Charlie Salina
Hamburg 1891 Hanover Lady Reel
Nealon 1903 Sain Sister Josephine
Ballot 1904 Voter Cerito :
Alambalo 1906 Ormes Blue and White

 

 

 

 

 

Famous méares.—In a discussion of notable Thorough-
breds there are at least two mares that deserve special
mention, especially because of their longevity and fer-
«TaD ANT, FUVW GIYHHONOYOHL—z9 “Old

 

 

 

 

 

96
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE 97

tility:- Old Fanny Cook produced 15 foals, giving birth
to twins at 22 years of age, while Pocahontas also pro-
duced 15 foals and lived to the old age of 33 years.

Record prices paid for Thoroughbreds— While the pur-

chase price of this breed varies widely, yet it is interest-
ing to note some of the very remarkable prices paid dur-
ing recent years. In 1913, the French turfman Edmund
‘Blanc paid W. R. Wynham $200,000 for the English
Thoroughbred stallion White Knight. In 1904 the Duke
of Westminster sold Flying Fox for 37,500 guineas
($196,875), and he was taken to France and placed in the
stud. In 1905 King Edward VII. sold Diamond Jubilee
for $150,000 to Senor Ignacio Correas of Argentine, South
America. Ormonde, Jardy, Rocksand and Cyellene also
sold for $150,000 each. In all, 20 Thoroughbreds have
sold for over $100,000.

The Thoroughbred horse in America.—It was not long
after the colonization of our eastern territory before there
was established an American turf with its Thoroughbred
studs. This was natural, since our southern provinces
were settled by the English. There are fragmentary ac-
counts of regular race meetings as early as 1665, and no
doubt others preceded these as the early settlers were a
horse-racing people. In 1677 the court records of Hen-
rico, Virginia, mentions three racing tests. In the first,
the stake was 300 pounds of tobacco; in the second, the
winner to take both horses; and in the third, no stake
was mentioned. The first racing organization of which
we have record was formed in 1760 at Charleston,
South Carolina. This organization established the New-
market course on which were held many enthusiastic
races. Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland were the
colonies most interested in these early sports.

The first Thoroughbred of which we have record was
the horse Bulle Rock, imported to Virginia in 1730 by:
Patton and Gist. Other importations followed (p. 95).
One of the most notable horses ever introduced to this
98 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

country was Diomed, winner of the first English Derby.
He was imported in 1799 in his twenty-second year of age,
and is regarded by many as the real progenitor of the
American Thoroughbred. In direct line of descent from
him comes Sir Archy, often referred to as the first truly
American Thoroughbred, while Boston, Sir Archy’s
grandson, is conceded to have been the greatest American
race horse. Boston sired Lexington, a scarcely less re-
markable racer than Boston, and a most influential sire,
especially through the female line. Lexington’s blood
enters into the American saddle horse and the Standard-
bred as well as of the Thoroughbred.

From the original seat in the southern colonies the
Thoroughbred sentiment moved north, centering about
the Union course on Long Island, then westward into
Kentucky and Tennessee. The environment of Kentucky
proved so congenial to the horses bred there that the
state soon attained first position as a Thoroughbred horse-
producing state. Later some of the best blood of the
breed found its way to California and studs were founded
which have achieved national fame.

Description of the Thoroughbred horse.—The con-
formation of the running horse is distinctive. He is up-
standing, long, lithe, rangy and angular, thus favoring
speed, and is in striking contrast to the low, broad, com-
pact and massive form significant of power in the draft
horse. There is a general spareness, particularly about
the head and legs, and the muscles and tendons stand out
prominent and cordy.

The head is moderately small, with sharply defined fea-
tures, showing breeding; nostrils large and full; eyes
clear, prominent and intelligent; ears neat, of medium
size, not too wide apart and carried in a lively manner.
The neck should be long, the upper part from the poll to
the withers about twice as long as the lower part from
the point of the shoulders to the larynx, and strongly
muscled. The shoulders should slope obliquely back,
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE 99

forming high, fairly close, but long withers. The chest is
often rather narrow and lung capacity is obtained by
great depth which, in connection with the high withers,
gives the body a deep appearance.

The back should be fairly broad, level and muscular,
with well-sprung ribs of great depth, thus giving diges-
tive capacity. The loins should be broad and muscular.
The croup tends to length and a bit straight, but should be
well muscled. The tail should be attached medium high
and carried gracefully. The quarters should be long, deep
and strongly muscled, thus giving great driving power. The
legs above the knees and hocks should be long and well
muscled. The knees and -hocks should be strong and
clean. The cannons should be deep and clean with ten-
dons well detached. The fetlocks should be strong and
clean. The pasterns should be long and sloping, as well
as strong and clean. The feet should be of medium size,
with the hoof dense and elastic. A fine, smooth coat of
hair and a soft delicate skin, with the superficial blood
vessels well marked, complete a general appearance of
quality and refinement.

In height, the Thoroughbred ranges from 14.2 to 16.2
hands, though 15 to 15.2 hands is most approved. It is
interesting to note that the breed has increased in height
during its development, the statement being made that
the average height has increased from 14 hands in 1700
to 15 hands 2% inches in 1900. The weight is likewise
extremely variable, but in general ranges from 900 to
1,050, pounds, though many excellent individuals exceed
a pounds. The prevailing colors are bay, brown
and chestnut, with one or more white markings, though
black, gray; sorrel, roan and, in fact, all colors are occa-
sionally found. In temperament, the Thoroughbred is
nervous and often mettlesome because of his racing spirit.

Famous race meetings.—The three noted race meetings
in England are the Derby, the St. Leger and the Oaks,
«anvauaa Nval, NOITIVLS GYAHONOXOHL—'e9 ‘Old

 

 

 

 

 

00

1
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE IOI

each of which are very old. The first Derby in England
was run at Epsom, May 4, 1780, for a stake valued at 50
guineas, open to three-year-old colts, the colts to carry
eight stones, fillies seven stones and eleven pounds, over
a distance of one mile. This was won by Diomed. In
1784 the distance was increased from one mile to one and
one-half miles. The only American-bred horse to win
the Derby was Iroquois, a descendant of Diomed. He
also won the St. Leger, a notable feat in view of the fact
that both the Derby and the St. Leger have been won by
the same horse but nine times in over a century of racing.

There are a number of important events held in
America, the following being the most notable: Metro-
politan Handicap, one mile, Belmont Park; Carter Handi-
cap, seven furlongs, Aqueduct; Excelsior Handicap, one
and one-sixteenth miles, Jamaica; Saratoga Handicap,
one and one-quarter miles, Saratoga; Suburban Handi-
cap, one and one-fourth miles, Sheepshead Bay; Brigh-
ton Handicap, one and one-fourth miles, Brighton Beach;
the Futurity, six furlongs, Sheepshead Bay; and the
Brooklyn Handicap, one and one-fourth miles, Gravesend.

Speed records of the Thoroughbred.—With this breed
races are run under the saddle and a right.skillful rider
(jockey) is needed. Jockeys usually weigh from 100 to
125 pounds. The fastest record, 1.3512, was made by
Salvator on a straightaway track of one mile, in 1890,
at Monmouth Park, New Jersey. The best record for a
standard track is 1.37%, made December 22, 1908, by
Center Shot, on the Santa Anita track, while the next best
record is 1.37%4, which has been equaled many times. In
1855 Lexington ran four miles in 7.1934, winning $20,000
in a race against time. In 1897 Lucrezia Borgia ran four
miles against time on the Oakland track in 7.11, while in
1911 Messenger Boy ran the same distance on the Louis-
ville track in 7.14% in a race.

English records.—The following table gives the Eng-
lish Derby race records, one and one-half miles, since
102 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

1900, showing the name of the winner, his sire and the
time:

ENGLISH RECORDS

 

 

 

Year Name of winner Sire Time
1900 Diamond Jubilee St. Simon 2.42

1901 Volodyovski Florizel 2.404
1902 Ard Patrick St. Florian 2.424
1903 Rock Sand Sainfoin 2.42%
1904 St. Amant Frusquin 2.45%
1905 Cicero Cyllene 2.39%
1906 Spearmint Carbine 2.364
1907 Orby Orme 2.44

1908 Signorinetta : Chaleureux 2.394
1909 Minorn Cyllene 2.422
1910 Temberg Cyllene 2.354
1911 Sunstar Sunbridge 2.36

 

 

 

 

 

American records.—The following table gives the Su-
burban Handicap races of one and one-fourth miles, run
at Sheepshead Bay, giving the name of the winner, weight
of jockey, time and money won:

AMERICAN RECORDS

 

 

Year Name of winner Weight of jockey Time Purse

1900 Kinley Mack 125 pounds 2.06$ $ 6,800
1901 Alcedo 112 pounds 2.092 7,801

1902 Gold Heels 124 pounds 2.054 7,800
1903 Africander 110 pounds 2.102 16,490
1904. Hermis 127 pounds 2.05 17,000
1905 Beldame 123 pounds 2.052 16,800
1906 Go-Between 124 pounds 2.053 16,800
1907 Nealon 124 pounds 2.062 16,800
1908 Ballot 126 pounds 2.03 19,750
1909 Fitz Herbert 122 pounds 2.032 3,850
1910 Olambala 122 pounds 2.042 6,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction in records.—The following table gives the
reduction in time for American races over a mile track,
beginning in the early fifties. The table shows the name
of the horse, the year, place and the time of the heat.
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE 103

AMERICAN RuNNING Recorps REepucep-MILE Track

 

 

 

Year Name of horse Race course Time

1854 Charley Bell Lexington 1.45

1859 Satallite feces rae
1862 Mammona Lexington 1.44}
1866 Reyolver Cincinnati 1,44

1869 Hertog Cincinnati 1.434
1872 Alarm Saratoga 1.42%
1874 Gray Planet Saratoga 1.42}
1875 Searcher Lexington 1.41}
1877 Ten Broeck Hartford 1.393
1890 Racine roe Park 1.394
1893 Chorister Morris Park 1.39%
1894 Libertine Harlem 1.382
1900 Voter Brighton Beach 1.38

1903 Allan-A-Dale Washington Park 1.374
1903 : Dick Wells Harlem 1.372
1908 Center Shot Santa Anita 1.37%

 

 

 

 

 

A notable sire of winning stock—Each year a record is
made of the sire whose descendants win the most races.
Of the number thus far recorded Lexington is the most
notable. During 22 seasons he sired 600 horses, of which
236 were winners of races and in 15 years they won a
total of $1,159,320 for their owners.

Popularity of the Thoroughbred horse.—This breed has
found its way into all countries where race horses are
popular. This is especially true of Great Britain, United
States, France, Germany, Australia and Argentine Re-
public.

Thoroughbred blood has been much used in the de-
velopment of other breeds of horses. Each of the draft
breeds owes much of its quality to Thoroughbred crosses.
The Hackney descended from a Thoroughbred cross on
the common mares of Norfolk. In like manner the French
Coach, German Coach and the Yorkshire Coach have been
produced. The Thoroughbred, Imported Messenger, is
considered the foundation sire of the Standardbred, while
Denmark, a son of Imported Hedgeford, is now accorded
the only foundation sire in the American saddle horse.
Furthermore, the Thoroughbred is very popular in the pro-
duction of the hunter, jumper, polo pony, and the like.
Io4 MANAGEMENT ND BREEDING OF HORSES

Organizations and records——As it was to preserve the
purity of the Thoroughbred that books of record were
established, their early development is worthy mention
in this connection. So far as is known there were no
records cf performance or’ breeding previous to the

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 64.—THOROUGHBRED ENGLISH HUNTER MARE “ISENLL”

eighteenth century. Thus, through advertisements, sales
papers, catalogs, and the like, many fictitious pedigrees,
all shaped on fashionable lines, gained currency. This
was the condition in England up to 1709 when the first
racing calendar was published. Other calendars followed,
perhaps the most notable being the Racing Register, pub-
lished by Bailey Brothers. These records were intended
for the convenience of men who wagered money, and
who cared nothing for blood lines, hence, mistakes were
of frequent occurrence. Such was the condition of pedi-
grees when, toward the close of the eighteenth century,
Weatherby and Pick started their stud books,

In 1786 William Pick of York, England, published “A
Careful Collection of <All the Pedigrees Possible
to Obtain,’ while in 1791 Weatherby published an
THE THOROUGHBRED HORSE I05

“Introduction to a General Stud Book.” These pub-
lications were the forerunners of Pick’s Turf Register,
and of Weatherby’s General Stud Book. Though the
first volume of both the Register and the Stud Book ap-
peared in 1803, there was great rivalry among the au-
thors. Four volunies of Pick’s Turf Register appeared
and then the publication was discontinued, while the
General Stud Book continued as the official organ of the
Thoroughbred in England. This represents the first suc-
cessful attempt to record the genealogy of animals. The
first publication of performance occurred in 1829. In
America the Thoroughbreds are registered in the Amer-
ican Stud Book for Thoroughbreds, the official organiza-
tion being the American Jockey Club.
CHAPTER IX
THE AMERICAN SADDLE HORSE

Like many of the breeds of horses, the American Saddle
horse takes its name from the purpose for which it is pro-
duced. This breed, although of recent origin, provides
greater comfort for the rider than that of any other breed.

Origin of the American Saddle horse.—This breed is of
American origin, and is the outgrowth of necessity. In
the early days before improved roads or railroads were
established, traffic was largely by horseback, along the
trails, through the forests, over unbroken and almost
impassable roads. Such conditions demanded a sure-
footed, sturdy horse that could travel long distances at a
steady rate of speed. Out of this need grew the Amer-
ican Saddle horse, rather undeveloped and hard gaited
at first, but by the use of better sires, largely Thorough-
breds, there has evolved a horse of magnificent type,
capable of going a number of easy and steady gaits.

The breed was developed largely in Virginia, Kentucky,
Tennessee and Missouri, though Canadian horses were
used to some extent. So much of the development has
taken place in Kentucky that the breed is sometimes
referred to as the “Kentucky Saddle horse.” To improve
the gait, easy-going mares were selected and bred to
Thoroughbred stallions of easy movement. This cross
resulted in a smooth, easy-gaited offspring, whose gait
was still further improved by mating with pacing and
ambling stallions from Canada and New England.

Influence of the Thoroughbred in developing the
American Saddle horse.—Of the 1,081 horses registered
in Volume I (first edition) of the American Saddle Horse
Stud Book, J. H. Ward found that 879 contained Thor-
oughbred blood, as follows:

106
THE AMERICAN SADDLE HORSE 107

 

 

 

Pure Thoroughbred blood......... ccc cece ee ee cece ceeaes 2 horses
50 per cent. Thoroughbred blood.. .. 50 horses
25 per cent. Thoroughbred blood.. ... 296 horses
124 per cent. Thoroughbred blood.. ... 343 horses
6} per cent. Thoroughbred blood..... 152 horses
3 per cent. Thoroughbred blood...............2.20-085 36 horses
Total containing Thoroughbred blood................ 879 horses
Uncertain: bloods oysiciese-eeiocy sea wedessetetialnctd Avaya nantes 8 sunlons 202 horses
Total in Volume I (first edition) 1,081 horses

 

 

Denmark F. S. (foundation stock).—In 1891, when the
saddle horse breeders organized their association, they
arranged a list of 14 sires, which were known as founda-
tion stock. After having revised the list many times, the
association, at the annual meeting in 1908, decided to
recognize Denmark, by Imp. Hedgeford, alone as founda-
tion. This position would seem justified since of the
2,981 horses registered in Volume I (revised edition),
1,653, or practically 554%, have direct male trace to Den-
mark F. S.; in Volume II, of 2,999 entries, 2,378, or prac-
tically 79.3%, have direct male trace; while in Volume
III, of 2,997 entries, 1,998, or 6674%, have direct male
trace to Denmark F. S. In the total of 8,979 entries in
the three volumes, 6,029, or a little over 67%, have direct
male trace to: the foundation sire.

Denmark F. S. was bred by Samuel Davenport of Ken-
tucky, and was born in 1839. His sire, Imp. Hedgeford,
was a Thoroughbred, and his dam, Betsey Harrison, was
a Kentucky bred mare. Denmark F. S. was brown in
color, and an individual of much beauty. He was a game
and consistent four-mile race horse. Imp. Hedgeford
was a brown horse, born in 1825, bred by Mytton and
imported to Kentucky in 1832 by William Jackson.
Betsey Harrison was a bay mare, born in 1824, bred by
Davenport of Kentucky. She was by Aratus out of
Jenny Cockracy by Old Patomic.

Denmark’s descendants.—The most noted son of Den-
mark F. S. was Gaines’s Denmark, often referred to as
108 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

“The Denmark of the Denmark family.” This horse was
bred by William V. Cromwell of Fayette county, Ken-
tucky, and was born in 1851. His dam was the Steven-
son mare by Cockspur. Of the 6,029 entries having
direct male trace to Denmark F. S., in the first three
volumes of the Register, 6,014, practically a perfect per-
centage, trace
through Gaines’s
Denmark. This
horse was black,
with both ankles
white, and is
described as a
horse of wonder-
ful finish and
beauty. Gaines’-
Denmark’s mo:
notable sons ar
Washingto:
Denmark 64,
Diamond Den-
mark 68, Star
Denmark 71, and
Sumpter Der
mark 65. Wa
ington Denma.
was bred by
William V. Cromwell, and was born in 1855. His
dam was Polly Hopkins 46, by Cockspur Horse, a son of
Cockspur, which got the dam of his illustrious sire.
Diamond Denmark was also bred by William V. Crom-
well, and was born in 1858. His dam was Queen 48, by
Bald Stockings. Of the 6,014 entries having direct male
trace to Gaines’s Denmark, Washington Denmark is
responsible for 4,518, or a little over 75%, while Diamond
Denmark has 903, or about 15%.

Washington Denmark’s most notable sons are King

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 65.—AMERICAN SADDLE Mare “‘CAROLINA”?—
Major J. B. CASTLEMAN
THE AMERICAN SADDLE HORSE 109

William 67, Cromwell 73, Stonewall Jackson 72, Jewel
Denmark 70, Fayette Denmark 60 and Latham’s Den-
mark 69; also the unregistered stallion Crigler’s Denmark,
the sire of Rex Denmark 840, who in turn sired the mag-
nificent saddle horse Rex McDonald 1833. Queen 48,
the dam of Diamond Denmark, was also the dam of three
of the great sons of Washington Denmark, namely: King
William, Latham’s
Denmark and
Jewel Denmark.
This mare was
5wned by William |Pigxm
V. Cromwell, and
through her sons
is, one of the really
«reat dams of the
‘Peed.

* The greatest son
£ Diamond Den-
mark was Montrose

106. He was a bay
stallion, bred by Fic. 66.—AMERICAN SADDLE Horse “KENTUCKY

Talbot and Thomas ee
-€ Bourbon county, Kentucky, and was born in -1869.

-s dam was a Thoroughbred daughter of Hall’s Glencoe.
‘Famous American Saddlers——More recent notable Sad-
dle horses in direct line of descent from Denmark F. 5.
are: Black Eagle 74 and Artist 75, both by King
William; Black Squirrel 58, by Black Eagle; Highland
Denmark 730, Forest Squirrel 801, Red Squirrel 53, Black
Squirrel, Jr., 2d, 395, and Patsy McCord 1600, by Black
Squirrel; Goodwin 1227, Cupid 1152, and Highland Maid
1270, by Highland Denmark; Amelia 1354, by Red Eagle
28, by Red Squirrel; Rowena 1362, by Chester Dare Io,
by Black Squirrel; Monte Cristo 59, by Montrose; and
Miss Rex 820, by Red Denmark.

Description of the American Saddle horse.—The Sad-

 

 

 

 

 
IIo MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

dler shows much style in the carriage of head and arch of
neck and tail. His courage and spirit, coupled with his
docility, give him his special usefulness under the saddle
as well as in the harness. The ideal Saddler may be
described thus: The head is clean cut, rather small, with

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 67.—AMERICAN SADDLE MARE “EDNA MAY”

a very slight dish in the face; the eyes prominent, full,
and set wide apart; and the ears small, wide apart and
active. The neck is long and gracefully crested with
head neatly attached at a good angle. The shoulders are
long and sloping with neat withers. The sloping shoul-
ders in connection with the well-sprung ribs give a
rather short and very strong back. The loin is well
muscled and powerful. The rump is level and strong,
with the tail coming out well up, carried high, and is
heavy, long and flowing. The quarters are long and
strongly muscled. The forearms are well muscled and
long, giving distance from withers to knees, while the
hind legs from stifles to hocks are also long, thus giving
distance from hips to hocks. The knees and hocks are
THE AMERICAN SADDLE HORSE Tit

strong and clean, and the cannons rather short, but with
clean, strong bone and well-detached tendons. The pas-
terns are a little long and sloping. The feet are of
medium size, hoofs elastic and the heels well spread and
well developed.

In weight the Saddle horse is rather variable, though
on the average they run from 950 to 1,050 pounds. The
standard height is 15
hands 1% inches to
15 hands 2% inches,
though as with
weight, height is also
exceedingly variable.
The solid colors, such
as bays, _ blacks,
browns and chestnuts,
predominate, though
all colors are occa-
sionally found.

Classes of Saddle
Horses.—There are
three classes of Sad- Fic. 68.—American_SapDLe Horse “KENTUCKY
dle horses: The walk- eenES
ing horse; the walk, trot and canter horse; and the
five-gaited or true American Saddle horse, to which
may be added others, as the hunter, high school horse,
cavalry horse, polo pony, and the like. The walk-
ing horse is well schooled at the running-walk gait.
The walk, trot and canter horse is well educated at the
three gaits, while the true-gaited Saddle horse is required
to go five gaits. He must be able to walk, trot, rack and
canter, and for the fifth he may choose any one of the three
slow gaits, the running-walk, fox-trot or slow-pace. The
hunter is usually able to go most of the saddle gaits, and
in addition is well trained at the jump, while the high
school horse, in addition to going all the saddle gaits, is
well educated in many fancy steps.

 

 

 

 

 
112 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES
GAITS OF THE SADDLE HORSE

There are three natural gaits—the walk, trot and gallop.
The other saddle gaits are artificial ones, being more or
less variations of the natural gaits.

The walk.—This may be considered the foundation of
all gaits. It is a gait of four flat beats, each foot being
planted in regular order. If the right forefoot comes
first to the ground, the left hind foot is next planted,
then the left forefoot and finally the right hind foot.
The horse has never less than two and never more than
three feet bearing weight on the ground at the same time.

The trot.—In the common trot, the horse moves from
one pair of diagonally disposed legs to the other pair, and
the footfalls mark two sharp beats. In the common and
long trot there is a short period between each step when
all four feet are free from the ground. During the short
trot, however, one pair of diagonal feet is on the ground
all the time. The trot depends simply upon the united
action of a fore leg and a diagonal hind leg, hence the
weight is alternately borne by the diagonally disposed legs,

The canter.—When true, this is a gait of three beats.
When the weight is received upon the left hind foot it
next falls upon the right hindfoot and left forefoot, and
then upon the right forefoot. The animal works on his
haunches, with his legs well under him. The slower the
gait, so long as performed with animation and exactness,
the better; about five miles an hour being the most
desirable.

The rack.—In this gait, each foot falls upon the ground
separately, thus making a four-beat gait, hence the term
“single foot,” which was formerly used to designate the
gait. It is similar to the racing pace, in which the pair
of legs on either side move alternately; in fact, the rack
seems to be a very fast amble, in which the feet follow
each other in very rapid succession, thus making a four-
THE AMERICAN SADDLE HORSE 113

beat gait instead of a two-beat gait, as in the racing pace.

The running walk.—The name fittingly describes the
gait. It is an accelerated walk, the footfalls following
each other in rapid succession, hence it is a four-beat gait.
At this gait many horses nod their heads in rhythm with

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 69.—GAITED SADDLE HORSE “ROYALIST”

the footfalls, hence the term “nodder,’ which is some-
times applied to the gait.

The fox trot.—This is'a slow, rather loosely jointed
trot. It has fittingly been described as a “dog trot.”
The action is somewhat similar to the trot described
above, except that it is much slower and the beats are
often separated. The gait is rather difficult to perform.

The slow pace.—Though somewhat similar to the rac-
ing pace, this gait differs in that both feet on the same
side of the body do not strike the ground at the same
TI4 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

time. There is just enough impact to introduce a short
interval, thus making it a four-beat gait. It is difficult
for some horses to perform.

Popularity of the American Saddle horse.—Kentucky
justly claims to have been the nursery of the American
Saddle horse, although the breed is very popular both
for business and pleasure throughout the southern states
and Canada. Stallions have been sent to Mexico and to
South American countries, as well as to England. The
American Saddlebred stallion is rather popular for cross-
ing on common mares to improve the gaits, and the gen-
eral appearance as well as the quality of the offspring of
these mares. Further, such crosses are used in the produc-
tion of the hunter, the army horse, and to some extent in

_the production of the polo pony.

Organizations and records.—In 1891, the National
Saddle Horse Breeders’ Association was organized with
headquarters at Louisville, Kentucky. In 1899, the name
of the society was changed to the American Saddle Horse
Breeders’ Association. The society established a stud
book and published six volumes, registering 6,327 animals.
Later the stud book was revised, and thus far five volumes
of the revised edition have appeared containing a total of
15,000 entries. ‘The credit for much of this work belongs
to Major David Castleman and General John B. Castle-
man of Kentucky.
CHAPTER X
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE

The Standardbred breed includes both the American
trotter and pacer, often erroneously spoken of as separate
breeds. They have a common history, and the only dis-
tinguishing character between them, if any, depends upon
their gait. However, the gaits are interchangeable, and
the same horse may pace on one occasion and trot on
another.

The origin of the Standardbred horse.—This breed is
of American origin, though tracing to animals imported
from England, where for many years horses have been
trotted and run under the saddle. For more than a century
Norfolk and Yorkshire, England, have been noted for
their trotting horses. It is stated that in June, 1800, the
Norfolk trotting mare Phenomena, at 12 years of age,
trotted 17 miles in 56 minutes, carrying a weight in
saddle of about 225 pounds on the Huntingdon road. In
July of the same year she trotted it in 53 minutes. Fur-
ther, it is stated that, in 1811, when 23 years of age, she
trotted nine miles in 28 minutes. It is also stated that
in 1806 the horse Pretender trotted 16 miles in one hour,
carrying 210 pounds.

Most important source of Standardbred blood.—The
English Thoroughbred furnished much of the improved
blood entering into the formation of the American
Standardbred horse. The ancestry can be traced in an
unbroken line to Darley Arabian, as is illustrated in the
chart (p. 120), Darley Arabian: siring Flying Childers,
who sired Blaze, who in turn sired Sampson and Shales,
and so on down the list. Perhaps the most important
source was the importation of the stallions Messenger
and Bellfounder, whose histories are worthy mention.

15
116 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Messenger-—In America, this horse is commonly
known as Imported Messenger. He was born in 1780
in England, became a successful racer, and as a five-year-
old won the King’s Plate. He was a gray, 15.3 hands
high, with strong loins and powerful hind quarters. Mes-
senger was imported to the United States in May, 1788,
and placed in the stud. He was in the stud service
for 20 years in
America, stand-
ing in Pennsyl-
vania, New _ Jer-
sey and New
York. He died
January 28,
1808. His most
noted son, Mam-
brino, out of a
daughter of Im-
ported Sour
Crout, was born
in 1806. He was

Fis, 10S STAND AENET BUAUEN “DIRECTUM,” a bri g ht ba y;

with a star and
white ankle, and was 16 hands high. Mambrino’s
most famous son was Abdallah I., born in 1823, and
out of Amazonia. He was a bay horse, about 15.2 hands
high, and is described as being rather coarse and lacking
symmetry. It is also stated that he was of indifferent
disposition, and was not very popular as a sire.

Bellfounder—In America, this horse is commonly
known as Imported Bellfounder, and in England as Jary’s
Bellfounder 55. He was born in 1815, and imported to
the United States in 1822, when taken to Orange county,
New York, and placed in, stud service. He secured his
fame, in the Standardbred foundation, through his daugh-
ter, the Charles Kent Mare, the dam of Hambletonian Io,
which serves as the connecting link between the English

 

 

 

 

 
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE 117

runners and the Norfolk trotters (see chart, p. 120).
Bellfounder was a bright bay with black mane, tail and
legs. He stood about 15 hands high and was a natural
trotter. It is stated that he was very fleet, trotting 17
miles in an hour. Velocity, his dam, was also a noted
trotter, and is said to have trotted 16 miles in an hour
on the Norwich road in 1806. :

Influence of American horses.—In the early colonial
days, most of the traveling was done on horseback, and

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 71—STANDARDBRED STALLION “BRETINI,” 2.22%

conditions were favorable to developing horses of hardi-
ness and endurance. Thus we have the Narragansett
pacers developed largely in Rhode Island; the Canadian
pacers in Canada; the Morgans in Vermont; the Pilots,
which were taken to Kentucky, and many other noted
strains, all of which played a very important part in the
establishment of the Standardbred.

Hambletonian 10.—Perhaps no horse of any breed or
period in this or any other country has excited an interest
so universal or represented such a vast sum of money in
118 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

his offspring and descendants as that of Hambletonian
10, sometimes referred to as Rysdyke’s Hambletonian.
He was bred by Jonas Seely of Chester, Orange county,
New York, born May 15, 1849, sired by Abdallah I., and
out of the Charles Kent Mare. When a suckling he was
sold with his dam to William M. Rysdyke for $125.
Hambletonian 10 was a bay, with star and white ankles.
He stood 15.2 hands high and was powerful in build. He
stood somewhat higher behind than in front. When three
years old he was trained for a time and made a record of
2.48 over the Union course.

 

 

 

Messenger -..-. Mambrino*
Mambrino_..__ ‘} Thoroughbred | D. of Turf
Standardbred Daighteriob.: Sour Crout
Abdallah 1_....
Standardbred
Son: Of veccasee5
eS aeteee
tandardbred Walsiewn. cc
Aambletonian 10
| Bellfounder 52.
Bellfounder 55. Hackney
| Charles Kent Hackney. Unknown...._.
L are...
Hambletonian - { eae
One Eye.._.... Bishops leasant Shark
Silvertail --.... Messenger

Black Jin

 

 

*See chart p 120.

Hambletonian 10 began his stud career in 1851 as a
two-year-old, and with the exception of one year (1868)
he continued in the stud until 1875. During the 23 years’
service it is stated that he covered 1,930 mares, getting
1,333 colts, an average of 69% of foals to mares served.
It is stated that the total service fee amounted to $207,790.

FAMILIES OF STANDARDBRED HORSES

During the development of the Standardbred breed of
horses a number of stallions became very prominent and
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE IIg

their descendants assumed family names. Most of these
families are more or less submerged in the breed, but at
least one of them stands out so prominent as to be con-
sidered a separate breed by some persons.

The Hambletonian family.—This family descended
from Hambletonian 10, and at least in number and im-
portance, stands first in the list. This noted stallion sired
40 standard trotters, the most famous, particularly from
a breeding point of view, being Electioneer, George
Wilkes, Abdallah 15 and Happy Medium.

Electioneer—This horse is the sire of 160 standard per-
formers, 158 trotters and two pacers. His particular fame
is due to his offspring developing speed at an early age.
His most noted sons are Sphinx, Chimes and Norval, each
with 100 or more standard performers.

George Wilkes.—This horse is the sire of 83 standard
performers, 72 trotters and 11 pacers. His great fame is
due to the speed-transmitting ability of his sons. At the
close of 1912 there were but 10 stallions with 150 or more
standard performers, and George Wilkes is the sire of
five of them and the grandsire of three others (see chart,
p. 120). His greatest sons are Gambetta Wilkes, On-
ward, Red Wilkes and Alcantara, each the sire of 170 or
more standard performers. Red Wilkes is the sire of
Ashland Wilkes, a horse with 171 standard performers
to his credit, and Jay Bird, another noted son of George
Wilkes, is the sire of Allerton, the leading sire of the
breed, having 246 standard performers to his credit.

Abdallah 15.—While this horse is the sire of but five
standard performers, his son, Belmont, sired Nutwood,
the sire of 174 standard performers, 137 trotters and 37
pacers. Nutwood leads all other stallions as sires of
producing brood mares. Abdallah also sired Major Edsal,
the sire of Robert McGregor, a horse with 112 standard
performers, 98 trotters and 13 pacers.

Happy Medium.—This horse sired 99 performers, 88
trotters and 11 pacers. His greatest son, Pilot Medium,
120 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

sired 127 standard performers, 103 trotters and 24 pacers.
Happy Medium also sired Milton Ned, sire of Sidney Dil-
lon, who sired Lou Dillon, champion trotting mare.
Among other noted sons of Hambletonian Io are Dic-
tator, with Go performers in the list; Strathmore, with 89
in the list; Egbert, with 85 in the list; Aberdeen, with 52
in the list, and Harold, with 45 in the list; also the sire

of Maud S., 2.0834, champion trotter 1883-5.

Cuart SHOWING DEscENT OF STANDARDBRED FROM DARLEY
ARABIAN THROUGH MESSENGER AND BELLFOUNDER; THE
RELATION OF THE STANDARDBRED TO THE THOROUGHBRED
AND NorFOLK TROTTER; AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE
Ten STALLIONS WITH 150 OR MorE PERFORMERS, THE
Ficures FoLLtowinc THE NAMES INDICATING THE NuM-

BER OF PERFORMERS:

 

 

Darley Arabian
Flying oe
ies

 

Sampson
Engineer
oe

Messenger

|
Mambrino MHambletonian  Silvertail

| (Bishop's) |
Abdallah 1
one Eye

Shales

Drlver

The Fireaways
Pretender
Bellfounder 52

|
Bellfounder 55

 

 

|
Charles ia Mare

 

|
Hambletonian (10)
|

I
Electioneer 160 George Wikes

[eee ees eee ty alnars tent, = eet
Gambetta Wilkes 229 aicdiate 174 Onward 200
Red ie 180 BaronWilkes 153 Alcyone
Ashland Wilkes 171 Jay Bird McKinney 160

|
ee (15)
Bellmont

Nutwood 200

 

 

Allerton 246
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE I2t

The Morgan family—This is one of the oldest trotting
families and at the present time is considered by many as
a separate breed. The family takes its name from Justin
Morgan, said to be by True Briton out of a daughter of
Diamond, both sire and dam tracing to Godolphin Barb.
The breeding of Justin Morgan has been questioned, and
it is stated that
little is known of
his ancestors. He
was born in 1793,
at West Spring-
field, Massachu-
setts, but was
later removed to
Vermont,in which
state this family
of horses has
gained fame. He
is described as a
dark bay, with
black po Lait S, Fic. 72.—STANDARDBRED MORGAN STALLION
about 14 hands
high and weighing 950 pounds, a fast walker, a good
trotter, and very intelligent, being used as a parade
horse, and as a short distance runner and a farm work
horse.

‘Justin Morgan had a long stud career and proved a very
prepotent sire, though he did not produce great breeding
sons as did Hambletonian 10. The three sons of Justin
Morgan that were most prolific as a source of trotters
were Sherman Morgan, Woodbury and Bulrush. Sher-
man Morgan’s most noted son, Black Hawk, born in 1833,
was a trotter and noted sire. Black Hawk’s most noted
son, Ethan Allen, born in 1849, also became popular as a
successful trotter and famous asa sire. In 1858 he made
a record of 2.28, at that time the champion record. He
sired 36 producing sons and daughters, the most noted

 

 

 

 

 
I22 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

being Daniel Lambert, himself the sire of 38 trotters.
It is of interest to note that the sire of Daniel Lambert’s
dam was Abdallah I, the sire of Hambletonian Io.

In 1906, the United States government, in co-operation
with the Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, estab-
lished a stud of Morgans, where experimental work is
being conducted with
a view of preserving
the Morgan type at
its best, including
conformation, endur-
ance and ruggedness,
for which they have
been noted. General
Gates, the pure Mor-
gan at the head of
the stud, is black in
color, 14 hands 2%
inches high and
weighing about 1,000

Fic, 73.—STANDARDBRED STALLION ‘“CARMON” pounds. In 1904, the
At the head of the Ft. Collins stud United States gov-
ernment, in co-operation with the Colorado Agricultural
Experiment Station, established a stud with the object of
evolving a breed of carriage horses from American ma-
terial. The Standardbred stallion Carmon, a descendant
of Justin Morgan, is at the head of the stud. He is beau-
tiful bay in color, 16 hands high and weighs 1,200 pounds.

The Mambrino family.—This family takes its name
from Mambrino Chief, by Mambrino Paymaster, by Mam-
brino, by Messenger. Mambrino Chief’s dam is Un-
traced. He was born in 1844, a dark brown, standing 16
hands high and said to be rather coarse. He was taken
to Kentucky in 1854 and placed in the stud. His noted
son, Mambrino Patchen, sired 25 standard trotters, while
his daughter Dolly was the dam of Onward, Director
and Thorndale, three famous animals. Mambrino King,

 

 

 

 

 
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE 123

by Mambrino Patchen, sired 77 performers and was re-
garded by many persons as the most beautiful horse of
his day. He also sired Elyria, who has 128 standard
performers to his credit, 108 trotters and 20 pacers.

The Clay family.—This family is generally considered to
start with Henry Clay, hence the name, but it really traces
back through the male line to Grand Bshaw, born in 1816,
and imported from Tripoli in 1820. Grand Bshaw was bred
to Pearl by First Counsel, out of Fancy by Messenger,
and from this union resulted Young Bshaw, the sire of
Andrew Jackson, the fastest trotter of his day, especially
as atwo-miler. Andrew Jackson was bred to the trotting
mare Lady Surry from which union resulted Henry Clay
8, born in 1837. Henry Clay 8 sired Cassius M. Clay 18,
who sired George M. Patchen 2.23%, champion trotting
stallion in 1859-60. Cassius M. Clay 18 sired Cassius M.
Clay 20, who in turn sired Harry Clay 45, the sire of
Green Mountain Maid. This family attains its notoriety
most largely through Green Mountain Maid and Beauti-
ful Bells, both of which are of this descent.

The Pilot family—tThis family takes its name from
Pilot, born in 1828, in the Province of Quebec, near Mon-
treal. Little is known of his breeding except that his
dam was Jeanne d’Arc, by Voyager. Pilot was taken to
Connecticut when a colt, to New York in 1830, to New
Orleans in 1831, and in 1832 he was returned to Kentucky
where he died in 1853. He was both a trotter and pacer.
His most noted son, Pilot Jr., out of Nancy Polk, by
Funk’s Havoc, was born in 1844. Pilot Jr. was gray in
color, 15.2 hands high and noted as a breeder of brood
mares. He sired Miss Russell, Midnight and Water-
witch, to which the family owes its principal fame.

Hal family.—This family takes its name from Tom Hal,
a roan horse born in Canada, but afterwards taken to
Kentucky. His breeding is not known, but it is stated
that he contained Morgan blood. His greatest son, Gib-
son’s Tom Hal, sired Brown Hal, who has 94 standard
124 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

performers to his credit, three trotters and 91 pacers,
among them Star Pointer, a pacer of speed, charact>r and
endurance that reduced the pacing record to 1.59%.
Three famous Standardbred brood mares.—While the
list of notable trotting and pacing brood mares is very
long, including many thousand of more or less distinction,
yet there are three mares worthy special mention;

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 74.—STANDARDBRED STALLION “KREMLIN,” 2.07%

namely, Beautiful Bells, Green Mountain Maid and Miss
Russell.

Beautiful Bells—This mare was bred by L. J. Rose of
California, and was sired by The Moore, and out of
Minnehaha and born in 1872. Early in life she was pur-
chased by Leland Stanford of Palo Alto, who also owned
Electioneer. She produced 11 standard trotters and
eight producing sires, either by Electioneer or his sons.
On her sire’s side she was a Clay and on her dam’s a
Mambrino.
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE 125

Greew Mountain Maid—This mare was bred by Samuel
Conklir. of Middletown, New York, and was sired by
Harry Clay, and out of Shanghai Mary, and born in 1862.
She stood 15 hands high and was brown in color, with
star and white hind ankles. She spent the most of her
life in the possession of Charles Backman at Stony Ford
Farm, dying in 1888, at the age of 26 years. Green
Mountain Maid produced 16 foals, 14 of which were sired
by Messenger Duroc. Her greatest son was Electioneer,
her second foal, and sired by Hambletonian 10, Of the
16 colts, nine were standard trotters. In her memory,
the year following her death Backman erected a granite
monument with the inscription “On the spot dedicated
to her worth and honored by her dust.”

Miss Russell—A gray mare bred by R. A. Alexander,
Woodburn, Kentucky, and was sired by-Pilot Jr., and out
of Sally Russell by Boston. Miss Russell was the dam
of 18 foals, -seven of them standard performers, five
trotters and two pacers. Her first and greatest son was

Jutwood, by Belmont, and her most famous daughter
vas Maud S., by Harold, the champion trotter of her day.

The famous present-day stallions——As with the dams,
the list of famous trotting and pacing sires is a very long
one, and it is‘not possible to consider each. There are,
nowever, three modern sires that seem worthy of special
mention, namely, Peter the Great, Bingen and McKinney.

Peter the Great—This horse-was bred by D. D. Streeter,
Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was sired by Pilot Medium,
and out of Santos, dam of standard performers. He was
born in 1895. Peter the Great stands 16 hands high and
weighs 15150 pounds. He has 99 standard performers,
94 trotters and five pacers. While he is now only 16
years of age, he has 13 performers in the 2.1@ list. He is
the only stallion to win and sire a winner of the Kentucky
futurity. ‘

Bingen.*—This horse was bred by A. Smith McCann, but

 

*Bingen died April 13, 1913.
126 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

was born the property of D. Bennett, Lexington, Ken-
tucky, and was sired by May King, and out of Young
Miss, and born in 1893. Bingen is the sire of 133 standard
performers, 105 trotters and 28 pacers. In his eighteenth
year of age he has 10 performers in the 2.10 list. He is
particularly noted as a sire of extreme speed, his famous
son, Uhlan, out of Blonde, by Sir Walter Jr., having a
record of 1.58,
the champion
trotter of today.

 

McKinney. —
This horse was
bred by H. H.

Wilson, Cynthi-
ana, Kentucky,
and was sired by
Alcyone, and out
of Rosa Sprague.
He was born in
1887. McKin-
ney is the sire of

 

 

 

 

Fic. 75.—STANDARDBRED STALLION “MCKINNEY,” 2.1114 165 stan dar d
performers, 133

trotters and 32 pacers. He is famous as a sire of extreme
speed, and at the close of 1911 leads the list of 2.10 per-
formers with a total of 23—13 trotters and 10 pacers.
Famous horses and prices paid.—The highest price ever
paid for a Standardbred horse was $125,000, paid by J. M.
Forbes of Boston for Arion, 2.0734, by Electioneer; the
next highest price was paid by W. P. Ijams, president of
the American Trotting Association, for Axtell, 2.12, by
William L., and the amount was $105,000; Bradley of
the Ardman Farm at Raritan, New Jersey, paid $50,000
for Bingen, 2.0614; Simpson of the Empire City Farms,
Cuba, New York, paid $50,000 for McKinney, 2.1114, by
Alcyone. Hanna of Cleveland, Ohio, paid $50,000 for
Hamburg Belle, which is the highest price ever paid for
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE 127

amare. Dan Patch, 1.5514, the champion pacing horse,
was purchased for $60,000 by Savage, who has since
refused $180,000 for him.

Description of the Standardbred horse.—There are
many pronounced types among Standardbred horses.
Perhaps no breed of horses has been produced under
more variable conditions, and certainly no recognized
breed contains a greater variation in size, color and char-
acter than does this light harness breed. Good examples
of the two extremes are Lou Dillon and Sweet Marie;
the former a speed marvel, slim and graceful, with a high
nervous organization, the latter, a great campaigner,
stronger framed, fuller muscled, of larger size, and of
remarkable strength and endurance.

The head should be of medium size, clean cut and
carried high. The neck should be of medium length,
muscular and graceful, with a noticeable crest in the
stallion. The shoulders should be long and sloping,
withers refined and chest low. The back should he fairly
level, short and strong, while the underline should be
long. The loin and croup should be strong and well
muscled, but graceful, with the tail well attached and
carried high. The quarters should be long and muscular.
The legs above the knees and hocks should be long, lean
and muscular, thus giving length from withers to knees,
and from hips to hocks. The knees and hocks should be
strongly supported and clean cut. The cannons should
be short and clean, with tendons well detached, thus
giving depth. The pasterns should be clean and slope
nicely, while the feet, both fore and hind, should be even
in size, moderately large, and of healthy, oily color. The
Standardbred horse has a strong, quick and long stride,
with clean knee and hock action and trots to better ad-
vantage than any other breed.

There is much discussion as to the correct conforma-
tion for a pacer, as many of the most famous pacers show
a steepness of the croup and curving of hocks, which
128 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

appears to be more or less associated with the gait,
though many persons state this is not necessarily true.
The height is exceedingly variable, averaging 15 to 16
hands, and good weights are 900 pounds for mares and
1,150 pounds for stallions.
The trotting and pacing standard.—“ When an animal

 

 

 

 

 

FIG, 76.—STANDARDBRED STALLION “BINGARA”

meets these requirements and is duly registered, it shall
be accepted as a Standardbred trotter:

“tT, The progeny of a registered standard trotting horse
and a registered standard trotting mare.

“2, A stallion sired by a registered standard trotting
horse, provided his dam and granddam were sired by
registered standard trotting horses, and he himself has
a record of 2.30 and is the sire of three trotters with
records of 2.30 from different mares.
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE 129

“3, A mare whose sire is a registered standard trotting
horse, and whose dam and granddam were sired by regis-
tered trotting horses, provided she herself has a trotting
record of 2.30 or is the dam of one trotter with a record
of 2.30.

“4. A mare sired by a registered standard trotting
horse, provided she is the dam of two trotters with
records of 2.30.

“s. A mare sired by a registered standard trotting
horse, provided her first, second and third dams are each
sired by a registered standard trotting horse.”

The pacing standard is similar except the word “pacer”
is substituted for the word “trotter;” “pacing” for the
word “trotting;”’ the speed standard 2.25 for 2.30; and
the addition of a sixth paragraph, which is as follows:

“6. The progeny of a registered standard trotting horse
out of a registered standard pacing mare, or of a regis-
tered standard pacing horse out of a registered standard
trotting mare.”*

Influence of the standard.—Recording performance when
making the standard has been a most important factor in
developing extreme speed in the trotter and pacer. This
method not only distinguishes the slow and fast horses,
but from the records the breeder can determine those that
are actually producing fast horses. In breeding, the slow
ones are discarded and the fast ones are propagated,
which, in connection with improved conditions, enables
us to get still faster producers. Again the slow ones are
discarded and the fast propagated, with the results that
the maximum speed of the race has been raised. The
following tables show the reduction in time for a mile
track with horses in harness between 1810 and 1912. The
table gives the name of the horse, place of the race, date
and time.

 

*Wallace’s American Trotting Register, page 4.
130 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

TrottinGc Recorps REDUCED

 

 

 

Date Name of horse Place of record Record
1810 Boston Philadelphia, Pa. 2.484
1826 Trouble amaica, N. Y. 2.433
1834 Sally Miller hiladelphia, Pa. 2.37
1838 Edwin Forest Philadelphia, Pa. 2.364
1839 Dutchman Hoboken, N. J. 2.32
1845 Lady Suffolk Hoboken, N. J. 2.294
1849 Pelham Jamaica, N. Y. 2.28
1853 Highland Maid Jamaica, N. 2 2.27
1856 Flora Temple sainaice N.Y. 2.244
1859 Flora Temple alamazoo, Mich. 2.193
1867 Dexter Buffalo, N. Y. 2.17}
1871 Goldsmith Maid Milwaukee, Wis. 2.17
1874 Goldsmith Maid Boston, Mass. 2.14
1878 Rarus Buffalo, N. Y. 2.134
1879 St. Julien Oakland, Cal. 2.123
1880 Maud S. Chicago, Ill. - 2.10}
1884 ay-Eye-See Providence, R. I. 2.10
1885 aud S. Cleveland, Ohio 2.08}
1891 Sunol Stockton, Cal. 2.083
1892 Nancy Hanks Terre Haute, Ind. 2.04
1894 Alix Galesburg, Ill. 2.033
1900 The Abbot Terre Haute, Ind. 2.034
1901 Cresceus Columbus, Ohio 2.024
1903 Lou Dillon Readville, Mass. 2.00
1903 Lou Dillon Memphis, Tenn. 1.584*
1912 Uhlan Memphis, Tenn. 1.58

 

 

 

 

 

* Paced by runner to sulky carrying wind or dust shield.

PacinGc ReEcorps REDUCED

 

 

 

Date Name of horse Place of record Record”
1839 Dover Hoboken, N. J. 2.28
1844 Fanny Etlsler Albany, N. Y. 2.273
1844 Unknown Hoboken, N. J. 2.23
1852 Pet Long Island, N. Y. 2.184
1855 Pocahontas Long Island, N. Y. 2.173
1879 Sleepy George Rochester, N. Y 2154
1879 Sleepy Tom Chicago, Ill. 2.12%
1881 Little Brown Jug Hartford, Conn, 2Alt
1884 neo Chicago, Ill. 2.06
1891 itect Independence, Iowa 2.06
1892 Hal Pointer Chicago, Ill. 2.053
1892 Mascot Terre Haute, Ind. 2.04
1894 Robert J Terre Haute, Ind. 2.014
1896 gohn RD ‘Gentry Portland, Me. 2.00}
1897 tar Pointer Readville, Mass. 1.593
1904 Prince Albert Empire City, N. Y. 1.57%
1905 Dan Patch Memphis, Tenn. 1:55)°

 

 

 

 

 

* Paced by runner to sulky carrying wind or dust shield.

Trotting and pacing records.—There are many standard
‘trotting and pacing events, and while the horses at the
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE

131

top of such events are constantly changing, yet it would
seem that the fastest records were worthy special men-

tion.

The following tables contain the world’s records
for the more important events up to January I,

1913,

showing the name of the horse, place, date and record:

TROTTING RECORDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Event Name of horse Place Record
1904 | Half mile Major Delmar Memphis, Tenn. 59}
1912 | One mile Uhlan Memphis, Tenn. 1.58
1909 | One male | in race Hamburg Belle North Randall, Ohio 2.014
1910 | Two miles The Harvester Lexington, Ky. 4.154
1902 | Five miles Zambra Lexington, Ky. 12.24
1893 | Ten miles Pascal New York, N. Y. 26.15
1865 | Twenty miles Capt. McGowan | Boston, Mass. 58.25
1846 | Fifty miles Ariel Albany, N. Y. 3.55.40}
1853 | One hundred miles Conqueror Centerville, L. I. 8.55.53
1910 | Fastest stallion The Harvester Columbus, O. 2.10
1912 | Fastest gelding Uhlan Memphis, Tenn. 1.58
1903 | Fastest mare Louw Dillon Memphis, Tenn. 1.584*
1912 | Fastest yearling Airdale Lexington, Ky. 2.15%
1909 | Fastest two-year-old Native Belle Lexington, Ky. 2.07%
1910 | Fastest three-year-old | Colorado E. Lexington, Ky. qa
1910 | Fastest four-year-old Joan Lexington, Ky. 2.04
1904 | To high-wheel sulky ajor Delmar Memphis, Tenn. 2.07
1911 | To wagon bara Cleveland, Ohio 2.00
an
1912 | Double team Lewis Forrest | Lexington, Ky. 2.033
* Paced by runner to sulky carrying wind or dust shield.
Pactnc REcorps
Date Event Name of horse Place Record
1903 | Half mile Dan Patch Memphis, Tenn. .56*
1905 | One mile Dan Patch Memphis, Tenn. 1.55}*
1910 | One mile in race Minor Heir Indianapolis, Ind. 1.59
1903 | Two miles Dan Patch Macon, Ga. 4.17
1874 | Five miles Lady St. Clair San Francisco, Cal. 12.542
1905 | Fastest stallion Dan Patch Memphis, Tenn. teats
1903 | Fastest gelding Prince Alert New York, N. Y. 1.594%
1903 | Fastest mare Dariel Memphis, Tenn. 2.004
1911 | Fastest yearling Frank Perry Lexington, Ky. 2.15
1894 | Fastest two-year-old Directly Galesburg, IIl. 2.072
1911 | Fastest three-year-old | Miss DeForrest Lexington, Ky. 2.05}
1912 | Fastest four-year-old Braden Direct Lexington, Ky. 2.032
1903 | To high-wheel sulky Dan Patch Macon, Ga. 2.043*
1903 | To wagon Dan Patch Memphis, Tenn. 1.574
Minor Heir
1912 | Double team George Gano Columbus, Ohio 2.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Paced by runner to sulky carrying wind or dust shield.
132 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Famous drivers of racing horses.—The driver is a very
important factor in light harness racing events. To be
successful he must possess a keen knowledge of the tem-
perament and capacity of the horse. Among the more
famous drivers in America may be mentioned John Splan,
Charles Marvin, Budd Dobie, E. F. Geers, T. W. Murphy,
Alonzo and Alta
McDonald, and
many others. In
1912 the following
sums were won in
races by the driv-
ers mentioned: T,
W. Murphy, $58,-
038; W. B. Cox,
$51,878; E. F,
Geers, $35,169; A.
McDonald,  $32,-
841; A.S. Rodney,
$32,250; W. F.
Snow, $24,851, and
W. G. Durfee,

Fic. 77,.— as 2? 2.024
1G. 77.—STANDARDBRED STALLION “‘CRESCEUS,” 2.0214 $22,730.

 

——

 

 

 

 

Organizations and records—In 1870 the National
Trotting Association was organized, with present head-
quarters at Hartford, Connecticut, and in 1887 the
American Trotters’ Association was organized, with head-
quarters at Chicago, Illinois. The American Trotting
Register, published by J. H. Wallace, appeared in 1868.
Wallace also established the Year Book, now in its
twenty-eighth volume, in which the performance is
recorded. In 1891, Wallace sold the Register, Year Book
and Monthly Magazine to the American Trotting Regis-
ter Association, who now publish the Register and Year
Book.

The Orloff Trotter—As the name implies, this is a
breed of trotting horses, and is of Russian origin, having
THE STANDARDBRED HORSE 133

no connection with the American Standardbred, but is
discussed in this connection because it is comparatively
unknown in America and does not seem worthy an entire
chapter.

The origin of the breed dates back to 1777 when, it is
stated, Count Alexis Orloff begun the work of develop-
ing a new breed of
horse to suit the
needs of Russia,
About 1777 or 1780
Orloff obtained an
Arab stallion named
Smetanka from the
Orient. This horse
was said to be silver
white in color, very
muscular, and to be
about 15 hands high.
He was used in the
stud but a short time
when he died, but he
sired four stallions
and one mare, mostly
by Thoroughbred
dams. Of these, the
most noted was
Polkan Ist, who sired
seven stallions and Fic. a ee “DaN
21 mares. Barss or
Bars tst was the most noted son of Polkan 1st. Bars Ist
was foaled in 1784, and became a very important factor
in founding the Orloff Trotter. He died in 1808.

Count Orloff established a large stud, using his stallions
on Thoroughbred mares from England. It is stated that
he sold no stallions and that he developed two distinct
groups, practicing in-breeding on one, but keeping the
other group free from in-breeding, by using English

 

ss

 

DAN PATCH 135

 

 

 
134. MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

stock. In 1845, when the stud was sold to the Russian
government there were 21 stallions and 194 mares of the
Orloff group, and nine stallions and 112 mares of the
Orloff-Hackney group. The Russians continued to de-
velop the breed, but it is practically unknown outside of
Russia.

Description of the Orloff Trotter.—In conformation the
Orloff Trotter is heavier set than the American Standard-
bred, weighing 1,100 to 1,300 pounds, and standing from
15.3 to 16.2 hands high. While these horses are credited
with great power and speed, they are not nearly the equal
of the American trotter, as the best record known is that
made by Wzamakb, 2.2734, imported by Jacob Heyl. In
recent years the breed has been much improved by im-
porting American trotters and crossing with the Orloff.
It is stated that the half-bred offspring has shown greater
speed as a rule than the sire.
CHAPTER XI
THE HACKNEY COACH HORSE

Among stylish horses, the Hackney coach horse holds
first place. The symmetrical form, as well as the very
high and free action, are distinguishing features of the
breed.

The native home of the Hackney horse.—This breed of
horses was developed in eastern and northeastern Eng-
land, particularly in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and
York. For many centuries the people of this region have
encouraged the production of light active horses suited
to saddle work, and succeeded in developing a strong,
small trotter.

The origin of the Hackney horse.—In the eleventh cen-
tury, when the Normans invaded Great Britain, they
brought front France the term Haquenee or Hacquenee,
which is derived from the Latin Equus, horse, and cor-
responds to the Danish word nag. The common people
applied the word nag to any and every small horse, while
the pacing and trotting horse of sufficient quality and
substance to be owned by a Norman was spoken of as a
Hackney. As early as 1303 this term is said to have
come into common use.

There can be:no doubt that the native horses of eastern
England were much influenced by importations from the
Continent, particularly by the Romans, Scandinavians
and Norwegians. This mixture gave to the early British
horse stock both speed and endurance. There seems to
have been much interest taken in breeding trotting horses
in Norfolk, as early as 1470, for in that year one of the
family of Berney placed on one of his horses an estimated
equivalent of $350. , The fact that so much money was
asked of a neighbor suggests that there was much interest

135
136 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

taken in the horse, for eight years before, in 1462, Lord
Howard, another Norfolk trotter owner, paid an equiv-
alent of $28 for a gray nag to send to the French king.

To encourage improvement in the native horse royal
decrees were enacted, the first one dated as early as 1495,
during the reign of Henry VII. These laws were in-
tended to promote the breeding of horses fit for the
army. Soon
other laws were
passed to pro-
mote horse
breeding, the
most notable be-
ing in 1540 dur-
ing the reign of
Henry VU
This act was
noteworthy, as it
provided that all
who were able
should maintain
one or more
horses. A few
years later followed the first English book on the horse.
The book was designated “The Foure Chiefest Offices
Belonging to Horsemanship,” and was written by Ralph
Blunderville, and appeared in 1558.

Development of the Hackney coach horse.—While much
improvement had been accomplished in the road horses of
Norfolk and Suffolk, the real development of the Hackney
coach horse did not begin until the eighteenth century.
During the early part of the century, mention is made of
the use of stallions imported from Arabia, Barbary and
Turkey and crossing them on the native mares of Nor-
folk. The Thoroughbred was also used in crossing
which, in connection with the Oriental crosses, increased
the speed and improved the quality, thus providing ex-

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 79.—HACKNEY STALLION “ENFIELD NIPPER”
“THE HACKNEY COACH HORSE 137

cellent foundation material for the development of the
modern Hackney coach horse.

Shales and descendants.—No single horse played so
important a part in the development of the Hackney as
Shales (699), variously referred to as the Original Shales,
Shields and Schales. He was born in 1755, sired by
Blaze (see chart, p. 120), and out of a Hackney mare.
Shales sired Scot Shales (692), born in 1762 and Driver
(187), born in 1765; the former said to have been famous
as a breeder getting good stock out of common mares,
though himself a poor racer, while the latter proved a
great breeder, siring Jenkinson’s Fireaway (201), born
in 1780, who in turn sired West’s Fireaway (203), born
in 1800 and Wroot’s Pretender (596), born in 1788. Fire-
away (203) sired Burger’s Fireaway (208), born in 1815,
while Pretender (596) sired Stevens’ Bellfounder (52),
born in 1797. Fireaway (208) sired Ramsdell’s Wildfire
(864), born in 1827, and The Norfolk Cob (475), born in
. 1819, while Bellfounder (52) sired Jary’s Bellfounder
(55), born in 1816. Wildfire (864) sired Ramsdale’s
Phenomenon (573), born in 1835, while The Norfolk Cob
(475) sired The Norfolk Phenomenon (522), born in
1824. Phenomenon (573) sired Performer (550), who in
turn sired Beal’s Sir Charles (768), born in 1843. Sir
Charles (768) sired Bourda’s Denmark (177), born in
1862, and Denmark (177) sired Danegelt (174), born in
1879. During recent years Denmark and Danegelt have
been the most potent of the descendants of Shales. Other
noted stallions are Lord Derby 2d, Bourda’s Denmark,
Triffitt’s Fireaway, D’Oyley’s Confidence, Duke of Con-
naught, Pasador and Sir Horace.

During the early development of the Hackney some of
these Norfolk trotters showed remarkable speed (p. 115),
especially when the distance traveled is considered,
which, as has been stated, was of material benefit in the
development of the Standardbred horse. Such records
as made by Driver, said to have trotted 17 miles in one
138 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

hour, carrying about 200 pounds, are of common report.

The Hackney coach horse in America While the first
importation dates back to 1822, when James Ford of
Boston introduced Bellfounder (55) (see chart, p. 120),

 

 

 

 

FIG. 80—HACKNEY STALLION “SIR HUMPHREY”

commonly known as Imported Bellfounder, no others of
note occurred until 1881, when M. H. Cochrane of Hill-
hurst, Canada, imported a fine stallion named Fordham,
a son of Denmark (177). A. J. Cassatt of Philadelphia
established the first Hackney stud founded in the United
States. He imported the noted stallion Little Wonder
and the mares Patience and Buttercup in 1883, though
THE HACKNEY COACH HORSE 139

before this he had brought over the mare Stella by Con-
fidence. Following this came the era of the horse show
when extensive importations were made, chiefly into the
New England states and Canada, with scattering ones to
Ohio, Wisconsin and other Central states. The largest
of these importations was made in 1890 by Seward Webb
of Vermont, who imported 31 animals, four of which were
stallions. Then came a lull
in the horse-importing busi-
ness, but the first decade of
the twentieth century wit- Z
nessed a revival of the indus- | gy
try, and the following are]
the best known of the more
recent importers: F. C. Stev-
ens, Attica, New York; Ebon |
D. Jordan, Boston, Massa-
chusetts; Robert Beith, Bow-
manville, Ontario, Canada; |,
A. B. Hobert, Greeley, Iowa; | oo
J. H. Truman & Sons, Bush- = =
nell, Illinois; Fred Pabst, Fic. 81—Hackney Sraztion “Lorp
: MARLBOROUGH
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin;
Calkins and Angsbury, Byron, Michigan, and Seward
Webb of Vermont.

Famous Hackney coach stallions——-While there have
been many notable Hackney stallions in the United States
perhaps the most famous of the present time are Fan-
dango and Langton Performer, owned by F. C. Stevens;
Shawhill Duke, owned by P. E. Hoge; Bagthorpe Sultan,
owned by Henry Fairflax; Tiger Lillie, owned by R. C.
Vanderbilt; Meanwood Majesty, owned by Fred Pabst;
Aquinus, owned by D. J. Driscoll, and Land o’ Burns,
owned by C. H. Mackay.

Some of the noteworthy prices paid during recent years
are: Forest King, $13,000, by W. H. Moor; Matchless
of Loudesboro, $15,000, by W. S. Webb; Hildred,

 

 

 

 

 
140 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

$10,000, by E. T. Bedford; $20,000 for the four ..n-hand
Flashlight, Electric Light, Lord Burleigh and Lord
Brooke; $10,000 by W. H. Moor for the bantan  tallion
Berkley Bantam; and $20,000 by Mrs. E. C. Brown for
the bantam four-in-hand Master, Masterpiece, Masterkey
and Masterman.

Description of the Hackney coach horse.—There is
much variation in type, although that most sought repre-
sents a powerfully built horse with round ribs, muscular
loin, plump quarters and short legs. Perhaps * 2» Hack-
ney is more blocky in form than any of the other coach

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 82,—HACKNEY BROOD MARES

breeds, giving him an extremely smooth appearance with
gracefully curved outlines.

The head is of medium size, rather full, but with clean-
cut features, and well carried; the eyes are large and
clear and the ears medium size and specially alert. The
neck is often rather full and of medium length. The
shoulders are long, sloping and well muscled, favoring
lifting power, which gives high knee action. The body
is deep, the ribs round, and the back short and well
muscled. The quarters are full and deep, with thighs well
set and strongly muscled, thus favoring high hock action.

There is much variation in height. In 1885 the Hack-
ney Stud Book Society of England, at the request of the
‘THE HACKNEY COACH HORSE I4I

Royal gricultural Society, increased the standard height
for the breed to 15.2 hands. Hackneys are often classified
accorg :g to height: Hackney ponies, under 14 hands;
Hackney cobs, 14 to 15.2 hands; and Hackney coach
horses, above 15.2 hands. The weight is also variable,
but 1,000 pounds is a good weight for a mare and 1,200
pounds for a stallion. At present chestnut is the favored
color, though all colors are found. White markings are
also very common.

Mucl Amphasis is placed upon soundness, and for the
past few years the English Hackney Horse Society has

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 83.—HACKNEY STOCK FARM

subjected the entries to its shows to veterinary examina-
tion, This has favored keeping the breed free from un-
soundness; and the percentage rejected is very small,
perhaps about 5% on the average.

The action. Formerly the Hackney was valued for its
long and strong action at the trot, but at the present time
its chief merit resides in the high and often rather flashy
action of the knees and hocks. It is said that Confidence
(158) was noted for the transmission of this particular
quality to his offspring. In the walk or trot the feet are
lifted with snap and spring, and at the trot the front feet
go forward after being uplifted, as if they were following
142 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the rim of a wheel, while the hind feet are carried high as
the hock is lifted sharply toward the body with much
grace, strength and action. It is stylish, attractive action,
not speed, that is important at the present time.

Uses of the Hackney coach horse.—The high knee and
hock action and the attractive appearance, either stand-
ing or in motion, renders the Hackney very serviceable
for stylish, heavy-harness, city driving. The breed has
been improved with this special object in view, and it
merits superior claims, excelling all other coach breeds
in this particular field of activity. The degree to which
the breed may be useful in producing a more general
utility animal is not so clearly evident, though the Hack-
ney is often used in crossing with common mares with
a view of producing an all-around horse.

Distribution of the Hackney.—This breed is more
widely distributed than any other coach breed. From
England it has gone into France, Germany, Holland,
Denmark, Belgium, Spain and Italy in Europe; east into
Japan; south into Africa and, Australia; and westward
into the Argentine Republic in South America, as well as
into Canada and the United States in North America. It
is pressing its way into every country where heavy-har-
ness horses are in demand. In the United States, the
Hackney is found in largest numbers in New York,
Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Illinois, but numbers
of the breed are becoming broadly scattered through the
states in general.

Organizations and records.—The English Hackney
Horse Society was organized in 1883 and published the
first volume of its stud book in 1884. The American
Hackney Horse Society was organized in 1891, and the
first volume of the stud book was published in 1893.
Since then five volumes have appeared, registering 1,550
stallions and 2,000 mares.
CHAPTER XII
THE FRENCH COACH HORSE

The name “French Coach” is of American origin, there
being no breed of that name in France. The term “Demi
Sang,” meaning half-blood, is the name employed to
designate the coach horse in France, and was originally
applied to the offspring of English sire crossed to
Norman mares.

The native home of the French Coach horse.—This
breed of horses was developed in France, particularly in
the counties of Calvados, Orne and La Manche, which,
in connection with Eure et Loir and Sarthe, compose that
section of France known as Normandy, a region famous
for its horses. Because of the proximity to’ England this
region was influenced by the race course, and much
attention was given to the improvement of the horse
stock, with the result that the light horses soon became
noted for speed and endurance.

The origin of the French Coach horse.—Following the
lead of England the French very early begun racing
horses. In 1323, during the reign of Charles le Bel, it is
stated that racing was rather common. In the latter part.
of the seventeenth century, during the reign of Louis
XIV, systematic attempts to improve the racing horse
were begun by the French government. Colbert, a
representative of Louis XIV, established the “Admin-
istration des Haras” (administration of the Studs). This
experiment proved successful, and did much to promote
horse breeding in France. The work went rapidly for-
ward and in 1714 a stud was founded at Le Pin, and in
1755 another stud, with r2 sub-studs, were established at
Pompadour, both being under government control. These
studs were destroyed during the revolution, but were

143
144 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

restored by Napoleon in 1806, and have ever since re-
mained important breeding studs, where French horses
have been greatly improved.

In the general improvement many sources were drawn
on. English Thoroughbreds have been liberally imported

 

 

 

 

FIG. 84.—FRENCH COACH STALLION “PALADIN”

since the early days of the breed, and Norfolk trotters or
Hackneys have been freely imported and liberally used.
It is stated that in the inception of the breed 20 to 30
Hackneys were imported annually. Many importations
from Arabia and other Oriental countries have been made,
particularly at the beginning of government control, and
THE FRENCH COACH HORSE 145

even stallions of American breeding have been used.

Good examples of the varied sources from which the
French Coach sprang are exhibited in the stallions Niger,
Tigris, Aemulus, Conquerant and Young Rattler, all of
which were famous in the studs of France. Niger, born
in 1869, was sired by Norfolk Phenomenon, and out of
Miss Bell, a half-blood American mare; Tigris traces in
direct male line to the English Thoroughbred, The Heir
of Linne, imported to the stud at Tarbes, in 1859;
Aemulus, born in 1871, was sired by Mambrino -Paymas-
ter, and out of Black Bess, a Morgan mare, thus combin-
ing the Mambrino and Morgan families of American
trotters; Conquerant traces through both sire and dam
to English stock; and Young Rattler, born in England,
served the stud in Normandy from 1820 to 1834. After
the breed became established fewer animals were im-
ported and in recent years it is claimed that the breeding
has been confined to French animals entirely. The
restriction was promoted by the establishment of a stud
book. This was designated “The French Stud Book: A
Register of Demi-Sang Horses,” and was established by
royal decree in 1833, for the preservation of pedigrees; the
first volume of which appeared in 1891, containing 3,219
stallions and 1,445 mares, registered between 1840 and
1890.

French methods for improving the horse.—Since the
establishment of the “Administration des Haras” during
the reign of Louis XIV, the French government has made
systematic efforts to promote the horse-breeding industry
and to improve the horses of France. As early as 1690
the government owned 1,600 stallions, classed as either
“royal” or “approved.” Notwithstanding the political
disturbance and war the number of government horses
increased, and in 1789 there were over 3,000 approved and
government stallions in France, which served about
115,000 mares. The government continued to purchase
stallions for its studs, and from 1815 to 1830 imported
146 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

223 from Arabia and other foreign countries, and in ad-
dition purchased 853 from the northern counties of
France and selected 826 from the government studs,
making a total of 1,902 stallions. It was at the close of
this period that the French Jockey Club was organized
and the stud book adopted by royal decree, which did
much to further the industry.

In 1870, the management of the government studs was
given to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
The general control of all government studs was placed
in charge of a director, who is assisted by sub-directors,
inspectors, superintendents and veterinarians. Another
significant fact in this control is that to hold one of the
offices one must be a graduate of the horse department
at Le Pin. Perhaps this contributes to the general uni-
formity of the horses throughout France more than any
other single factor, and is in striking contrast to Amer-
ican methods as brought about by the various states’
stallion laws, where instead of a few inspectors with a
common type, there are many inspectors with equally
as many types (p. 430).

Classes of public stallions in France——There are three
classes of public stallions standing in France: First,
stallions owned in the government studs, In 1910 the
number owned was 3,445, of which 2,214 were French
Coach, 664 draft and 567 Thoroughbreds. Second,
stallions owned privately, but approved or subsidized by
the government. When thus approved the owners of
such stallions are allowed from 300 to 5,000 francs ($60
to $1,000) bonus, annually, from the Minister of Agricul-
ture. In 1910, there were 1,709 approved and subsidized
stallions of all types in France. Third, stallions that are
authorized, having been passed upon by the officials and
found worthy of public service. In 1910, there were 191
authorized stallions of all types in France. All other
stallions are prevented by a law passed in 1885 from
standing for public service.
THE FRENCH COACH HORSE 147

French Coach horse in America.—It is only recently
that the French Coach horse has attracted attention in
America. The late M. W. Dunham of Wayne, Illinois,
and Powell Brothers of.Springboro, Pennsylvania, were
the first important breeders and importers in this country
for years. In the early eighties extensive importations
were made, largely to the eastern states, though many
found their way westward to Ohio and Illinois. In the
middle west the
French Coach
horse has been
liberally patron-
ized and when the
foundation mares
were of suitable
type and pos-
sessed a fair de-
gree of action, a
high-class car-
riage horse has
been the product.

At the present
time more French pic. ¢5.—Frencr Coach STALLION “CHAUDERNAGOR”
Coach horses are
being imported than any other of the coach breeds, with
the possible exception of the Hackney. The following
are among the leading breeders or importers: Dunham
Brothers, Wayne, Illinois; Taylor and Jones, Williams-
ville, Illinois; Robert Burgess & Son, Wenona, Illinois;
McLaughlin Brothers, Columbus, Ohio; and Singmaster
& Brother, Keota, Iowa.

Notable animals.—The following stallions are among
the famous ones, each having 25 or more recorded produce
in Volume I of the French Coach Stud Book of America:
Perfection (993), by Bamjuls, and out of Charlotte, with
163 recorded produce; Paladin (1968), by Perfection,
and out of Modestine, with 64 recorded produce;

 

 

 

 

 
148 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Pepino (1413), by Perfection, and out of Tempest,
with 27 recorded produce; Vengeur (2525), by Ja-
gellon, and out of Bettina, with 29 recorded produce;
and Regent, by Leverant, and out of Norma, with 26
recorded produce. The following mares are among the
more famous, and each have ten or more recorded produce
in Volume I: Hirondelle (166), by Niger, and Paquerette
(169), by Omega, each with 14 recorded produce; Gazelle
(409), by Oriental, Godabal (626), by Seneschal, and Verta
(19), by Tamar, each with 11 recorded produce; and
Eclatante (1006), by Courtesan, Genevieve II (361), by
Stade, Goelette (165), by Rivoli, and Ordonnance (847),
by Oronet, each with 10 recorded produce.

Description of the French Coach horse.—This breed
presents much variation in general conformation, and
will be described as consisting of two types, the coach
type proper, which is the most common in America, and
the trotting type, very popular in France.

The Coach type.—This is the larger and smoother sort,
the stallions averaging 16 hands high and the mares 15.2
hands. The most acceptable weight for the stallion is
about 1,350, with mares at 1,200 pounds. This type is
rather upstanding, carrying the head and tail high. The
animals are smooth and symmetrical, with very graceful
movements, having fairly high and bold knee and hock
action. The head is intelligent and of medium size; the
neck is graceful and of good length; the shoulders are
long and sloping; the body is well rounded and snugly
ribbed with well-muscled loin, giving a short, strong
back; the croup is full and of medium length; and the
quarters long and powerfully muscled. The knees and
hocks are strong and clean; the cannons short, with
tendons well detached, with pasterns moderately sloping
and feet dense and elastic. In general appearance, there
is an airiness and gracefulness about the French Coach
that is difficult to find in any other coacher, with the
THE FRENCH COACH HORSE 149

possible exception of the Hackney. The common colors
are bay, black, brown and chestnut.

The trotting type-——This is the smaller and perhaps
more rangy sort; for, as might be expected, it is somewhat
like the Norfolk trotter in general appearance, as the
parentage is somewhat similar and the racing is con-
ducted much as in Norfolk, largely under the saddle
and carrying not less
than 120 pounds. In
this type stamina
and substance as
well as speed are re-
quired, since the
races are for long
distances over turf,
which demands
strong, bold going
and powerful action.

Speed records and
race tracks. — For
many years racing
under the saddle has Fic. 86.—FRENCH COACH STALLION ‘FADIAVOLO”
been very popular
among the French Coach breeders of France. In 1873 Niger
trotted 21% miles in 6.55 ; in 1875 Zethus trotted 12% miles in
37.21, while Caen trotted the same distance in 37.19; and in
1877 the mare Zacinthe trotted 1834 miles on an ordinary
road in 59 minutes. Up to 1877 the fastest record was by
Pactole, who trotted 244 miles in 6.38. In 1891, there
were 1,399 contestants in races, 312 of which trotted races
from 2 to 334 miles in less than three minutes per mile,
137 under 2.50, 112 under 2.45 and 62 under 2.40. Of the
ai2, there were 101 three-year-olds. The average dis-
tance was 244, miles; the average time per mile, 2.50;
the fastest time for the three-year-olds, distance 214
miles, 6.33; and the fastest time for the five to seven-
year-olds, distance 34% miles, was eight minutes,

 

 

 

 

 
150 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The French track is from two to three miles long, and
is of turf. These sod tracks promote high knee action
and long strides, as well as strong, well-flexed hock
action, and in addition increase the stamina and endur-
ance.

Uses of the French Coach horse-—In America, this
breed is prominent for heavy-harness driving, while in
France it is also used for saddle purposes, for racing and
for the cavalry. In this country the French Coach
stallions are often crossed on common mares for the
production of a grade coach horse for general city pur-
poses. When the mares were of the proper conformation
and possessed sufficient quality success has usually fol-
lowed such efforts. These grades possess much style
and action, and in addition are of sufficient weight to
command a high price on the market.

Distribution of the French Coach horse.—This breed
is perhaps as widespread as the Hackney, but has not
been bred systematically on a large scale except in
France. Jarge numbers have been imported to America
and are scattered throughout the North Atlantic and
Central states, where they are in demand for general
utility.

Organizations and records.—As previously stated, the
French Coach Stud Book was established and the French
Jockey Club organized in 1833 by a royal decree. This
organized effort has been responsible for much of the
development of the breed in France. In America the
l'rench Coach is represented by two societies, the French
Coach Horse Society of America, organized in 1888, and
with headquarters at Oak Park, Illinois, and the French
Coach Horse Registry Company, organized in 1904, with
headquarters at Columbus, Ohio. Each society has es-
tablished a stud book and published at least one volume.
CHAPTER XIII
THE GERMAN COACH HORSE

In America we are accustomed to considering all horses
imported from Germany as German Coach horses;
whereas, Germany has several distinct breeds of horses
varying greatly in size and conformation. This has led
to much confusion as to the correct form of a German
Coach horse.

The native home of the German Coach horse.—This
breed was developed in northwestern Germany, particu-
larly in the fertile lowlands drained by the Elbe, Weser
and Ems rivers, a district in which the conditions are
very favorable to the development of the horse. It was
in this section that the great draft horse of Europe was
originally found. The states that contributed to the
development of the German Coach horse are Hanover,
Oldenburg, Schleswig-Holstein and East Friesland.

The origin of the German Coach horse.——The German
Empire is composed of numerous states and principalities.
Owing to the number of separate governments involved
prior to the consolidation of the Empire, there was no
single fixed policy followed, for which reason there are
many marked differences between the various strains of
horses found in Germany. The multiplicity of states
likewise renders it difficult to reach very accurate con-
clusions regarding the early history of most of the strains,
but there is no doubt that in point of antiquity these
horses rank with any of the other coach breeds.

The German Coach horse owes its origin to horses im-
ported from the Orient, and other countries, which were
crossed on the native mares of Germany. As early as
1552 Count Johanna imported horses from Turkey and
southern. Europe to Oldenburg, and took an active in-

1
152 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

terest in horse breeding. This eastern blood has been
fused with the horses of Oldenburg for over three and
one-half centuries. It is stated that a half century pre-
vious to this, annual fairs were held in Friesland, near
the border of Holland, which attracted much attention
by their horse shows and, no doubt, resulted in many
importations, as these events were attended by horse

 

 

 

 

FIG. 87.—GERMAN COACH STALLION “NERO”

merchants from Holland, Belgium and Germany. A
catalog of Prince Geo. Albrichts’ stud, published in 1708,
showed importations from Turkey, Poland, Hungary,
Denmark, England and other countries. From this it
would seem that the German Coach horse was of mixed
ancestry. It does not appear, however, that the Ger-
mans made extended use of the English Thoroughbred in
the evolution of their horse, although trace of the blood
is plainly discernible.
THE GERMAN COACH HORSE 153

German methods for improving the horse——For cen-
turies the governments of many of the principalities have
promoted horse breeding. Early in the seventeenth cen-
tury a government stud was established at Ilo which pos-
sessed 182 horses in 1648; from 1628 to 1648 the stables
of Count Ulrich II contained many famous stallions;
and in 1658 Count Enno Ludwig sent Emperor Leopold
a number of horses described as very beautiful and of
great value. Early in the eighteenth century a govern-
ment stud was in operation at Harlingerland, in East
Friesland, and a report dated 1712 refers to 16 stallions
that served 819 mares.

Government supervision of horse breeding.— Formerly
a few of the principalities, notably East Friesland, held
very close supervision of horse breeding, which was
regulated by royal edicts. Later more liberality was
permitted, but it was made a law that no permits should
be issued authorizing the public use of stallions, unless
they passed a satisfactory government inspection. At
présent the government and the agricultural societies are
encouraging horse breeding by awarding prizes to
animals of special merit, such animals to remain in the
country for a specified time. A commendable feature of
the system is that first prizes are given only to mature
stallions and mares that have shown merit as breeders.
Large horse shows are held at Aurich, East Friesland,
where the horses are brought each year for government
inspection and approval. Horse breeding in Germany
is greatly influenced by military requirements which has
a bearing upon the type approved. This is so great a
controlling factor that few of the powerful and compactly
built type can be found.

TYPES AND BREEDS OF GERMAN HORSES

As previously stated, owing to the conditions prevail-
ing in Germany, many types of German horses have been
at

if

154 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

developed. Perhaps the most noted of these are the
East Prussian or Trakehnen horse, Hanoverian horse,
Holstein horse, Oldenburg horse, East Friesland horse,
and the Schleswig horse.

The East Prussian or Trakehnen horse.—East Prussia
has more horses to the square mile, omitting towns of
over 10,000 inhabitants, than any other part of Germany.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 88.—GERMAN COACH STALLION “LANDGRAF”

It supplies annually from 4,000 to 5,000 remounts to the
Prussian army. The most important horse breeding cen-
ter in East Prussia is the stud of Trakehnen, founded in
1732 by Frederick William I, King of Prussia, and father
of Frederick the Great. He established this stud with
1,101 horses from the royal studs. There were many
importations from the East and a few English Thorough-
breds added to the stud from time to time. The East
THE GERMAN COACH HORSE 155

Prussian horse is described as having a good disposition,
great endurance, a fine head, well-formed neck and a
strong, well-ribbed back and loin. Count Wrangel states
that the depth and slope of the shoulder are not satis-
factory, legs rather too long, body too light for height,
and that there is a lack of elegant action, though this is
denied by Major Schoenbeck, who states that the action
is usually good, and any faults in this respect can gen-
erally be cured by careful training.

The Hanoverian horse.—Through the influence of the
English Hanoverian kings, many English Thoroughbreds
were sent to Hanover between the years 1714 and 1837,
where, owing to the fertile pasture lands and favorable
conditions, the type of horse that resulted contains more
substance than the East Prussian horse. The Hanover-
ian horse is used more for draft than for saddle purposes,
althougti they have strong legs and a good back on which
they can carry a load sufficiently heavy to make them
serviceable military horses. The horses are bred by
farmers who work the brood mares on their farms.

The Holstein horse.—For many centuries Holstein has
been noted for its good horses. The splendid pasture
lands of Kremper, which is in the district of Steinberg,
on.the banks of the Elbe, are particularly well known for
their good horses. In size, these horses are about equal
to the Hanoverian; they are powerful, with good legs
and free action, are suitable for both riding and driving,
and are in great demand. It is doubtful, however,
whether the Holstein horse is as enduring as the East
Prussian horse.

The Oldenburg horse.—This is perhaps the parent of
the German Coach horse, and, as we have seen, owes
its origin to Oriental and other imported blood. The
Oldenburg horse averages 15.3 to 16.2 hands high and
1,200 to 1,400 pounds in weight, and is used for heavy
coach work, but seldom as a saddler. Some writers state
that the horses of this type are not of the best quality, but
156 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

stand high in public favor because of their great size,
some being 17 hands high and broad in proportion. They
have good dispositions and mature at an early age.

The East Friesland horse—During the middle ages
East Friesland bred a strong and heavy war horse, which
gradually changed into a stately coach horse. The East
Friesland horse is about the size of the Oldenburg horse

 

 

 

 

 

FiG. 89.——GERMAN COACH MARE “FOPE”

and has been developed under similar conditions. In a
description of this type the East Friesland Stud Book
states that the object of the breed is to produce a strong,
noble and docile carriage horse which will develop
quickly, and can be put to light agricultural work in its
third year, in order to refund a part of its cost of rearing.

The Schleswig horse.—Though the character of the soil
is variable in Schleswig the pastures are luxuriant and
the conditions favorable for the production of horses
which, in the middle ages, were able to carry knights in
THE GERMAN COACH HORSE 157

heavy armor and to do all kinds of pack and draft work.
While many kings and dukes established studs in Schles-
wig the one which remained the longest in existence was
founded by Friedrich III in 1648. It is stated that.
present-day animals can be traced to his stud. In 1891
the Registered Union of Schleswig Horse Breeding So-
cieties was formed with the stated object of “supplying
a strong work horse that can fulfill agricultural, commer-
cial and military requirements.”

The German Coach horse in America.—It is only re-
cently that the German Coach horse made his appear-
ance in America, the first importations occurring in the
eighties. About the year 1890 the breed began té gain
recognition at our fairs and horse shows. Among the
early importers may be mentioned A. B. Holbert of
Greeley, lowa, who was perhaps the first to introduce the
breed; the Altmans, Watseka, Illinois, and J. Crouch &
Son, Lafayette, Indiana. Perhaps by far the more im-
portant of the early animals imported was Moltke, who
is credited with 51 recorded produce in Volume II of
the German, Hanoverian, Oldenburg Coach Horse Stud
Book. Other imported stallions of note are Kaiser Wil-
helm (494) Young Altona I (458), and Young Adonis
(476), as well as Bertus, Ento and Hannibal, the last four
having distinguished show careers. In a study of the
animals recorded in Volume II of the stud book it was
found that Moltke leads as a sire, while others in order
are: Ruthard with 48 recorded produce, Whittlesbacher
with 35, Friebeuter with 31, and Elegant with 26 re-
corded produce.

The German government voted a large sum of money
to make a display of German Coach horses at the Chicago
World’s Fair in 1893, and sent over a fine exhibit of
stallions and mares. The provinces of Oldenburg, East
Friesland and Hanover repeated this enterprise at the
St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.
158 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Description of the German Coach horse.—While there
is considerable variation among German Coach horses in
America, as in Germany, the height ranges from 16 to 16.2
hands and the weight from 1,350 to 1,450 pounds. The
prevailing colors are bay, black and brown. The head
is of medium size, full and well carried, the neck long
and arched, the shoulders moderately sloping and the

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 90.—GERMAN COACH MARE “FUNGE”

withers prominent. Compared with the French Coach,
the body of the German Coach is larger and longer,
though the back and loins are powerfully muscled, the
croup high and the tail well placed. Compared with the
Hackney, the legs show considerable more length, al-
though well muscled and clean, while the feet are ex-
cellent. The action varies with the size and quality of
the horse. Where there is not too much weight and suf-
ficient quality the action is excellent, but as the weight
THE GERMAN COACH HORSE 159

increases and the quality decreases it is the rule for the
action to decrease also.

Use of the German Coach horse.—In the German Em-

pire this is the horse-of-all-work. At home this breed is
called on to do saddle work, the light as well as the heavy
carriage work, and the draft work. In America the Ger-
man Coach horse differs from other coach horses in at
least two respects: First, there has never been any at-
tempt to breed or train them to speed at the trot, and,
second, some strains are decidedly heavier than the other
coach horses and for this reason are not so active, though
the lighter types make fair heavy-harness horses. In this
country the German Coach horse has been used’to.some
extent in crossing on common mares, but with varying
success, and for this reason the breed is not so popular
in cross-breeding as either the Hackney or the French
Coach.
_ Distribution of the German Coach horse.—This breed
is found in many countries throughout Europe, Eastern
Asia, South Africa and both North and South America.
In Canada, it is perhaps most popular in the Northwest.
In the United States it is most popular in the Central
States, particularly in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, but is
found in many parts of the country. ;

Organizations and records.—In Germany the breeders of
each of the more important types, notably the East Prus-
sian, Hanoverian, Holstein, Oldenburg, East Friesland
and Schleswig, have organized associations and estab-
lished stud books with a view of promoting the various
types or breeds as they are known in Germany. The
German, Hanoverian and Oldenburg Coach Horse Asso-
ciation of America was organized in Illinois in 1892 and
a stud book established. Later the Oldenburg Coach
Horse Association was organized, also in Illinois, and a
stud book started. Jn this country there is much con-
fusion in the public mind as to the various types of Ger-
man Coach horses, due, perhaps, to the consolidation of
160 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

names and types in the German, Hanoverian and Olden-
burg stud book. It would seem that the advocates of
the breed would do well to clarify, in some permanent
way, this apparent confusion.

Criticisms of the German Coach Horse.—In conforma-
tion this breed is exceedingly variable, the East Prussian
horse being of the lighter type, while the Schleswig horse,
because of the luxuriant pastures in Schleswig, contains
greater substance and is of a more massive type. Among
German horses coarseness is not uncommon, as seen in
the large heads, the large rough joints, and the coarse
heavy bone. From a coach horse point of view the action
is frequently deficient. This contrast in symmetry, uni-
formity and stylish action can be clearly brought out by
comparing the German coach horse with the Hackney, in
which there is general harmony and frictionless move-
ment.
CHAPTER XIV
THE CLEVELAND BAY COACH HORSE

Although the oldest of the large-sized coach horses,
the Cleveland Bay has not met with so popular a favor
in America as some other breeds of coach horses, par-
ticularly the blockier, more symmetrical and more stylish
sorts. In England the breed has been more successful.

The native home of the Cleveland Bay coach horse.—
This breed was developed in northeastern England, in the
counties of Durham, Northumberland and more especially
Yorkshire. It is in Yorkshire, among the Cleveland hills
in the North and East Riding, that this breed is found in
its greatest purity. The conditions were eminently suitable
for the production of superior light horses. The people
were horsemen, and the fertile valleys and hills, underlaid
in the best grazing districts with limestone, were very
productive of nutritious grasses.

The origin of the Cleveland Bay coach horse.—There
is no authentic data regarding the origin of this breed, and
the first records of the Cleveland horse connect him with
being a pack or Chapman horse. Many theories have
been advanced as to the probable origin, of which four
are worthy of mention. First, it is asserted that the
breed is a descendant of the “Old War Horse,” improved
by crossing with Oriental and English stock; second,
that it has been gradually developed from the horse of
southern England; the adherents state this is supported
by the fact that a similar breed formerly existed in
Devon, in the south of England; third, that it is a descendant,
of the old Scandinavian horse, improved by careful breed-
ing under the different climatic conditions of England,
and this claim, it is stated, is supported by the black
points in the Cleveland horse; and, fourth, it is asserted

161
162 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

that the breed owes its origin to the use of Thorough-
breds on English cart-horse mares, though this theory is
denied by the Cleveland Bay authorities who wish to
show a pure ancestry.

Notwithstanding this objection, it is probable that a
gradual use of horses of lighter breeding on heavy mares
of the larger English breeds has finally resulted in the
formation of the Cleveland coach horse. This is supported
by the statement
that of the three
sires, Dark, Bar-
ley Harvest and
Hole Hill Horse,
which had most
to do in estab-
lishing the
Cleveland Bay,
Dark traces in
direct line to
Darley Arabian.
It is probable,
g however, that
the old Cleve-
land Bay, the
horse that was so popular in early days, had very lit-
tle, if any, Thoroughbred blood in him considering the
amount that has been used later.

The decline of the Cleveland Bay coach horse.—At the
opening of the nineteenth century the Cleveland Bay was
in great demand for heavy coach work, particularly
matched teams for the London market. ‘This stimulated
breeding, which was carried on with system and success
during the first quarter of the century. Following this
came economic changes which influenced the type of
horse demanded. Chief of these economic changes were
the increased activity in agriculture and the development
of the coal industry, which created a very strong demand

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 91.—-CLEVELAND BAY STALLION ‘‘BEODLOIN FRED”
THE CLEVELAND BAY COACH HORSE 163

for heavier horses; and the improving of the public roads,
resulting in the use of lighter vehicles, thus calling for
lighter horses for road work, all of which operated to
reduce the demand for a heavy coach horse. It was more
profitable, therefore, to breed the heavy draft horse for
draft and the lighter and more active horse for the road
and so the Cleveland Bay fell into disfavor and was
neglected.

After some years the breed began to adapt itself to
condition, and from 1851 to 1867 it was in considerable
favor, when there came a second decline in its popularity.
Perhaps the development of the railroads was respon-
sible for this decline. When the outlook seemed darkest,
the American trade opened up, and in 1884 the Cleveland
Bay Horse Society was organized and a stud book estab-
lished, the object being to promote the purity of the breed
and to put it in proper relation to the public. This did
not stimulate the anticipated interest, for in 1885, at the .
show of the Royal Agricultural Society, held in the
County of York, the stronghold of the breed, but one
entry of a Cleveland Bay was made, and that was a mare
in foal. During the last decade of the nineteenth, and the
first decade of the twentieth century, the breeding of
Cleveland Bays has attracted some attention, as is shown
by the show of the Royal Society in 1900, again held in
York, when 41 entries were made. Since then a number
of creditable exhibits have been made in various English
shows.

The Yorkshire Coach horse.—Because of its relationship
to the Cleveland Bay the Yorkshire Coach is mentioned
here. In England there is a Yorkshire Coach Horse So-
ciety in addition to a Cleveland Bay Horse Society, and
each has established a stud book, so that the horses are
registered separately and the two breeds are distinct. In
America, however, the Yorkshire Coach horse and the
Cleveland Bay horse are considered as one breed, and are
164 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

registered in the Cleveland Bay Stud Book by the Cleve-
land Bay Society of America.

The Yorkshire Coach horse is an offshoot of the Cleve-
land Bay, but it has been recognized as a distinct variety
for over a century in England. It is designated as an
improved Cleveland, free use having been made of Thor-
oughbred blood. As to the origin and characteristics of
the Yorkshire Coach horse, the Yorkshire Stud Book,
published in 1887,
states that it can-
not be claimed for
the Yorkshire
Coach horse, that
he is a pure-bred
animal, but that on
the contrary, by
the judicious cross-
ing of large-sized,
good-colored mares
with stallions, alto-
gether or nearly
Thoroughbred, a
class of horses has
been produced
suited to the wants and circumstances of the times.
By universal consent, the color should be bay or brown,
with black eyes; mane and tail, abundant but not curly;
the height, from 16 hands to 16 hands 2 inches, with fine
head, sloping shoulders, strong loins, and lengthy quar-
ters, high-stepping action, good sound feet, flat legs, and
abundance of bone and muscle.

From the early records it would seem that much was
made of the speed, power and endurance of these horses,
as Dreadnought, by Old Clothier, won a trotting match
for £100, carrying 124 pounds 16 miles within
an hour; Plato, the brother of Wonderful, the noted
premium winner at the Ripon show in 1819, trotted 18

 

 

 

 

 

Fic, 92.—CLEVELAND Bay STALLION
THE CLEVELAND BAY COACH HORSE 165

miles within the hour, carrying 144 pounds; and B.
Pullen’s King William trotted a mile in three minutes at
Selby, carrying 112 pounds.

The Cleveland Bay coach horse in America.—This
breed has never been popular in America. In the early
eighties Geo. E. Brown & Company of Aurora, I!linois,
W. M. Fields & Bro. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jesse Harris
of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Stericker Bros. of Spring-
field, Illinois, imported a number of unusually good repre-
sentatives, but the type and breed characteristics never
found favor. Formerly there was considerable interest
taken in the show ring, particularly by the Sterickers,
who made many attractive exhibits, but at present speci-
mens of Cleveland Bays are almost unknown in our horse
shows. Further, importations are rarely made, as there
is not a single breeder prominently advocating the merits
of the breed.

Description of the Cleveland Bay coach horse.—In the
first volume of the Cleveland Stud Book, which was pub-
lished in 1884, there is the following description of the
Cleveland Bay horse: “From 16 hands 1 inch to 16 hands
2% inches in height, he should be possessed of good,
sloping shoulders, a short back, powerful loins, and long
quarters. His head is rather ptain than otherwise, and
on the large size, but it is well carried, and his general
appearance denotes activity and strength, combined in
a manner not seen in any other breed. His action is not
remarkably high, but it is the kind of action for getting
over ground. In color he is bay—either light or dark—
with black legs, clear of hair, and black zebra-like stripes
on the arm and above the hock are sometimes seen.
These are known as the ‘black points,’ and are supposed
to denote special breeding. White, save a small star, or
a few white hairs in the head, is not admissible, a blaze
or a white foot proclaiming at once the admixture of
foreign blood.”

The best specimens that have been imported to
166 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

this country weigh from 1,200 or 1,550 pounds. While
the breed ranks among the largest of the coachers,
it lacks somewhat the quality and action of the other
coach breeds. In coach and carriage horses, high and
attractive knee action with good hock action is essential.
Such action must be combined with a smooth, stylish and
symmetrical appearance, which in turn must be associated
with quality in all the parts. Since the Cleveland Bay
did not approach the excellence shown by other breeds
in this respect, it failed to attract popular favor.

The Yorkshire Coach horse is described as strongly

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 93.—CLEVELAND BAY GELDINGS

resembling the Cleveland Bay in some respects, but is
taller and shows more style and quality. The head is
more refined and the crest more developed. The action
is also freer, as well as higher.

Uses of the Cleveland Bay coach horse.—While this
breed was formerly in very great demand for heavy-
harness driving, it failed to keep pace with the times,
and other breeds have succeeded it. Stallions of the
breed have been used to some extent in crossing on the
common mares, with varying success. They have one
advantage in that there is uniformity in color and mark-
THE CLEVELAND BAY COACH HORSE 167

ings, which they seem to be potent in transmitting, when
crossed on common mares. Because of this their get is
uniform and easily matched into teams. Cleveland Bay
coach horses seem to have plenty of stamina and fair
quality, which, in connection with their size and good
disposition, adapt them to work on the farm better than
the other breeds of light horses, but, for some reason, per-
haps because of the deficient action, they have never met
with favor in America.

Distribution of the Cleveland Bay coach horse.—This
breed seems to have enjoyed some popularity in South

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 94.—CLEVELAND BAY MARES AND COLTS

Africa, to which country many are being exported at the
present time. Aside from importations to North America,
the Cleveland Bay has been taken to South America,
Australia and Sweden. Those brought to America were
distributed throughout the Central states and Canada.
Organizations and records.—As previously stated, in
England there is a society and stud book supporting each
the Cleveland Bay coach and the Yorkshire Coach. In
1885, the Cleveland Bay Society of America was organ-
168 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

ized and a stud books established, of which two volumes
have been published, the last dated 1891, thus showing
the lack of interest in recent years. Both Cleveland Bay
and Yorkshire Coach are recorded in the American Cleve-
land Bay Stud Book.

Criticisms of the Cleveland Bay.—As with the German
Coach, this breed lacks the general symmetry of form
and the stylish carriage so essential to coach horses in
America. The Cleveland Bay is rather upstanding, with
long legs, which are often deficient in quality. The head
is often plain and often lacking in quality. The rear ribs
are frequently deficient in length, giving the body a rangy
appearance; the action, one of the most important charac-
teristics of a coach horse, is not stylish and lacks in ani-
mation.
CHAPTER XV
THE PERCHERON DRAFT HORSE

Of the various breeds of pure-bred horses in America,
the Percheron draft horse is the most popular. This breed
secured a foothold in Ohio in the early fifties, from which
place it has spread in all directions with amazing rapidity.

The native home of the Percheron draft horse.—This
breed was developed in northwestern France, especially
in that section of the country known as La Perche, a
district situated to the south and west of Paris, and em-
bracing a considerable portion of the territory that is
included in the modern departments or counties of Orne,
Eure et Loir, Loir et Cher and Sarthe. La Perche is
about 50 by 6o miles in area, with a rather broken surface,
having numerous valleys and small streams of water.
The soil is fertile, producing nutritious grasses, and the
climate favorable for the production of horses of the
highest excellence, while the inhabitants have long been
noted for their attachment to the horse. All of north-
western France, from Paris to the English channel, has
from time immemorial been famous as a horse-produc-
ing region.

The origin of the Percheron draft horse.—The source
of this breed is to be found in the large infusion of eastern

lood upon the native stock of La Perche, a district
already distinguished for the size and strength of its
horses, as well as to the natural adaptation of the soil
and climate and the habits of the people. In $732 France
was invaded by the Saracens, 300,000 strong, who were
defeated by Charles Martel on the ‘plains of Vonille.
The Arab and Barb steeds upon which the infidels were
mounted fell into the hands of the victors, and were
assigned largely to the men of La Perche, Orleans and

169
170 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Normandy. Other large infusions of Eastern blood took
place upon the return of the Crusaders, who brought with
them many of the finest Arabian stallions. These horses,
crossed upon the large, strong, native mares, imparted a
degree of refinement and finish that has ever since char-
acterized the horses of northern France.

‘There were other countries besides Arabia, however,
that contributed horses to La Perche, to aid in the de-
velopment of the draft horse of France. Madame du
Barry of Paris received a gift of a pair of Danish horses
about 1775, which became so popular that they were fol-
lowed by others of the same kind, with the result that
Danish horses were used extensively in Normandy.
English stock was also introduced, as were horses from
Belgium and adjoining districts, particularly Flanders.
In addition, reference is made to horses being introduced
from Andalusia, Spain.

Early development of the Percheron draft horse—In
1820, two famous Arabian stallions, Godolphin and Galli-
poli, were imported and extensively used under the direc-
tion of the government at the stud of Pin. These horses
were gray and no doubt had much influence in develop-
ing the gray color of the draft horses of France. Fur-
ther, these two sires are given credit for much of the
quality, style and finish possessed by the Percheron. Galli-
poli, in particular, had a very beneficial influence, es-
pecially through his grandson, Jean Le Blanc, born in
1823, and regarded as the greatest sire of his day.

The type of horse resulting from the use of eastern
stallions upon the mares of La Perche was a smaller and
more active animal than the Percheron of the present time,
and was more suited to general purposes. This early type
is described as showing much less scale and ranging from
15 to 16 hands high with a draft conformation; the head
of medium size and clean cut, frequently as fine as an
Arab’s; the neck rather short; the shoulders long and
sloping with chest deep and broad; the body well ribbed
Missing Page
Missing Page
THE PERCHERON DRAFT HORSE 173

being natural horsemen, take pride in preparing their
horses for these shows. The more important shows are
held under different conditions. A great central show
is held at Paris each year. The annual Percheron show
is held in a migratory way, coming back to the same place
every 12 years. Each year the Percheron Society holds
a show in the district of La. Perche at either La Ferte,
Mortagne or Nogent-le-Rotrou. While the success of
these horse fairs and the rapid improvement in the breed
were due to the united effort of all the breeders, large and
small, yet a few of the more noted breeders are Perriot
Brothers, M. Fardonet, Sr, M. Tacheau, and Louis
Eveline.

Endurance and speed of the Percheron.—It is interest-
ing to note the speed and endurance of the Percheron of
half a century ago, when he was used extensively in the
mail and coach service. Trials were made also under
“the saddle and in light harness. These early tests
“demonstrate the endurance of the Percheron as well as
his ability to trot fast while carrying or drawing a heavy
load.

The courses most frequented were those at Illiers,

rourtalain, Montdoubleau and Mortagne, which ware

escribed as very crude, often consisting of plowed fields,

hich became hard in dry weather, but cut up like peat
Pog in wet times. In 1864 Julie trotted 1% miles, under
the saddle, at Montdoubleau, in 3 minutes and 50 seconds;
in the same year Vaillante trotted 15% miles, at Mortagne,
in 4 minutes and 38 seconds; while in 1861 Cocatle trotted
two miles at Illiers in 6 minutes 514 seconds. In 1865
Achille trotted two miles in harness at Illiers in 7 minutes
and 17 seconds; while in 1851, Vigoreux trotted 214 miles
in 8 minutes and 30 seconds over the same course. It is
stated that in 1854 a gray mare hitched to a traveling gig
and belonging to Mr. Montrevil trotted 5534 miles on a
hilly and difficult road in 4 hours and 24 minutes.
174 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The Percheron draft horse in America.—The introduc-
tion of French draft horses to America dates back as early
as 1816 when a stallion was taken to Quebec. About
1826 this horse was sold to James McNitt of Washington
county, New York, and was known throughout that

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 96..-PERCHERON STALLION “KLAQUEUR”

region under the various names of European, Norman
and the McNitt Horse. His fame has been chiefly per-
petuated through this son, the Morse Horse, sire of
Alexander’s Norman. In 1839 Edward Harris of Moores-
town, New Jersey, made two importations, the first con-
sisting of one stallion and two mares and the second of
two stallions, Diligence and Bonaparte, and two mares.
The first was unsuccessful, as the stallion died at sea, one
THE PERCHERON DRAFT HORSE 175

of the mares landed in poor health, while the other in-
jured herself by breaking through the floor of the car
during shipment, which necessitated killing her. The
second attempt was successful, as all four animals landed
in good health. These were the smaller type of Per-
cheron, standing about 15 hands high and weighing 1,200
to 1,500 pounds. Diligence, who died in 1860, was re-
garded as a fine specimen, and left a marked impression
upon the stock of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

Three famous imported Percheron sires.——It was not
until about 1850 that the Percherons began to attract
favorable attention in the United States. About this
time there were three stallions imported that proved to
be remarkable sires, namely, Louis Napoleon, Normandy
and Success,

Louis Napoleon—lIn 1851 Fullington and Martin of
Milford Center, Union county, Ohio, imported a gray
three-year-old colt under the name of Louis Napoleon.
This horse is described as not of largest type, but short-
legged, closely ribbed and compact, standing 15.2 hands
high and weighing in full flesh about 1,600 pounds. At
the time of his importation he was a dark ‘iron-gray, but
long before his death became perfectly white. He was
much criticized at first because of his size, but his colts
showed up so remarkable that he became very popular
as a sire. In 1856 Louis Napoleon was purchased by
A. P. Cushman of De Witt county, Illinois, and his
popularity in the West became even greater than in Ohio.
A large number of Louis Napoleon’s colts were left entire,
and it is estimated that over 400 of these were successful
sires,

Normandy.—In 1851 Marcus Brown of Circleville,
Pickaway county, Ohio, imported a three-year-old colt,
which was subsequently registered in Volume I of the
Percheron-Norman Stud Book as Normandy 351. This
colt was not so large as Louis Napoleon, and is described
as never weighing over 1,500 pounds, and was about 15.2
176 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

hands high. He was kept for service near Circleville
until 1856, when he was taken to Pleasant Valley, Madi-
son county, Ohio, where he remained until his death in
1872. He was known by various names, as Old Bill, the
Valley Horse, and the French Horse. Normandy was a
sure breeder, and did more than any other to increase the
popularity of heavy horses in Central Ohio.

Success.—In 1868 W. J. Edwards of Clifton, Iroquois
county, Illinois, imported two stallions, Success and
French Emperor, both of which were soon afterward
sold to the Fletcher Horse Company. In 1874 M. W.
Dunham purchased the company and Success, in whose
hands the stallion proved the right to own his name, as
he left a very marked impression on the heavy-horse
stock of Illinois. Success is described as being about
16 hands high and weighing about 1,600 pounds. It is
also stated that his get were usually large, compactly
built, clean limbed, and very stylish, whether from large
or small mares.

Other famous imported sires —The following table con-
tains a few of the more notable early imported sires, the
date of birth, the date of importation, and the sire and
dam:

 

 

 

Date | Date
Name of |ofim- Sire Dam
birth | por-
tation

Vidocuq 483 1869 | 1874 | Coco II (714) Dam by Cheri
Brilliant 1271 1876 | 1881 | Brilliant (756) | Ragout, by Favori I (711)
French Monarch 205 | 1865 | 1874 | Ilderim (5302) | Dam, by Vieux Pierre (894)
Fenelon 2682 1880 | 1883 | Brilliant (755) Bue by Duke of Perche,
La Ferte 5144 1881 | 1886 | Philibert (760) | Julie, by Brilliant (756)
Gilbert 5154 1882 | 1886 | Brilliant (755) | Sophie (7694)
Seducteur 8850 1884 | 1888 | Fenelon (38) Rosalie, by Brilliant (756)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early importers.—There were a few other notable im-
porters in the fifties which were followed by large num-
bers in the sixties. In 1851 Captain Samuel Holmes of
THE PERCHERON DRAFT HORSE 177

Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, brought two stallions from
France, and during the same year two others were im-
ported, one for J. J. Parker of West Chester and the other
for Edward Shippen of Meadville. In 1856 Gordon and
Martin of Woodstock, Ohio, imported a stallion subse-
quently registered in Volume I of the stud book as Rollin
418. Soon afterward this stallion was taken to Illinois,
where he acquired a great local reputation. In 1866
W. T. Walters of
Baltimore, Mary-
land, imported
several stallions
and mares. Wal-
ters was the first
person to estab-
lish a_ breeding
stud in America.
He had lived in
France, where he
made a_ close
study of horse
breeding, and
hence was able to Fic, 97.—PERCHERON STALLION “My LorD”
buy to advantage.
In 1870 M. W. Dunham, of Wayne, Illinois, and in 1874 W.
Singmaster of Keota, Iowa, began breeding and importing,
both of whom became famous Percheron authorities. In
addition the Stubblefields of Bloomington, Ellis Dillon of
Normal and Ezra Stetson of Neponset, Illinois, A. W.
Cook of Charles City, Iowa, and the Fullingtons of Irwin
Station, Ohio, were early breeders and importers.
Notable American Percheron breeders.——While it is
rather difficult to determine the leading breeders, because
some persons have a few very famous animals while
others have a large number of only fair animals, yet the
following are among the more notable breeders of Per-
cherons in the country at the present time: H. G. Mc-

 

 

 

 

 
178 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Millan & Sons, Rock Rapids, Iowa; A. L. Robinson &
Son, Pekin, W. S. Corsa, White Hall, and Dunhams,
Wayne, Illinois; C. M. Jones, Plain City, Ohio; and E.
B. White, Leesburg, Virginia.

During recent years some very fancy prices have been
paid for Percheron stallions. In igto W. S. Corsa of
White Hall paid $10,000 for Carnot (66666); in 1905
McLaughlin Brothers of Columbus, Ohio, sold Rosen-
berg, grand champion Percheron at the International
Live Stock Exposition, for $8,000; and in 1903 the same
firm sold Pour-Quoi-Pas (27248) for $7,000 and Orangiste
(29606) for $5,500. In addition to these some very good
prices have been paid for Percheron geldings, especially
when well matched and suitable for show purposes. In
1905 the Pabst Brewing Company purchased a pair for
$1,300.

Famous show animals.—In recent years the exhibits of
Percheron horses at the various fairs and horse shows
have attracted favorable comment, and the following
table gives a few of the more noted prize-winning
stallions and mares at the International Live Stock Ex-
position, Chicago:

 

 

Stallions Mares
Imprecation, by Pinsion Castille, by Telamaque
Hautbois, by Pavissant Imprudente, by Volcan
ureur, by Fier-a-Bras Jupilles, by Conscrit
elix, by Dynamo Jolanthe, by Calypso
Intime, by Agricole Himere, by Etudiant
Carnot, by Balleau Aueroita, by Aride
Halicte, by Paulno, Annette, by Calypso

 

 

 

Description of the Percheron draft horse.—The best
type of Percheron calls for all the characteristics of a
model draft horse. The general appearance is massive,
muscular and powerful. In weight, mature stallions
average from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds and mares from 1,500
to 1,800 pounds, though there are many exceptions, as
THE PERCHERON DRAFT HORSE 179

stallions sometimes weigh as much as 2,300 pounds. In
height the stallions range from 15.2 to 17 hands, and
mares from 15.2 to 16.2 hands. The low-set and massive
form is preferred to the upstanding one. In color there
is much variation, gray being favored in France, while
darker colors are preferred in this country. All colors
are found, with black and gray predominating. The
action, especially at the walk, is of the very best for heavy
horses.

The head is often rather large and full, but neat and
clean, the forehead broad, the face straight or slightly
dished above the nose, and the jaw strong; the eyes full
and prominent, and the ears refined and attractively set
and well carried. The neck is short but graceful. It is
smoothly blended with the body and cleanly attached to
the head, with an abundance of mane and foretop. The
head and neck are very attractive, suggestive of the
Arabian. The shoulders are set at a medium inclination,
neither too straight nor too sloping, thus giving a power-
ful movement for draft. The chest is full and deep, the
distance from the withers to the floor of the chest
equaling that from the chest to the ground. The ribs
are strongly arched and of great depth, giving a broad,
deep body.

The, back is short, broad and well muscled, and
the underline fairly long. The loin is broad and mus-
cular. The croup is powerful, but often too sloping.
The legs above the knees and hocks are powerfully
muscled. While the joints and cannons are not so clean
cut and dense as in the lighter horses, yet they are as
clean and hard as in any of the heavier horses. The
pasterns are not so long and sloping as in the lighter
breeds, but are excellent for draft. The feet are large,
with open heels and dense elastic hoofs.

Uses of the Percheron draft horse—As a draft horse,
the pure-bred or high-grade Percheron has no superior
either in America or France. The greatest usefulness of
180 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the pure-bred stallion lies in mating to the larger type of
grade mares which furnish us our best draft teams. A
large proportion of our draft teams contain Percheron
blood, as this breed is used more extensively in grading
up the draft horse than any other in the United States
(p. 434). Good results are obtained by crossing the
Percheron stallion.on pure-bred draft mares of other
breeds, as the
Clyde and
Shire. The re-
sulting offspring
is usually clean
legged and
readily fills the
general market
demand. The
most prominent
buyers of New
York and Chica-
go have testified
in the highest
terms to the de-
mand for Per-
cheron grades.
Distribution of the Percheron draft horse.—Because of
the general excellence of this breed it is very widespread,
having been introduced to all countries interested in the
development of heavy horses. By far the greater num-
ber have been imported to America and they have found
their way into almost every state in the Union and into
Canada. The records show that between 1851 and 1883
nearly 4,000 Percherons were imported or bred in the
United States, which were distributed as follows: Illi
nois, 1,834; Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, 577; Wiscon-
sin, Iowa and Minnesota, 424; New York, Pennsylvania
and New Jersey, 280; Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska,

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 98.—-PERCHERON STALLION “NEGRO”
THE PERCHERON DRAFT HORSE 181

186. Of the 4,000 it is stated that 2,600 were imported
during the last three years, 1881-3, while in 1884 more
than 2,000 of all ages were brought to America. At the
present time there is great activity in the Percheron
breeding and importing industry, which seems to center
about Illinois, Ohio and Iowa, with all states represented.

Organizations and records.—In 1883 the Societe Hip-
pique Percheronne of France was organized, and during

‘the same year published

its first stud book, which, ue
since 1885, has accepted
for entry only horses
whose ancestors are reg-
istered in the book.

In America there have
been many dissensions
among the importers and
breeders of French draft
horses leading to the
formation of several so-
cieties and stud books.
This dates back to 1876
when the first steps were
taken to found an Ameri-
can stud book. As this was before the establish-
ment of the French stud book many of the draft horses
imported from France were called Norman, and it
was decided to adopt that as the breed name. J. H. San-
ders, the secretary of the association, added the word
Percheron to the title, so that it read Percheron-Norman
Horse Association. Later his action was approved, as
many draft horses were imported from France under the
name Percheron. Many breeders of French horses, how-
ever, were in favor of the term Norman, and accordingly
withdrew and organized the National Register of Nor-
man Horses, which was later changed to the National
Register of French Draft Horses (p. 186). When the

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 99.—PERCHERON STALLION “‘JANTIER”
182 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Percheron Society of France was organized the word
Norman was dropped from the American title, in order
to correspond with the French Association.

The Percheron Stud Book had reached the point of
being recognized as the distinct representative of the
Percheron breed, when internal dissension arose over the
power vested in the secretary. The outcome was the
organizing of three associations and the establishment
of as many stud books. In 1902 the American Percheron
Horse Breeders’ and Importers’ Association was organ-
ized, but in 1905 the name was changed to the Percheron
Society of America, with headquarters at Union Stock
Yards, Chicago. In 1904 the Percheron Registry Com-
pany was organized with headquarters at Columbus,
Ohio, and in 1905, the American Breeders’ and Importers’
Percheron Registry was organized, with headquarters at
Plainfield, Ohio. In 1904, after extended litigation, the
American Percheron Horse Breeders’ and Importers’ As-
sociation acquired the old stud book and all of the original
records, and in 1911, after the name had been changed to
the Percheron Society of America, it acquired the Per-
cheron Registry Company, so that at the present time
the only important society promoting the breed is the
Percheron Society of America, which publishes the Per-
cheron Stud Book of America, of which 12 volumes have
appeared, registering about 78,000 animals.
CHAPTER XVI
THE FRENCH DRAFT HORSE

In France, a number of types and breeds of draft horses
have been developed taking their names largely from the
localities in which they originated. Here they are recog-
nized as distinct breeds, but from time to time specimens
of most of them have been imported to America as French
Draft horses, which has led to some confusion in names,
as there is no single French Draft breed in France. The
matter has been still further complicated, in the United
States, by the organization of a French Draft Horse So-
ciety, which publishes a French Draft stud book in which
all draft horses introduced from France may be recorded.
The Percheron is, of course, the best-known French draft
horse in America, and by far the larger number of re-
maining draft horses introduced to this country from
France belongs to one of the following breeds: Boulon-
nais, Bretons, Ardennais, Nivernais and Picardy, of which
the first is the more important.

Boulonnais draft horse.—This breed is a native of
Boulogne, a district in northeastern France, adjoining
Belgium, from which it derives its name. The Boulon-
nais horses, without doubt, had their origin in much the
same manner as the Percheron, although it is claimed by
the French that there is no interchange between the
horses of Boulogne and La Perche, and that the Boulon-
nais has mainly been improved by selection and care.
The breed has an excellent reputation in France, and is
regarded as second only in importance to the Percheron.
It is also growing in popularity in America.

The Boulonnais resembles the Percheron in general
characteristics, so much so that it is impossible in the
best specimens to distinguish one from the other. They

183
184 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

are not so large as the Percherons and perhaps somewhat
less refined, lacking the improvement in type of the
Percheron. Many American breeders, however, favor the
feet of the Boulonnais in preference to those of any of the
other French breeds. It is stated that the feet are larger,
more rounded and the pasterns have more slope than the
Percherons. The colors are much the same as the Per-
cheron, with perhaps a larger number of grays.

Breton draft horse.—This breed is a native of Brittany,
a prominent horse-breeding district, although the animals

 

ope et
eA
Sl SEY

 

 

 

 

FIG. 100.—FRENCH DRAFT HORSE

bred are rather of a miscellaneous type. The early origin
was much the same as the Percheron, and it is suggested
that British horses were introduced into Brittany, which
possibly accounts for the more luxuriant growth of hait
about the legs of the Bretons. In recent years many
Percheron stallions have been taken into the district in an
effort to improve the breed in size and general characters.

The Breton draft horse has much the same general
character as the old-style Percherons, but is smaller and
THE FRENCH DRAFT HORSE 185

more refined. He has an intelligent head, a clean-cut
neck of medium length, a round, well-muscled body with
a short back. As a rule, the croup.and rump is longer
and straighter than in the other French breeds. The legs
show more quality, though not so free from long hair as
the Percheron, while the feet are larger and more rounded
than the Boulonnais. The color is usually gray, although
there are exceptions, as in the Boulonnais.

Ardennais draft horse.—This breed is a native of Ar-
dennais, a district adjoining the Belgian frontier in north-
eastern France. The early origin was much the same as
the Percheron, though, no doubt, Belgian blood was used
to a more or less extent, which is suggested by the resem-
blance between the Ardennais draft horse and the Belgian
draft horse, though the latter possesses more substance.

In general appearance the Ardennais is more massive
and blocky than the Percheron, although not so large.
The head is large and strong, with small, clean eyes and
small ears; the neck is short and thick, and the shoulders
are rather straight and heavily muscled. The body is
short, but thick and deep; the loins powerfully muscled,
with the croup and quarters broad and heavily muscled.
The legs are short and well muscled, of fairly good qual-
ity, although the feet are often rather high and narrow.
In color the Ardennais draft horse is more frequently roan
and chestnut, although bay and brown are sometimes
found. Gray, the common color among other French
draft horses, is seldom found.

Nivernais draft horse—This breed is a native of the
department of Nivernais or Nievre in central France.
The origin of the Nivernais draft horse is to be found in
the large black horse, native to the low fertile valleys of
Trance, from which it obtains its size and color. It is
only within the last few years that its interests have been
looked after and choice specimens of the breed are not
very numerous. It is stated that the transformation in
size and color of the Percheron horse in the past few
186 MANAGEMENT AND ‘BREEDING OF HORSES

years has been brought about, to some extent at least,
by the use of the best types of Nivernais draft stallions
crossed on the mares of La Perche.

The Nivernais draft horse compares favorably with the
Percheron in size, possessing more bone, and perhaps a
little more rangy in general conformation. The head is
large and full; the neck of good length and heavy; the
shoulders massive; the body of good length and well
coupled; the hind-
quarters powerfully
muscled; and the
bone strong, giving
the legs a rather
round appearance.
The pasterns are
fairly straight and
the feet large. The
color is almost uni-
formly black, and it
is very seldom that a
gray, brown or
chestnut is found.

Fic. 101.—FRENCH DRAFT STALLION Picard y draft

horse. — This breed
is a native of northern France and Belgium. It is bred in
both countries, and is variously classified. Some persons
claim it to be Flemish, and hence a Belgian breed, while
M. La Motte Rouge of the government studs of France,
claims it to be a variety of Boulonnais draft horse. The
Picardy draft horse compares favorably with the Belgian
draft horse in size and general conformation, being blocky
and compact. The color is usually bay, although others
are often found.

Organizations and records.—In France each of the
types and breeds mentioned above, with the possible ex-
ception of Picardy, has its own society, which publishes
a stud book. In America, however, all French draft horses

 

 

 

 
THE FRENCH DRAFT HORSE 187

are recorded by the National French Draft Horse Asso-
ciation in the National French Draft Horse Stud Book.
This association was formed in 187@ as the National
Norman Horse Association, but the name was changed
in 1885, as there was no such breed of horses in France
as Normans, notwithstanding the current use of the term
in America. This association has published nine volumes
of the stud book.

Criticisms of the French draft horse.—Because of the
several types involved this breed is exceedingly variable in
conformation, weight and height. The Boulonnais horse
resembles the Percheron, while the Ardennais horse is
more like the Belgian. The former is often criticized for
its light bone and weak joints, particularly the hocks,
while the latter also lacks quality in the lower legs and
feet, which is often aggravated by straight pasterns and
low flat heels, which frequently predispose the parts to
disease. The tendons are not well detached and the bones
of the legs appear round. Further, the hocks do not show
as great depth and strength as desirable.
CHAPTER XVII
THE CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE

Because of the influence of the English-speaking people
the Clydesdale draft horse is the most widely distributed
of the breeds of draft horses. Notwithstanding this, in
America, the breed has not met with the popularity of
the Percheron and possibly of the Belgian.

The native home of the Clydesdale draft horse.—This
breed was developed in southern Scotland, particularly
in the county of Lanark, which has long been famous
for a breed of powerful draft horses. The character of
the soil and the habits of the people were important
factors in the development of size and strength among
the native horses. The breed takes its name from the
river Clyde which flows through southern Scotland.

The origin of the Clydesdale draft horse.—There is no
authentic data regarding the éarly origin of this breed.
It is stated that there was more or !ess interchange of
draft horse blood between Scotland and England. After
the union of the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603
important trade relations sprang up between the two
countries, and Scotch cattle dealers driving herds into
England returned with English mares, which were bred
to stallions in Scotland. Like most other breeds of
horses, the Clydesdale is the result of the successful union
of selected individuals from various other breeds, none
of which possessed the good qualities in the same degree
of efficiency as are now common among well-bred Clydes-
dales.

The credit for establishing the Clydesdale breed is now
generally given to John Paterson, a tenant farmer of
Lochlyoch, in Carmichael parish, in the county of Lanark.
Between 1715 and 1720 he imported from England a black

188
THE CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE 189

Flemish stallion, which is said to have so greatly im-
proved the breed in the Upper Ward as to have made it
noted all over Scotland. This horse is often referred to
as “Lochlyoch’s Black Horse,” while his get are spoken
of as the most noted breed in the Upper Ward of Lanark-
shire during the eighteenth century and described thus:
Generally browns and blacks, with white faces and a
little white on the legs; they had gray hairs in their tails,
along with occasionally gray hairs on their bodies and
usually a white spot on their belly, this latter being re-
garded as a mark of distinct purity of blood.

Early develop-
ment of the
Clydesdale draft
horse.—For more
than half a cen-
tury following the
introduction of
“Lochlyoch’s
Black Horse,” lit-
tle is recorded of
the development
of the Clydesdale.
About the year
1780, Scott of
Brownhill, Car- Fie, 102—Ciypespae STALLION “SiLvER CuP”
stairs, imported a
two-year-old colt from Ayrshire known as Blaze, because
of a white mark in his face. This horse is described as
standing 16.1 hands high, black in color and a noted prize
winner. Nothing is known of his pedigree, but from his
stylish shape and fine action—qualities, he is said to have
transmitted—it is generally supposed that he possessed
coach blood.

In 1808, a man named Somerville of Lampits Farm, pur-
chased a two-year-old filly, with which he founded a stud.
This filly was mother of Glancer (335), also known as

 

 

 

 

 
190 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Thompson’s Black Horse, born about 1810. This horse
proved a great sire and, it is stated, from him all the best
and most noted horses of the present day are descended.
Little is known of the breeding of this horse, but it is
thought that he was related to Lochlyoch’s Black Horse.
Glancer was black in color, save both hind legs, which
were white. He had a strong, neat body set on short,
thick legs, the clean, sharp bones which were
fringed with nice flowing silken hair. He served for
many years in the valley of the Clyde, between Glasgow
and Lanark, and left a strong impression on the horse
stock.

The breeding of good Clydesdales was given consider-
able impetus by the Highland Society, which very early
began to hold open shows and offer premiums for horses.
The prizes were divided so as to promote the breeding of
both coach and draft horses. The breeders of Lanark-
shire, particularly those of the Upper Ward, took much
interest in these events and competition was very keen,
which resulted in marked improvement of the horse stock.

Famous
Clydesdale sires.
—Among the
many _ notable
stallions that
have served a
very important
part in perfecting
the Clydesdale
draft horse are
Bloomfield
Champion (95);
Clyde alias
Glancer (153);
Prince of Wales
(673); Darnley

 

 

 

 

 

Fic, 103.—CLYDESDALE STALLION “CALIPH”?

(222) ; and Baron’s Pride (9122.)
THE CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE I9I

Bloomfield Champion (95)—This horse was a great
grandson of Glancer (335), and was born about 1831.
He was described as being a rich dark brown with forelegs
black, hind pasterns white, and a narrow white streak
on the face. Bloomfield Champion proved a great sire,
and is sometimes referred to as “Aberdeen Champion,”
because he gained first prize at the Highland and Agri-
cultural Society’s Show at Aberdeen in 1834. He sired
Glancer (153), Glancer (338), Bowman’s Colt (1078),
and a number of noted brood mares, many of which were
noted show animals.

Clyde alias Glancer (153).—-This horse was sired by
Bloomfield Champion, and was born about 1835. He was
described as dark brown in color, powerfully built, and
having been ruptured, was known as “The Ruptured
Horse.” He was a remarkable sire, as shown by the
seven sons and one daughter registered in Volume I of
the Scotch Clydesdale Stud Book. Many of these sons
proved themselves sires of merit and great show
animals. From 1844 to 1850 all of the important prizes
at the Scotch horse shows went to the produce of
Clyde.

Prince of Wales (673).—This horse was sired by Gen-
eral (322), by Sir Walter Scott (797), a great show horse
and breeder, while his dam was Darling, by Logan’s Twin
(741). He was described as being dark brown in color
with a white stripe on his face and more or less white on
three legs. He possessed a slightly Roman nose and
perhaps somewhat straight hocks, although he had good
action. Prince of Wales was not only a great show horse,
but one of the greatest breeders of sires the. Clydesdale
breed has produced, being credited with more offspring
in Volume I of the Scotch Clydesdale Stud Book than
any other sire. When 18 years old: he was sold for an
equivalent of $4,725 at the Merryton sale.

Darnley (222).—This horse was sired by Conqueror
(199), and out of Keir Peggy (187), by Sampson (741).
IgQ2 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Keir Peggy, the dam of ten foals and with a great show-
yard career, is regarded as one of the greatest brood mares
of the breed. Darnley was born in 1872, and purchased
as a three-year-old by David Riddell, the owner of Prince
of Wales. Darnley was successful in the show ring and
famous asasire. While Prince of Wales was a great sire
of sires, Darnley was noted as a sire of dams, and both
did much to improve the Clydesdale breed. Darnley’s
most famous sons were MacGregor (1487), Flashwood
(3604), and Top Gallant (1850). MacGregor’s sons did
much to improve the Clydesdales of the United States
and Canada.

Baron’s Pride (9122).—This horse was sired by Sir
Everard (5353), by Top Gallant (1850), and out of Forest
Mollie (4740), by Pretender (599). He was born in 1890,
and is described as brown in color with white stripe on
face and white feet. Though criticized as being narrow
in the chest and feminine in appearance, yet he is the most
famous sire of the present time, and his 225 get, re-
corded in the Scotch Clydesdale Stud Book, is approx-
imately twice as many as credited to any other sire. His
noted son, Baron of Buchlyvie (11263), out of Young
Maybloom (12603), by Knight Errant (4483), stands
second in the list of sires, with 110 get recorded to his
credit.

Baron of Buchlyvie was born in 1900 and sold as a
three-year-old for an equivalent of $3,750, and in 1911 he
was sold at Ayr, Scotland, for $47,500, the highest price
ever paid for a horse of draft breeding. Benedict
(10315), another son of Baron’s pride, was a noted show
animal in Scotland, and was imported to Fort Wayne,
Indiana, in 1900, where he stood at the head of the Brook-
side Farm stud until 1904, when he was returned to Scot-
land. The greatest breeders and owners of Clydesdale
draft horses are A. and W. Montgomery of Netherhall
and Bank, Kirkcudbright, Scotland.
THE CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE 193

The Clydesdale draft horse in America.—The first im-
portations were probably taken to Canada, because of the
love of the Scotch settlers for their favorite breed. In
1842 Archibald Ward of Markham, Ontario,imported Grey

Clyde (78); in 1842 R. Johnson of Scarborough, Ontario,
imported Sovereign (181) ; in 1850 David Roundtree, Jr.,
of Weston, Ontario, imported Cumberland (106); in
1851 John Wilson of Oshawa, Ontario, imported George
Buchanan (182); and in 1854 William Cochrane of
Claremont, Ontario, imported Bay Wallace (5).

. It was not un-
til the early
seventies that
Clydesdales be-
gan to appear in
the United .
States, when ;
they were in-
troduced from
Canada and di-
rect from Scot-
land. The largest
importations
were made in
the eighties and
early nineties, when many thousands of both sexes were
brought to America and widely distributed. The more
prominent of the early importers were: Powell Brothers,
Springboro, Pennsylvania; Robert Holloway, Alexis,
Illinois; N. P. Clarke, St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Brook-
side Farm, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Famous American Clydesdale sires——While the list of
sires that has contributed to the improvement of this
breed in our country is very long, yet the following table
contains a few of the more notahle ones,-the date of birth,
date of importation, and the sire and dam:

 

 

Fic. 104.—-CLYDESDALE Mare “NuNnaAs NuMICB”
i94, MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

 

 

 

Date | Date
of of
Name birth | im- Sire Dam
por-
tation
Donald Dinnie (273) 1869 | 1873 | Glancer (339) Jess, by Prince
Albert (1257)
Cedric (929) 1875 | 1881 | Prince of Wales (487)| Knockdon Maggie,
by Ivanhoe (91)
Glencoe (158) 1877 | 1881 | Prince of Wales (487) PS (Clyde
mare
Lord Lyriedoch (4113) 1884 Lord Bantyne (2243) | Jess ct Torrorie
(452
Mac Queen (3513) 1885 | 1886 | MacGregor (1487) Bet pi Dellemac
(5506
Lyndoch Chief (5642) 1889 | 1890 | Lord Lyriedoch (4113) suai Bloembull
80)

Young Mac Queen (8033)| 1894 Mac Queen (3513) Be of Lyons
j 3511
Laminated Steel (8700) 1896 Cedric 929 Princess of Craich-

more III (5601)
Benedict (9300) 1896 | 1899 | Baron's Pride (9122) | Mary MacGregor
(12864)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Famous show animals.—In recent years the exhibits of
Clydesdale draft horses at the various fairs and horse
shows have attracted favorable comment, and the follow-
ing table gives a few of the more noted prize-winning
stallions and mares at the International Live Stock Ex-
hibition, Chicago:

 

 

 

Stallions Mares
Flisk Prince, by Marmion Princess Fortune, by Criterion
Mikado, by Marcellus Purple Heather, by Baron Hood
King Norman, by Mucius Lady Lustrious, by Borgue Chief
Baron Chapmanton, by Baron's Pride Lady Effie, by McAra
Gartley Pride, by Baron's Pride Pearl of Fairfield, by Netherlia
Dinwoodie Star, by Pacific Harviestown Baroness, by Baron's Pride
Lord Gleniffer, by Sir Ronald Lady Carruchan, by Gallant-Carruchan

 

 

 

Description of the Clydesdale draft horse——The best
type of Clydesdale calls for all the characteristics of a
model draft horse. Perhaps the general appearance is
not so massive as the Percheron, though the weights are
approximately cqual, the stallions averaging 1,700 to
2,000 pounds and the mares 1,500 to 1,800 pounds. In
height the stallions average about 16.2 hands and the
THE CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE 195

mares one to two inches less, although occasionally
animals of this breed are observed that will stand over 17
hands in height. The preferred color and markings are
bay or brown, with a white star or blaze on the fore-
head or face, and with white legs up to the knees and
hocks. Other colors are found, particularly blacks, grays
and chestnuts. Gray is unpopular, however, and chest-
nut indicates English Shire blood.

The head is large with nose often slightly arched; the
nostrils wide and open; the eyes bright, clear and full of
vigor, yet mild; the forehead, full between the eyes, but
tapering upward; and the ears of fair length and active,
indicative of good disposition. The neck is of medium
length and massive, slightly arched in the stallion, and
also in the mare when she becomes old or in high condi-
tion. The shoulders are somewhat oblique, accompanied
by high withers, thus providing conditions favorable to
a free, easy and long stride.

The back is straight and broad with the ribs well sprung.
Formerly shortness in the rear ribs was a common defect
in the Clydesdale, making him too light in the belly and
leggy in appearance, although in recent years much atten-
tion has been given to increasing the depth of the body by
adding to the length of the rear ribs with a corre-
sponding lessening of the criticism. The croup is muscu-
lar with tail well set, and the quarters especially well de-
veloped. The thighs are rounded and muscular. The set
of the knees and hocks is one of the strong points of the
breed. The hock is free from coarseness, suggestive of
disease, with the hollows well formed. The cannons are
short and flat with plenty of substance and the sinews at
the back of the legs are strong and well defined. The fet-
locks are large and strong and the pasterns fairly sloping.

The feet are large and occasionally too thin and flat at
the heels. White feet, though common, are objection-
able, being frequently, though not invariably, softer than
the dark colors. They are now so prevalent among the.
196 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

best horses that some authorities go so far as to say that
a white foot and sock are essential in the pure Clydes-
dale, although there seems to be well-supported objec-
tion to both white feet and legs in southern climates
where the white surface is liable to burn and blister in
the sun so that the parts become swollen and painful,
particularly when the horses have access to water in
which they can wet the white places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 105.—CLYDESDALE STALLION “PRIDE OF DRUMLANDRIG”

The backs of the cannons support a growth of long
hair known as the “feather.” In horses of best quality
the hair springs from the edge of the cannon and is fine,
silky and long. The statement is often made that a
proper feather protects the coronet and back part of the
pastern from filth and mud, and, consequently, is a pre-
ventive of scratches. At any rate, the feather when
fine indicates that the other tissues, such as the bone,
THE CLYDESDALE DRAFT HORSE 197

skin and hair, are also of fine texture. On the other
hand, when the feather is wiry and coarse, and curly, it
denotes a leg that is predisposed to grease heel and
scratches.

The Scottish breeders have given much consideration
to the action, and as a result the Clydesdale draft horse
is particularly noted for his free and snappy knee and
hock action. It is stated that he surpasses all other
breeds of draft horses in length of stride, and straight-
ness and sprightliness of movement, and in the ability
to keep the hock together with mechanical accuracy of
motion, whether walking or trotting.

Criticisms of the Clydesdale-——Horsemen often criticize
this and other “feathered” breeds because of the hairy legs
which are often difficult to keep clean, dry and free from
disease, particularly when the horses are obliged to work
on dirt roads or under conditions in which dampness and
mud are prevalent in the cooler months of the year. The
tendency to straightness in the pastern is also often ob-
jectionable as is also the shortness of the rear ribs,
which gives the body a rangy appearance and adds length
to the legs.

Uses of the Clydesdale draft horse.—This breed is es-
sentially a draft one, the free, straight, rapid gait and
strong, heavy frame, giving it high rank among draft
breeds. In addition, Clydesdale stallions are useful in
crossing on common mares, the resulting offspring being
excellent for farm and city work. The standing of
Clydesdale grades is indicated by the $3,200 paid for
four draft geldings a few years ago on the Chicago horse
market. They are of good disposition and active, though
often lacking weight, which emphasizes the absolute
necessity of using only such stallions for crossing as have
plenty of middle as well as quality and bone.

Distribution of the Clydesdale draft horse—The
adaptability of this breed has led to a wide distribution,
perhaps greater than that of any other draft breed.
198 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Besides the English-speaking countries of the United
States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the breed
has been largely imported to the Argentine Republic, Cape
Colony, Sweden, Russia and Germany. In America, the
Clydesdale has been most prominent in Canada, where
the good effects in grading up farm mares to produce
drafters serviceable for farm and city work may be seen
in all the large cities. In the United States the breed
has found most favor in the north central states.

Organizations and records——In 1877 the American
Clydesdale Horse Association was formed and a stud
book established in which, at the present time, are re-
corded approximately 20,000 animals. The Scottish
Clydesdale Horse Society was organized in 1878 and a
stud book established of which, in 1912, there are 33
volumes recording approximately 27,500 mares and
16,000 stallions.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE SHIRE DRAFT HORSE

Although enjoying the same advantage as the Clydes-
dale, so far as the influence of the English-speaking peo-
ple is concerned, the Shire draft horse has not met with
the same degree of public favor here in America as that
accorded the Clydesdale.

The native home of the Shire draft horse.—This breed
was largely developed in the lowlands of east central
England, particularly in the district between the Humber
and the Cam rivers occupying the rich lands of Lincoln
and Cambridgeshire and extending westward through the
counties or shires of Huntingdon, Northampton, Leices-
ter, Nottingham, Derby, Warwick and Stafford, on to the
river Severn. The climate, soil and habits of the people
all contributed to the development of horses of size and
substance. During its past history the Shire or its proto-
type has been known in England as the Great Horse,
War Horse, Cart Horse, Old English Black Horse, Giant
Leicestershire, Strong Horse, and, lastly, Shire horse.

The origin of the Shire draft horse-—Exact data as to
the early origin is speculative, although the Shire is con-
sidered to be a descendant of the old War Horse of Great
Britain. It is stated of Caesar that when he invaded the
British Islands he was impressed with the excellency of
the horses that were attached to the war chariots of the
Britons. In early times, heavy active horses, being in
great demand for war purposes, led to the importation
of heavy horses from Flanders and Normandy. It is
recorded that large importations of heavy black horses
were made from Flanders, Holland and Germany as early
as the eleventh century. Sir Walter Gilbey, referring
to the paintings of Paul Potter, who died in 1654, states

199
200 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

that the strains of North German and Flanders blood
were so strongly represented in our English horses of the
best stamp that we need not inquire whether this horse
was of German, Flemish or English origin, the character
of all being practically the same. From this it would
seem that the early Shire was of very mixed breeding.
In the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547) special atten-
tion was directed to the breeding of strong horses. Laws
were enacted to promote increased size and strength,

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 106.—SHIRE STALLION “BLETCHLEY ROYAL DUKE”

and mares: and stallions were only allowed to breed
under certain restrictions. At the time this was thought
necessary because of the heavy armor used by man and
horse. It is stated that man’s armor weighed approx-
imately 100 pounds, the horse’s 80 pounds and the spear
20 pounds, totaling 200 pounds, approximately. Adding
to this the weight of a man, the war horse was obliged to
support nearly 400 pounds.
THE SHIRE DRAFT HORSE 201

Robert Bakewell improved the Shire draft horse.—
Bakewell, often termed the father of improved live stock
husbandry, because of his methods of breeding, was born
in 1726, at Dishley Hall, near Loughborough, in Leices-
tershire, and died in 1795. He was one of the earliest
important improvers of the Shire draft horse, though it
was then known as the Leicestershire Cart Horse. His
belief that the familiar maxim, “Like begets like,” was not
limited to a general similarity of the offspring and the
parent, but extended to the minutest details of the or-
ganization, led him to adopt for his guidance a definite
standard of excellence representing the form and internal
qualities that were best adapted to the highest develop-
ment of the horse for a specific purpose. Thus, Marshall,
who lived in Bakewell’s time, stated that he kept four
points in view—the breed, the utility of form, the quality,
and a propensity to fleshen, the three latter depending
on the first.

From Holland Bakewell imported large mares and
used them in systematic crossing with English stallions.
A well-trained eye enabled him to detect the slightest
variations from the standard and a good judgment, which
was not biased by non-essential conditions or fanciful
theories, enabled him to mate his animals so as to add
materially to the value of the breed. Descendants of his
noted stallion, Bakewell’s Gee, through a grandson, Durn-
ing’s Gee, of Stanley Gate, were well known in the
vicinity of Liverpool for fully three-quarters of a century.
The use of armor having become obsolete, on account of
the invention of gunpowder, much attention was given
to breeding horses for draft and farming purposes. With
the improvement of the public roads and the use of
coaches the draft horse came into special demand and
improvement was stimulated by the liberal awarding of
prizes at horse shows.

Early types of the Shire draft horse—In the first
202 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

volume of the English Cart Horse Stud Book three types
of Shires are mentioned.

First. Horses having the upper lip garnished with a
long, thick mustache, considered at one time a dis-
tinguishing characteristic of the Lincolnshire horse. The
color of the mustache was always black, white or a mix-
ture of the two, and invariably corresponded with the
hue of the skin from which it sprang.

Second. Horses having the lips, muzzle and eyelids
destitute of ‘hair. The skin in these places, being either

bald or covered with
exceeding fine down, is
almost invariably flesh
colored, and is some-
times marked with
small dark spots and
blotches. This gave
rise to the terms “bald
horses” and “bald-
faced horses.”

Third. Horses hav-
ing a long tuft of hair
growing from the front
of each knee, and rarer
examples also having a Fic, 107.—Suire STALLION “NaRDEN LAD”
similar growth from
the hind part of the hock, just below its joint. This is
very much different from the ordinary hair on the back of
the cannons and appears independent of sexual influence.
‘This type was more frequently observed in Wales than
in England.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The early Shire of the various types were large, coarse
and slow. ‘Their heads were large, ears coarse, and their
lips thick; their shoulders were heavy, legs hairy and
pasterns straight, and their feet were large, heels weak
and the hoof of somewhat soft and spongy texture. The
THE SHIRE DRAFT HORSE 203

rear ribs lacked depth and were so placed as to give
the body an appearance of undue length and lightness.

Famous Shire sires—Among the many notable stallions
that have aided materially in the perfecting of the Shire
draft horse may be mentioned Packington Blind Horse,
Honest Tom, Prince William, and others.

Packington Blind Horse——The village of Packington
has the credit of possessing one of the oldest draft
stallions of which we have record. This horse dédes not
appear to have been recognized by any distinctive name,
but is generally alluded to as the “Packington Blind
Horse.” It is assumed that he was in the vigor of life
some time between the years 1755 and 1770, also that his
color was black with white markings. His chief
descendants, of which we have record, were bred and
owned by Oldacre of Peatland Lodge, Leicestershire.

Honest Tom (1105).—This horse was sired by Thumper
(2123), and out of Beauty, a noted winner of many prizes
in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk and second prize brood
mare at the Royal Show at Wolverhampton in 1871.
Honest Tom was a bay, born in 1865, and owned for
many years by T. H. Miller of Singleton Park, Lan-
cashire, England. He won first prize each year from
1867 to 1872, at the Royal Agricultural Society shows of
England, as well as at numerous others. Many of his
descendants also proved noteworthy show animals.

Prince William (3956).—This horse was sired by
William the Conqueror (2343), a very famous show
animal, and out of Lockington Beauty, by Champion
(457). He was born in 1883, and for twenty years stood
at the head of Lord Wantage’s stud, where he was very
successful. In 1894, 52 of his offspring sold at an aver-
age of $600. Prince William died in 1905, at the age of
22 years.

Other famous sires.—While the list of notable Shire
sires that have contributed to the improvement of this
breed is very long, the following table contains a few of
204 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING 0" « ORSES

the more notable ones,.the date of birth and the sire and
dam:

 

 

 

Date
Name of Sire Dam
birth
Honest Tom (1062) 1806 | John Bull (Fisher's) Dam, by Robin Hood
John Bull (1169) 1839 | John Bull (1160) Dam, by Honest Tom
William the Conqueror | 1862 | Leicestershire Dam, by William the Con-
(2343) (Domber’s) queror (2340)
Champion (440) 1867 | Champion (413) vee Champion
Nonpariel (1652) 1868 | AI (1) Matchless
ae Lad II 1872 | Lincolnshire Lad (1196) | Madam
136
Bar None (2388) 1877 | Lincoln (1348) Tae Great Britain
Premier (2646) 1880 | What’s Wanted (2332) | Star, by Drayman (640)
Harold 3703 1881 isonet Lad II Dam, by Champion (419)
1365
ee oo 1883 | William the Conqueror ena by Honest Prince
4458 2343 1
Bury Chief Victor 1889 | Prince ae (S287) Bury Daisy, by Chatteris
(11105) Le Bon (3023)
Dunsmore Jameson 1898 | Moors Zealot (15731) Moors ee by Regent
(17972) IL (6316)
Lockinge Forest King 1899 | Lockinge Manners The Forest Queen, b
(18867) (16780) Royal Albert (1885)

 

 

 

 

 

The Shire draft horse in America——No doubt Shire
horses very early found their way to America, although
the first authentic account is that of Tamworth, intro-
duced from England to London, Ontario, in 1836, by the
British troops, and described as a heavy artillery horse.
Another, named King Alfred, is mentioned as imported
in 1847, The first importations to reach the United
States were in 1853, when Strickland introduced a Shire
stallion from England to Aurora, Illinois, where he was
known as John Bull. A few years later another stallion
by the same name was imported to Bristol, Kendall
county, Illinois. A man named Slyke owned another
called Sampson, which traveled along the Fox River,
in northern Illinois, and became very popular as a sire.
The descendants of these stallions attracted favorable
comment, and sold at high prices for breeding purposes.

In the first volume of the American Shire Horse Stud
' "THE SHIRE DRAFT HORSE 205

Book, George E. Brown, a prominent Shire breeder at
Aurora, states that as far back as he has been able to
learn the earliest advertisement of Shires by any im-
porter in western agricultural papers was in 1875. Up
to this time little progress had been made, but during the
eighties much improvement was obtained, although the
progress of the Shire in America has not been as rapid
as might be expected, considering the merits of the
breed. Among the more noted of the earlier importers
were: Burgess Brothers of Wenona, and George E.
Brown of Aurora, Illinois; W. M. Fields & Brother of
Cedar Falls, Iowa; Galbraith Brothers of Janesville, Wis-
consin; Bell Brothers of Wooster, Ohio; and Powell
Brothers of Springboro, Pennsylvania.

Famous show animals.—At many of the leading agri-
cultural and horse shows the exhibits of Shires have
attracted favorable comment. The following table gives
a few of the more noted prize-winning stallions and mares
at the International Live Stock Exhibition, Chicago:

 

 

 

Stallions Mares
Royal Grey, by Kingsway Coldham Surprise, by Normoor States-
Sonne Castle, by Castle-Bronwick Coldham Charm, by Artillery
Dan Patch, by Wellingborough Shelford Pride, by Childwick Majestic
Farmers Grey, by Lake Lancer Prospect Fair Alice, by Nailston Coeur de
Moulton Sergeant Wevdeland’s Sunshine, by Bury Blood
Lockinge Hengist, by Lockinge Forester wWalliagete Sunbeam 3d, by Phenomenon

 

 

 

Description of the Shire draft horse——In general char-
acteristics this breed is similar to the Clydesdale, being
perhaps a little shorter in the legs and slightly larger.
This is the largest English draft breed, stallions weigh-
ing 1,800 to 2,000 pounds being of comparatively common
occurrence. The height averages from 16.2 to 17 hands
for stallions, with mares two inches less. The common
colors are bay, brown or black, with white markings on the
200 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

face and on the legs below the knees and hocks. Other
colors are occasionally observed, though uncommon.
The head is large with a tendency to a Roman face, and
often lacking width between the eyes. The neck is short,
well crested and muscular. The shoulders are likely to
be too straight, making the action in front short and
stilted, although this conformation is considered advan-
tageous for draft. The body of the Shire is larger and
deeper than that of the Clydesdale, with a stronger and
more powerful appearing loin. The quarters are full and
heavily muscled. The legs above the knees and hocks
are well muscled and powerful, while the joints are large

 

 

 

 

a ie i. ae

FIG. 108.—SHIRE STALLION “LOCKINGE HINGIST”
THE SHIRE DRAFT HORSE 207

and strong. The cannons are fairly full, the pasterns
inclined to be straight and the feet large, with rather flat
heels. The backs of the cannons support a long growth
of hair, as in the Clydesdales, which should be long, fine
and flowing, as this indicates quality.

Criticisms of the Shire-——As in the Clydesdale, the
hairy legs are much criticized, particularly in America.
The rather straight shoulders and straight, short pas-
terns result in lack of action. The feet are often too flat,
with heels too low. Owing to the weight, criticism is
often passed on the lack of quality and the sluggish tem-
perament.

Uses of the Shire draft horse.—This breed is useful for
heavy draft and for crossing on native common mares, in
which capacity it is an important factor in improving our
horse stock for draft purposes. This is attested by the
high prices obtained for Shire grades upon our horse
markets. In 1904 a Shire gelding, weighing 2,210
pounds, sold for $865, which, at that time, was the highest
price reported. ©

Distribution of the Shire draft horse——This breed en-
joys great popularity in England, where it is first among
draft horses. From England it has spread into most
other English-speaking countries and to Europe and
South America; particularly to Germany and Argentine
Republic. In America it is most popular in the north
central states, especially in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

Organizations and records.—The English Cart Horse
Society was organized in 1878 and a stud book estab-
lished. In 1884 the name of the society was changed to
the Shire Horse Society, which at present has a large and
influential membership. Thirty odd volumes of the stud
book have appeared, recording many thousands of
animals. In 1885 the American Shire Association was
organized and a stud book established, of which eight
volumes have been published containing a total of 12,850
pedigrees.
CHAPTER XIX
THE BELGIAN DRAFT HORSE

While but recently introduced to America, the Belgian
draft horse is very popular, especially where massive
drafters are demanded. At the present time, possibly,
this breed ranks next to the Percheron and Standardbred
in public favor (p. 434).

The native home of the Belgian draft horse——As the
name indicates, this breed is a native of Belgium.
Though a small country, Belgium has a reputation as the
home of draft horses extending back through several cen-
turies. The soil and the climate, as well as the habits of
the people, provide ideal conditions for the development
of large horses. The Belgian people are passionately
fond of horse breeding, although the farms are small and,
consequently, the breeding of horses is carried on in small
holdings and on a limited scale.

The origin of the Belgian draft horse-——As with many
of the other breeds of horses, the real origin is obscure. It
is stated that as early as the time of Cesar, and even be-
fore, the Belgian people were great judges of horses and
willing to pay high prices for superior animals. For
many centuries the horses of Belgium have been in great
demand, and it is stated that the greater part of the
Roman cavalry consisted of Belgian horses. Certain it
is that up to about the sixteenth century horse breeding
was a very important industry in Belgium, but with the
invention and general use of gunpowder, it seems that
the horse was largely relegated to agricultural pursuits.

In the early history of the Belgian draft horse no par-
ticular animals appear to have been prominent, nor has
any breeder of outstanding influence appeared. Unlike
most of the other breeds of horses, the Belgian has been

208
THE BELGIAN DRAFT HORSE 209

almost entirely the product of its environment. Further,
many, if not all, the draft breeds of Great Britain and
France were greatly improved during their formative
period by the use of the heavy Flemish horse, the early
progenitor of the Belgian. While this country has long
been famous for its ponderous horses, yet modern
horse breeding, in its greatest activity, is comparatively
recent.

Early types of Belgian horses.—In the early develop-
ment of the breed, with each district trying to produce
the highest type of draft horse, several types, more or
less distinct, sprang into existence. Thus we find refer-

 

 

 

 

 

FIG, 109.—BELGIAN STALLION “MELON”

ence to the Flanders horse, the Brabancon horse, the
horse of Hageland, the horse of Hesbaye, the horse of
Hainaut, the horse of Condroz and the horse of Ardennais.
These types have very largely disappeared, although in
western Flanders horses having the characteristics of the
Frisonne-Flemish are sometimes found, but they are be-
coming more and more rare.

The Belgian methods for improving the horse—In
1850 interest in horse breeding was greatly stimulated
210 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

by the establishment of a government breeding stud at
Tervueren. Since that date the government has given
special attention to the improvement of draft horses. The
sum of about 400,000 francs ($75,000) is annually ex-
pended in behalf of this work. Much of this money is
awarded as prizes at horse shows, which are controlled
by provincial regulations and which occur in about 50
different places. Foals, mares and stallions are each
recognized, and an idea of the extent and influence may
be gained by a brief review of the stallion regulations.

At each show a first and second prize is awarded to both
three-year-old and aged stallions, which includes all
stallions four years old and over. In the three-year-old
class the first prize is 400 francs and the second 300
francs, while in the aged class the first is 550 francs and
the second 400 francs. Further, the examining committee
may award a maintenance bounty of 700 francs to an aged
stallion that has won a first prize at a previous annual
show. A similar prize of 500 francs may be awarded to
an aged stallion that has won second place for two years.
The committee may nominate exceptional stallions that
have won bounty prizes, to compete for a grand prize of
6,000 francs, payable annually by fifths, so long as the
animals remain approved. At the end of the five years
the owner of such a stallion, if remaining approved, may
draw an annual bounty of from 600 to 800 francs.

In order to retain the best stallions in Belgium the regu-
lations provide that in case a stallion, which has received
the 6,000 francs bounty, is sold to leave the country, the

fifths already received by the owner must be returned ,...

to the state treasury. In addition to all this there are
other extra prizes that may be awarded to stallions that
win a first or a second prize as well as to stallions of sub-
ordinate rank. Bounties for maintenance may also be
awarded to the owners of the best mares in order to retain
them in the country.
THE BELGIAN DRAFT HORSE 2i1

The draft horse shows of Belgium are very notable
events, because of the large amount of prize money
awarded the horses exhibited. The annual June show at
Brussels is by far the largest exhibit of one breed made
in Europe. The number of entries often runs well up
toward 1,000, with hundreds of stables represented from
all parts of Belgium, although the provinces of Liege,
Namur, Brabant and Hainaut contribute the more famous
horses. In addition to the annual show at Brussels many
agricultural associations also hold fairs in Belgium, at
which local horses are exhibited. These serve to stimulate
interest among the small owners.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 110.—BELGIAN STALLION “LEOPARD”

The Belgian draft horse in America——The first au-
thentic importation of horses from Belgium to America
was in 1866 when A. G. Van Hoorebeke introduced them
to Monmouth, Illinois. These horses were designated as
Boulonnais at first, but a few years later were given the
correct name of Belgians. There were but few importa-
212 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF: HORSES

tions until the eighties, when they were brought over in
large numbers. The following are among the more noted
early importers: The Wabash Importing company of
Wabash, Indiana; D. P. Stubbs & Sons of Fairfield, Iowa;
Nicholas Massion of Mintonk, Illinois. The following
names are the more common among the recent importers:
A. B. Holbert of Greeley, and Lefebure & Sons of Fair-
fax, Iowa; J. Crouch & Son of Lafayette, Indiana; Mc-
Laughlin Bros. of Columbus, Ohio; Dunhams of Wayne,
Illinois; and H. A. Briggs of Wisconsin.

While many stallions have been brought over only a
few mares have been imported. In the past this may
have been due, in part at least, to the fact that there was
not the demand for Belgians to encourage importing and
breeding, as the trade was better satisfied with the Per-
cherons and some of the English draft breeds, although
at present this condition cannot be said to exist. Another
factor that is serving to keep the Belgian mares at home is
the high price asked for them in Belgium.

Growing popularity of the Belgian.—In the past decade
this breed has received very favorable comment among
breeders and consumers of heavy draft horses. This is
forcibly illustrated by the high prices obtained in the
horse market for Belgian grades as well as by the many
attractive exhibits shown at the various fairs and horse
shows. This growing popularity is due to the size,
strength and endurance as well as to the action possessed
by Belgians of quality. The conformation and color are
attractive, the legs clean and free from long hairs, which
adds to the popularity.

Famous show animals.—Since the World’s Fair at St.
Louis in 1904, the Belgians, particularly the stallions,
have made a strong public impression at the show ring.
While the list of prize winners is very long, the following
table contains a few of the more important stallions and
mares that have won at the International Live Stock Ex-
position, Chicago:
THE BELGIAN DRAFT HORSE 213

 

 

Stallions

Mares

 

Mon Gros, by Champetre de Labian
M-dor-de-B-C, by Bacchus

Bonaparte de Boulant, by Reve d’Or
Chauteur, by Ideal du Fosteau
Richelieu, by Apollon

Coco, by Coquet i
Cyclone, by Marquis de Klenyem

 

Betsy de Voorde, by Volcan de Cortie

Lucie de Ostende by Bienfoit de Ron-
quieres

Catherina, by Nickle

Soupette, by Parfait de Mar

Diana du Kat, by Grand Duc du Fosteau

Margarine, by Duc de Chenay

Eliza, by Avenir de Bruges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 111—BELGIAN MARE “BELLA”

Description of the Belgian draft horse——This breed is
one of the most compact in form of any of the draft breeds
in America, possessing a maximum of weight within a

given space.

The weight and height are variable,

stallions from Flanders weighing about 2,000 pounds and
averaging 16.2 to 17 hands high; stallions from Brabant
weighing about 1,600 pounds and averaging 15.3 to 16.3
hands high; while stallions from Ardennais weigh only
about 1,200 to 1,500 pounds and average 15 to 15.3
hands high. The common color is chestnut, although
2I4 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

bay, brown and roan are frequently found. Grays are
not in favor and not often found. The Belgian is much
praised for his superior temperament. This kind dis-
position is due, in part at least, to the fact that the breed
has been developed on small farms, so that the horses
were in close relationship. with the everyday life of the
people.

The head is of good size, face straight, nostrils large,
but eyes rather small and not very prominent. The ears
are small, set wide apart and generally well carried. The
neck is short, very thick and well crested. The shoulders
are upright, strong and heavily: muscled. The chest is
deep and wide, giving a very large girth. The ribs are
long, well sprung and closely coupled at the loin, giving
a better body than is found in any other breed of draft
horses.

The back is short and very broad, but is often in-
clined to sway more than is desired. The rump is
short, very wide and muscular, but is inclined to be steep
with the tail attached low, although well carried. In
fact the head, neck and rump suggest the French breeds
in general appearance. The quarters and thighs are
heavily muscled. The hocks are rounded, lacking defini-
tion, and the legs, though short and devoid of long hair,
are rather thick, and the tendons and bones lack defini-
tion. The pasterns are often rather short and straight,
which, in connection with hoofs inclined to be straight,
give a rather short and stilted action, although good
action is claimed for the better specimens.

Criticisms of the Belgian.American breeders state that
the conformation and quality of the legs are not all that
could be expected. Often the bones of the legs lack suf-
ficient substance to support the body weight and with-
stand the severest of labor. It is also stated that the
rather straight pasterns and feet often predispose the
lower legs to disease, which is aggravated all the more
by narrow and high heels. Frequently the hocks do not
THE BELGIAN DRAFT HORSE 215

show as great depth and strength as is desirable. Among
a few breeders the back is often criticized for a slight
tendency to sag, giving a sway-back appearance.

Uses of the Belgian draft horse.—The short, stocky legs
and low-set, blocky body make this breed very useful for
slow, heavy hauling over city streets, thus it ranks high
for heavy draft over smooth roads. The Belgian draft
horse is especially adapted for crossing on common mares,
lacking in weight and
substance for the pro-
duction of heavy
draft horses. This
cross is particularly
successful when grade
Clydesdale mares are
used, as it gives an
increased depth of
body with a corre-
sponding shortening of
the legs, and a general
massiveness of form
not easily secured by
the use of any other Fic, 112—Be.cian Mare “GAMINE”
breed of draft stal-
lions. Such animals command a fancy price in the horse
market.

Distribution of the Belgian draft horse——In recent
years this breed has enjoyed a widespread distribution
because of its desirability for the heaviest kind of work.
Large numbers have been taken to Germany,’ France,
Holland, Sweden, Austria and other European countries ;
to Argentine Republic and other South American coun-
tries as well as to both the United States and Canada.
In the United States, the Belgian has been longest known,
and the largest number are found in Iowa, Illinois, In-
diana and Ohio, although in recent years it has been
distributed wherever heavy draft horses are needed,

 

 

 

 

 
216 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Organizations and records.—In 1886 the National Draft
Horse Society of Belgium (Le Cheval de Trait Belge)
was founded and a stud book established. This society
is very aggressive, having a very large membership. It
receives an annual grant of 30,000 francs ($5,000) from
the government to promote horse breeding. Up to 1909
the stud book consisted of 17 volumes, recording 52,134
stallions and 66,633 mares. In 1887 the American Asso-
ciation of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft
Horses was organized and a stud book established.
While this association has worked in complete harmony
with the one in Belgium, it has not been nearly so effec-
tive. In 1911 three volumes of the stud book had been
published recording 4,700 stallions and 1,440 mares.
CHAPTER XX
THE SUFFOLK DRAFT HORSE

Of the six major breeds of draft horses in America, the
Suffolk was the last to be introduced, and is, perhaps, the
least known, although the breed as such is one of the
oldest of the draft type.

The native home of the Suffolk draft horse.—This
breed was largely developed in the eastern part of Eng-
land, especially in Suffolk county, which has long been

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 113.—SUFFOLK STALLION

noted for the general excellence of its heavy horses.
This county comprises about 1,500 square miles. The
soil is fertile, providing nutritious pastures and suitable
for the development of heavy horses. Another important
factor is the habits of the people, who possess a natural
love for the breeding of horses, a characteristic of all
Britons.
217
218 MANAGEMENT, AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The early origin of the Suffolk draft horse—While
exact authentic data is wanting, it is believed that, in
purity of blood this breed surpasses any other breed in
Great Britain. As early as 1700 much attention was
given to improving the native horses of Suffolk and Essex
counties by better care and management. For almost a
century there is no reliable data of the introduction of
foreign blood. While it is sometimes stated that horses
from Normandy played an important part in the forma-
tion of the breed, no positive information exists on this
point, and the evidence indicates that there was little or
no admixture of outside blood until well toward the close
of the eighteenth century.

Crisp’s Horse of Ufford (404), the Suffolk foundation.
—All pedigrees of the breed that are recorded in the stud
book of either England or America trace to the Crisp
Horse (404). He was owned by T. Crisp of Ufford,
Sussex; was born in 1768, and by an unknown sire. He
stood 15.2 hands high, was of a light chestnut color and
active. The Crisp Horse proved a remarkable breeder,
as is shown by a tabulation in the first volume of the
Suffolk Horse Stud Book, which includes over 700 of his
descendants in 15 generations, the first five of which cover
a period of almost thirty years and brings the horses to
the starting point of the pedigrees of Suffolk horses, as
recorded in the stud book, though little is known of the
dams previous to this time. The Crisp Horse is the sire
of five recorded offspring, but his line is represented
through Glud’s Horse (587), born about 1775 and died at
Laxfield in 1783. He stood about 16 hands high, of a
beautiful chestnut color and was well boned and free from
blemishes.

Smith’s Horse (1110), born in 1799, and a great
grandson of Glud’s Horse (587), is the next most noted
animal in the Crisp Horse’s descent and the one through
which all of our present-day Suffolks trace. He is
described as a choice specimen of the breed in his day,
THE SUFFOLK DRAFT HORSE 219

and was the sire of two famous stallions, Brady’s Briton
(198), born in 1809, and Julian’s Old Boxer (755), born
in 1805. From this point the descendants of the Crisp
Horse become very numerous. Mention should be made,
however, of Crisp’s Cupbearer (416), as he is the sire of
39 of the more than 7oo descendants of the Crisp Horse
tabulated in Volume I of the stud book. He was born
in 1864, of a dark
chestnut color,
and is described
as a large horse
with a grand fore
end, great depth
of girth, and
splendid muscular
shoulders, but
plain behind. He
and his sons were
famous show ani-
mals in their day.

Foreign tribes
introduced.—That
foreign blood was
introduced to Suffolk county to improve the native horse
stock is now well known. This introduction, however,
did not take place until nearly a century after the early
origin of the Suffolk breed. There were, at least, three
tribes introduced; namely, the Blake tribe, the Wright
tribe, and the Shadingfield tribe.

The Blake tribe—This tribe had its origin in a horse
named Blake’s Farmer (174), born about 1760, and in-
troduced from Lincolnshire to Suffolk in 1764, by a man
from whom the horse takes his name. Nothing is known
of this animal’s ancestors, as it is thought the advertised
pedigree, given him when imported, was incorrect. He
is described as a trotting stallion and chestnut in color.
His noted son, Blake’s Everett (173), was born in 1778,

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 114.—SuFFOLK MARE
220 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

who in turn sired Blake’s Old Briton (171), perhaps
most noted sire of the Blake tribe. He was born in 1784,
and is described as standing 16 hands high, remarkably
short legged, full of bone, and chestnut in color. His
noted son, Blake’s Young Briton (172), born in 1796, sired
Spink’s Suffolk Farmer (1127), born in 1802, both of
which were very notable sires. of the tribe.

The Wright tribe.—This tribe originated from a horse
introduced from Lincolnshire known as Wright’s Farm-
er’s Glory (1396), or the Attleboro horse. He was born
about 1796, though nothing is known of his parentage.
He is described as chestnut in color and not a trotting
horse, but having more size, and perhaps may have been
a half-bred Suffolk. He sired several notable sons, tht
most famous being Adam Hawes’ Farmer (674), born in
1803. This horse in turn sired Pattle’s Gye (939), born
in 1810, and who was the grandsire of Nunn’s Boxer
(913), perhaps the greatest sire of the Wright tribe.
This horse is described as red chestnut and very stylish,
though small.

The Shadingfield bide: —This tribe takes its early
origin from a horse named Barber’s Proctor (58), bo:
in 1793, and said to have been sired by a Thoroughbreu
He was bay in color and perhaps the greatest sire of the
Shadingfield tribe. In describing the animals of this
tribe the Suffolk Stud Book states they were thin in the
shoulder and light of bone below the hock, but were hard-
fleshed, wiry, active horses, with long, lean heads, and
that the mares of the tribe are more or less given to breed
back to their bay ancestors.

These tribes were all introduced to improve the breed,
and each was popular for a time, but they presented de-
ficiencies along with the desirable qualities. They all
were submerged into the Suffolk, as they could not over-
come the breed characteristics.

Modern Suffolk draft horse—The present-day perfec-
tion of this breed is due to the efforts of the farmers in
THE SUFFOLK DRAFT HORSE 221

_ afolk and vicinity generally. All introductions have
long since ceased, but those remarkable features of short
legs, rounded bodies and longevity, with vitality, are still
the well-known characteristics of the Suffolk horse.

The Suffolk draft horse in America—Although this
breed was first introduced to the United States in 1880
by Powell Brothers of Springboro, Pennsylvania, yet
progress has been slow, only a few having been imported.
In 1888 Galbraith Brothers of Janesville, Wisconsin, made
their first importation of stallions, and during the same
year Peter Hopley & Company of Lewis, Iowa, intro-
duced the first mares, and these parties have since been
the leading exponents of the breed in this country. A
‘ew scattering importations have been made from time
to time, the largest in 1903, when 41 were brought over.

During recent years the Suffolks have increased in
popularity somewhat, and at the present time there are
several breeders in this country the more important of
whom are Peter Hopley & Son of Lewis, Iowa; Samuel
Insull of Libertyville, Illinois; O. C. Barber of Barber-
ton, Ohio; C. A. Hamilton of Loveland, Colorado; and

Villiam Anson of Christoval, Texas.

Show animals.—In recent years there have been several
creditable exhibits of Suffolks at the various live stock
shows. At the 1911 International Live Stock Exposition
at Chicago the stallions Westside Chieftain, by Ormonde,
and Ashmoor Luther, by Rendlesham Captain Gray, as
well as the mares Sudbourne Ruby, by Golden Grain, and
Ruby, by Bowdsey Harvester, attracted favorable com-
ment.

Description of the Suffolk draft horse—This breed is
not so large as the other major draft breeds, the average
weight running from 1,600 to 2,000 pounds, and the aver-
age height 16 to 16.2 hands. In general type, however, it
is as low set, short legged, deep bodied and muscular as
any of the draft breeds, if, indeed, it does not excel all
others, with the possible exception of the Belgian. The
222 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

color is exceptionally uniform, and it is generally some
shade of chestnut, as the breeders have adhered almost
from the beginning to this color.

The head is of medium size, clean cut, with small ears,
full forehead and a nose that tends to Roman form, which
has been rather characteristic of the breed. The jaws are
strong, with cheeks deep and full. The neck is short and

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 115.—SUFFOLK STALLION

full. It is often arched, particularly in the case of
stallions, and sometimes joins the head a bit heavy or
thick, but at the shoulders, as a rule, it is well connected.
The shoulders are of good length and powerfully sup-
ported. The body of the Suffolk is one of its notable fea-
tures ; the chest is deep and wide; the ribs are well sprung
and deep, especially near the flank, giving a short-coupled
and compact barrel. This undoubtedly contributes to the
strength of the statement that the Suffolk is an easy
keeper and possessed of unusual endurance. The rump
if THE SUFFOLK DRAFT HORSE 223

is broad, the tail well set and the quarters deep and power-
fully muscled. The heavy muscing of the legs above the
knees and hocks is one of the special features of the breed.
The lower legs are devoid of long hair, and are clean cut
and cordy. The feet are of good size and in good in-
dividuals are dense and elastic.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 116.—SUFFOLK STALLION

The action is free and easy, notwithstanding the mas-
sive conformation, which, in connection with the some-
what lighter weight, easy keeping and docile disposition,
particularly adapts the Suffolk for farm work and for light
draft, where a certain amount of weight may be sacrificed
for activity and durability. Pulling contests at an early
time were common among Suffolk breeds and this, no
doubt, did much to improve the muscling, the general
quality and the action.
oe4, MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Criticisms of the Suffolk—The seeming lightness of
limb, compared with the depth and weight of body, as
well as fullness of the neck, has given the Suffolk the
appearance of lacking the proper proportion of such parts.
It is stated that one or two of the early strains were
troubled with weak or bent hocks, a criticism often heard
at the present time. Formerly it was stated that the feet
were flat and the hoofs brittle, and such remarks are
often passed at the present day.

Uses of the Suffolk draft horse——This breed ranks high
as a medium draft horse, because of its free action and
endurance. It finds its true place on the farm and at
rapid, rather light draft work. Its value in crossing has
not been fully tested, principally because of the few Suf-
folk stallions available, although it is stated that when
crossed on common mares the resulting offspring make
high-class animals for heavy farming and express-wagon
work.

Distribution of the Suffolk draft horse.—AIthough this
breed has not found favor in America it is extremely
widespread, having been exported to France, Germany,
Spain, Austria, Sweden and Russia in Europe; to South
Africa and the Nile region; to Australia; to New Zea-
land; and to Argentine Republic in South America. While
there are but few in America, they are scattered through-
out many states and Canada. The breeders report an in-
creasing interest in the breed.

Organizations and records—In 1877 the Suffolk Stud
Book Association was organized and the first volume of
the Suffolk Stud Book appeared in 1880, which, in addi-
tion to the pedigrees of some 2,500 animals, contains the
most authentic early history of the breed. In 1911, 17
volumes had appeared, containing the pedigrees of 3,744
stallions and 6,755 mares. A few years ago the American
Suffolk Horse Association was organized and a stud book
established, of which two volumes have appeared con-
taining the pedigrees of 622 animals.
CHAPTER XXI
PONIES

Formerly the dividing line between the horse and the
pony was vague and undefined, but in 1883 the Hackney
Horse Society of England designated all animals meas-
uring 14 hands or under as ponies, and registered them
in a separate part of the stud book. This height was
accepted as the standard by the leading horse show so-
cieties in England and America. Later the standard
height of polo ponies was increased to 14.2 hands, and in
1905 the American Hackney Society increased the height
of Hackney ponies to 14 hands and 1 inch.

The Shetland pony.—Because of its intelligence and
docile disposition the Shetland is the more popular of the
imported ponies. He is useful for pleasure driving, es-
pecially for children.

The native home of the Shetland pony.—This breed of
ponies was developed on the Shetland Islands, which are
situated about 200 miles north of Scotland. There are
about 120 of these islands, comprising a total area of
about 500 square miles. They are rocky, barren and cold.
Not more than fifteen of the islands are inhabited, the
principal one being Mainland, on which is located Ler-
wick, the largest port and a town of less than 4,000 peo-
ple. In addition to Mainland, Fetlar, Bressay, Fair Isle,
Yell and Unst also take an active interest in breeding
ponies.

The history of the Shetland pony.—The early ancestry
of this breed of ponies is not known. When ponies were
first introduced to the islands is not a matter of record,
but they have been bred there for centuries. Perhaps
they are more or less related to the ponies of the British
Islands, or of Iceland and Scandinavia. As with most

205
226 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

other breeds of horses, the Shetland pony owes its present
perfection to its environment. Scant forage, oftentimes
entire lack of grain, and a cold climate, are responsible
for the diminutive form.

The improvement of the Shetland pony began in 1873
when the Marquis of Londonderry took an active interest in
the breed. He purchased the Island of Noss and a part
of Bressay on which he maintained large studs. He had
a stud at Seaham Harbor, on the northeast coast of Eng-
land.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 117.—SHETLAND PONIES AT HOME. LERWICK, SHETLAND ISLANDS

In 1891 the government returns gave the number of
ponies on the islands as 4,803, but because of the demand
in recent years the ponies are steadily decreasing. S. B.
Elliot, who toured the islands in 1906, made a careful
estimate of the number of ponies, and could not account
for over 4,000 of all ages and sexes. Further, he estimates
the number of foals produced annually at 400.

The Shetland pony in America.—The history of. this
breed of ponics in America is comparatively brief, as but
few are found, although the first importations occurred
more than 25 yearsago. While in their native home they
PONIES 227

are the horse-of-all-work, yet in America their use is
limited nearly exclusively to children, whom they serve
very well, being even tempered, intelligent and active.
In 1888 the American Shetland Pony Club was organ-
ized and a stud book established. In 1911 eight volumes
had appeared, recording about 8,000 ponies. The Shet-
land Pony Stud Book Society is the official organ of the
breed in Scotland and on the Shetland Islands.
Description of the Shetland pony.—The limit of height

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 118.—SHETLAND PONY “VESPA OF BELLE MEADE”

.

established by the Shetland Pony Stud Book. Society is
10 hands and 2inches. Ponies over this height cannot be
registered, although in America the Shetland Pony Club
has increased the height to 11 hands and 2 inches. The
size is more or less the result of feeding, ‘but the weight
on the average should approximate 300 to 400 pounds.
228 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The type of the Shetland is usually that of a small draft
horse, although many are seen that have fine bone and
slender bodies similar to the trotting type. In fact, the
type varies somewhat on the different islands. The com-
mon colors are brown, black and bay, but other colors,
such as dun, chestnut and gray, are often found. Piebalds
are not considered desirable, though there is a demand
for broken colors in America. A long, heavy coat of
hair occurs on the body in cold weather. When shed,
however, the coat is fine and glossy and the animal is
much more active in his movements. The foretop, mane,
and tail are heavy and long, and add much to the attrac-
tiveness of a well-kept pony.

The Welsh pony.—This breed of ponies was largely
developed in Wales and in the borders of the adjoining
counties. The country is very hilly and contains much
waste land, which provides very scant pasturage. The
horses raised in such environment develop quality and
endurance and become verv sure-footed, but, of course,
lack in size. This breed of ponies has been improved
from time to time by the introduction of superior blood,
chiefly Thoroughbred, Arabian and Hackney. It is stated
that the Welsh pony is more numerous than any other
breed of ponies on the British Islands; the exact number
is not known, as there are no statistics on the subject.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society is the association in-
terested in the improvement of the breed. This society
has its headquarters at Greenfield, Penybout, Radnor-
shire, Wales. At present there is no society in America.

Description of the Welsh pony.—The ponies of Wales
vary so widely in conformation, height and weight that
even in their native country they are not altogether re-
garded asa breed. In general, however, they have a neat
head, good shoulders, strong back, well-muscled quarters,
and the best of legs and feet. The Welsh Pony and Cob
Society divides the ponies into four classes, depending
largely on the height and form. In the first class the
PONIES 229

height does not exceed 12.2 hands, with any color per-
missible. This class is found in the more hilly sections,
and has superior bone, muscle and endurance. In type it
resembles the Arabian, possessing much the same car-
riage of head, neck and tail. In the second class the
height ranges from 12.2 to 13.2 hands, but the type is more
cobby in general appearance. This class lacks the action
of the former and is not so well adapted to mountain
lands. In the third class the height ranges from 13.2 to
14.2 hands, and the type is even more blocky than the
second class. In fact, this class would rank as acob. In

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 119.—WELSH PONIES “QUEEN BEE” AND HER COLTS

the fourth class the height ranges from 14.2 to 15.2 hands
and the animals are described as being suitable for
mounted infantry and cavalry service.

The Welsh pony in America.—While these ponies have
been used in America for many years, they are compar-
atively few in number, although during recent years they
have increased in popularity. ‘The Welsh pony possesses
more size, style and action than the Shetland, and is suited
to either saddle or harness. The smaller strains are use-
ful principally for children; larger ones, because of their
general activityand endurance, find favor for polo playing.

The Exmoor pony.—This breed of ponies was de-
veloped on the moors of southwestern England, in Devon-
shire. The early origin is not known, but the Exmoor
pony has been bred more or less wild for many centuries.
230 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF _ HORSES :

This breed has been classed as the highest type of pony.
It has no doubt been greatly improved by the Arabian
horse, which it closely resembles in conformation, as well
as by the Thoroughbred. The improved form meets with
favor as a saddler and in harness. Because of their ac-
tivity and endurance they are useful in polo playing.
There are but few Exmoor ponies in America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 120.——PONY SHOWING STYLE AND FINISH

The Polo Pony Society Stud Book contains a descrip-
tion of the Exmoor pony in which the average height is
given as 12 hands, but W. C. Kerr, in his description, gives
the height as 13 to14 hands. The color is usually bay or
brown, with black points. The head is neat and well
carried, the forehead is broad, the nostrils large, the eyes
-clear and the ears pointed. The shoulders are long and
sloping, the back short and powerful and the legs short,
possessing good bone. The Exmoor pony has great en-
durance and is surefooted.

The New Forest pony.—This breed of ponies originated
in southern England in the county of Hampshire, the
PONIES 231

greater part of which is unclaimed and waste land. As
with the other breeds of ponies, the early origin is not
known, but certain it is that they have been bred in a
more or less wild state for many generations. It is stated
that there are about 2,500 of these ponies. Like the other
breeds of British ponies, the New Forest has been much
improved in recent years. The breed owes much of its
present perfection to Lord Arthur Cecil, who it is stated
turns out with his mares 30 to 40 good stallions each year.
Many of these stallions come from the Island of Rum,
purchased by Lord Arthur in 1888. No doubt much of
the' recent improvement has been due to Arabian and
Thoroughbred blood.

The Polo Pony Society Stud Book gives the average
height as 12 to 13 hands. Most of the Rum ponies are
black, although some are bay or brown. These New
Forest ponies are generally more spirited than most of
the other British ponies. They have good shoulders,
strong backs and excellent quarters, although sometimes
criticized for being low at the withers and possessing a
droopy rump and cow-hocked. Like all ponies that have
been developed on scant nutrition, they improve under
good management.

A few years ago the New Forest Pony Association was
organized to look after the interest of the breed in Eng-
land. This breed has no organization in America.

The Dartmoor pony.—This breed of ponies had its
origin in Dartmoor, an extensive tract of land in Corn-
wall, embracing about 325 square miles. Here ponies
have been bred in a half-wild state for many generations,
although in recent years they have been much improved
by crossing with Arabian and Thoroughbred stallions.
Dartmoor ponies are comparatively few in England and
there are practically none in America.

The Dartmoor pony is described as never exceeding 13
hands in height. The official description states that if
the height exceeds 14 hands it suggests cross-breeding.
232 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The color is usually brown, black or bay, although an
occasional gray will be found. In recent years efforts
have been made to improve the Dartmoor by the intro-
duction of good stallions of the best pony breeds.

The Irish pony.—As the name suggests, this breed of
ponies was developed in Ireland, particularly in Galway
county, where ponies have been bred in a semi-wild state
for generations. Like other breeds that run practically
wild in a hilly country, it is hardy, active and sure-footed.
It has been much improved by the use of Barb, Arab and
Thoroughbred blood and in its present form stands 12 to
14 hands high, sometimes more. The color is usually
black, brown or bay, but chestnuts are often found. The
Irish pony has a thick, shaggy coat of hair.

The polo pony.—The increasing popularity of polo is
attracting much attention to ponies suitable for playing
this game. The polo pony is really not a pony, but a
small horse. He does not necessarily belong to any dis-
tinct breed, and is generally a cross. For this purpose
any horse possessing the necessary speed, activity, en-
durance and intelligence will do. He must be able to
carry 160 to 200 pounds weight, make incessant turns,
twists and stops at full speed, and make short spurts at
the rapid gallop. The maximum height allowed by the
American Polo Association is 14.2 hands. Small Thor-
oughbreds, western ponies and cross breds are popular.
Breeding polo ponies, however, is somewhat of an ex-
periment and presents many difficulties, the chief one
being the limit of height, and the training.

Other ponies.—\Vhile the above breeds of ponies are
more commonly known in America, yet distinct types of
ponies are found in almost every country. Thus we have
the Mongolian, Japanese, Korean, Burmege and Man-
ipuri pony; the Sumatra and Java pony; and the Rus-
sian, Scandinavian or Norwegian pony. Adverse climatic
conditions, promiscuous breeding and privation have had
much to do with the development of most of these ponies.
CHAPTER XXII
AMERICAN HORSES

At the time of the Spanish conquest there were no
horses, either wild or domesticated in any part of
America. This seems astonishing considering the pre-
dominance of the prehistoric horse, especially since the
soil and climate are very favorable to the horse, as is
evidenced by the thousands now roaming the plains of
both North and South America.

In this connection it should be stated that worthy evi-
dence exists which some authorities state favors the as-
sumption that herds of wild horses roamed over the
pampas of South America, before latter-day communica-
tion had begun between Europe and the New World.
In 1527, when Cabot discovered the east coast of South
America, it is stated that he found drawings representing
the horse, and in his description of the upper reaches of
the La Plata river, the horse is given with other animals
which are known to have existed in that region. It is
possible, therefore, that native horses ranged the plains
now included in the territory of Argentine Republic and
of Paraguay. Possibly these wild horses entered into the
ancestry of the present stock. This is problematical, for.
certain it is the Indians of-North America knew nothing
of the horse previous to his acquaintance with the white
man.

Early importations of horses to America.—There are
but few records of early importations of horses to
America, although no doubt many found their way to the
New World along with the first settlers. The first im-
portation was made by Columbus in 1493, but these all
perished. The next importation of which we have recotd
was in 1519, when Cortez landed 16 horses in Mexico.

233
234 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Possibly the feral horse of Mexico owes his origin to this
importation. The next importation of which we have
knowledge was in 1527, when De Vaca landed forty-two
head in Florida. Possibly the feral horse of: eastern
United States owes his origin, in part at least, to the
1527 importation. During this same year horses were
landed in South America. Another noteworthy importa-
tion occurred in 1540, when De Soto made his discoveries
in the Mississippi valley. Possibly this importation
added to the feral horses in southwestern United States.

Colonial horse-breeding centers——The early improve-
ment of American horses was especially favored about
certain centers, though, of course, more or less interest
was taken in horse breeding wherever the white man
settled, as the horse proved a very useful beast of bur-
den in the new country. The principal centers were
Virginia, New York, New England and Canada. The
characteristics of the horses, developed about each of
these centers, were modified to a more or less extent by
the habits of the people. ;

The colonial horse of Virginia—The first authentic
importation to this colony occurred in 1609, when six
mares and two stallions were brought from England.
In 1611, it is reported that 17 mares and horses were in-
troduced along with other live stock. A third importa-
tion occurred in 1614, but the number landed is not given.
In 1619, the Virginia company imported four mares, and
in 1620 this same company ordered 20 mares to be sent
over at a cost, delivered, of £15 each. Many other im-
portations followed.

The early settlers of Virginia and the Carolinas were
the cavaliers of old England. They were men who loved
the horse. Long military training had taught many of
them that a man well horsed had his battles half won.
It is natural, therefore, on coming to the conquest of a
new land, the men who had been mounted in their own
land upon horses capable of carrying them at great speed
AMERICAN HORSES 235

and of maintaining such speed under difficulties for a
great length of time, should want animals of such
character to be their companions in the new country. Rac-
ing was the popular sport from the beginning, thus a type
of horse was developed patterned after the English Thor-
oughbred. The height is given as ranging from 12 to 15
hands; the carriage as lithe and active and the quality
as unexcelled, as indicated by a clean-cut form, and clean
legs with dense bone and detached tendons. Horses of
this type later found their way north to New York and

 

 

 

 

 

FIG, 121.—AMERICAN SADDLER “CARROLL PRESTON”

west to Kentucky, where they played an important part
in the development of the American trotter, American
saddler and the Thoroughbred.

The colonial horse of New York.—The first authentic
importation to New Amsterdam, as New York was then
called, occurred about 1629, when several horses were
introduced from Holland. There is a lack of definite in-
formation regarding other early importations until the
middle of the century, though many horses were intro-
duced, as they had become numerous.
236 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The early settlers of New Amsterdam were from Hol-
land. They did their riding upon cumbersome animals
more calculated to carry great burdens slowly than
lighter ones with vim and dash. The Dutch settlers,
therefore, introduced from Holland the ponderous animal
of burden, rather than the prancing steed for which the
Virginians were noted, thus a type of horse developed
patterned somewhat after the drafter, although much
lighter in weight. This type became known as the
Conestoga. This comparatively light draft horse, bred
primarily for freighting heavy merchandise across the
mountains and over the primitive roads, was well adapte.
to the pioneer’s farm, where such work required pa-
tience, strength and hardiness. Horses of this type soon
spread into Pennsylvania and westward, where th
formed the blood of the mare stock that produced ou.
grade draft horses.

The colonial horse of New England.—In 1629 the Lon-
don founders of the Massachusetts Bay plantation landed
25 head of mares and stallions at Boston harbor. Dur-
ing this same year six mares and one stallion were landed
at Salem. Several other shipments followed, but nothing
worth special mention until 1635, when two Dutch ships
arrived at Salem with 27 mares and three stallions.
These were followed by numerous importations.

The Puritan who settled New England was not a man
for display. He was given to humility and to simple
drudgeries, denying himself all indulgences. He was
sturdy and reliant, asking’ the horse to share his bur-
dens, thus a type of horse developed noted particularly
for general utility. This type was larger than the Vir-
ginian, more muscular and with greater weight of bone,
but not the equal of the Conestoga in either size or
strength. This type was spread through all New Eng- ,
land, where it was perfectly adapted to conditions. It
played an important part in the formation of the Morgan
strain of horses, which, in turn, entered into the develop-
AMERICAN HORSES 237

ment of both the American trotter and the American
saddler.

The early Canadian horse.—While it seems certain that
horses were introduced from France to Port Royal as
early as 1609, yet this settlement played no part in the
distribution of the Canadian horse. The next notable
authentic importation did not occur until after the mid-
dle of the century, when Marquis de Tracy arrived at

 

agp i

 

 

 

FIG. 122._STANDARDBRED STALLION “GAY AUDOBON”

Quebec with his expedition including a large number of
horses. Other large shipments followed.

Since the St. Lawrence region was largely settled by
the French, who were at that time breeding medium
weight horses, we find them developing a type of semi-
draft horses in Canada, although later many light horses
were introduced, so that the region became famous for
two types of horses, one fashioned after the Thorough-
bred, the other after the drafter, though lacking the pon-
238 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

derous size of the present day draft horse. It is worthy
mention that in the acclimation the Thoroughbred lost
some of his speed as well as the drafter his size, but both
gained in hardiness and endurance. Because of the speed
and endurance the light type became widespread, many
of the horses finding their way to New York and Ken-
tucky, where they entered into the formation of the
American trotter and the American saddler.

While the eastern colonies and the eastern central and
southern states were being settled and populated, the
horses that had escaped from the Cortez expedition of
1519 in Mexico and from the De Soto expedition of 1540
in the Mississippi valley and perhaps others, were mul-
tiplying rapidly in Mexico and southwestern United
States, due to the very nutritious foods available, and to
the favorable climatic conditions.

The Indian pony.—This is the name given the feral
ponies in western United States. They are not a dis-
tinct breed. Certain it is, however, that they have
roamed the plains for so many generations that their
characters have become sufficiently fixed to be trans-
mitted from parent to offspring, and, in fact, they have
become perfectly adapted to the environment.

Mustang, Broncho and Cayuse.—The Indian pony is
often designated by various names common to particular
localities. Thus in the South he is known as the Mus-
tang; in the West as the Broncho; and in the North as
the Cayuse. Because of the great endurance, the Indian
pony has been very useful on the ranges, particularly in
herding cattle. In recent years this strain has been much
improved by crossing with the Arabian, Thoroughbred
and American trotter. In his improved form, the Indian
pony is useful wherever hardy, active and enduring
horses are needed.

Description of the Indian pony.—In size the Indian
pony averages 12 to 14 hands high and weighs 600 to 800
pounds. All colors are found, but duns are perhaps the
AMERICAN HORSES 239

more common. The head is often large and bony, the
barrel short and closely ribbed, the legs strong and cordy,
and the feet excellent. The disposition has been much
criticized, but this is largely a matter of training. Asa
rule, the tame ponies range the South, and the wild ones
the North.

The Mexican pony.—This strain of pony was de-
veloped in Mexico, where it has ranged in a wild and
semi-wild state for many generations. The Mexican
pony is similar to the Indian pony in all important re-
spects. In size the Mexican is perhaps the smaller, aver-
aging 12 to 13 hands in height, and weighing 500 to 800
pounds. The color, conformation and quality are much
the same in the two strains. In recent years the Mexican
pony has been improved by crossing with the Thorough-
bred, the Arabian, and the American trotter with a view
to increasing the usefulness as cow ponies. The best
of both types are sometimes used as polo ponies, which
usually requires more than one cross.
CHAPTER XXIII
THE DOMESTIC ASS

The domestic ass is commonly known as the jack or
the donkey, although the latter is often restricted to the
smaller species, as the burro. The male is usually desig-
nated as jack or jackass and the female as jennet.

Species of the ass.—There are several species or varic-
ties of the wild ass found in various parts of Asia and
Africa, two of which are worthy of mention, namely, the
Asiatic wild ass and the African wild ass.

The Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus).—This species
is found in Asia, from the plains of Syria through Persia,
Afghanistan and Thibet to the Chinese frontier. As a
rule, it travels in smal! herds. The color varies some-
what, though gray, fawn and pale chestnut are the most
common. The belly is of a whitish color. This species
is notable for its speed and endurance. The height
varies from 11 to 12 hands.

The African wild ass (Equus asinus).—This species is
found most numerous in Nubia, Abyssinia, and in north-
eastern Africa, between the Nile and the Red Sea. It is
assumed that the domestic ass descended from this
species. The color markings, the ears, and the cry or
bray are similar to the domestic ass. It is stated also,
that this species dislikes streams of water, dark holes
and the like—notable traits of the domestic ass.

Early history of the ass—This animal was used as
man’s beast of burden at the dawn of authentic history.
From the evidence it seems that the early people appro-
priated to their use those things which lay easiest at
hand and from this it has been assumed that the wild ass
easily passed into a state of domestication. Little at-
tention was given to improvement until modern times.

2ae
THE DOMESTIC ASS 241

Breeds of the domestic ass—As with the horse, the dis-
tribution of the ass has been widespread and he has been
subject to variation in food supply, temperature, moisture
and general environment, with the result that many
breeds or varieties have been developed. These breeds
vary in size, ranging from the diminutive burro, often
only 36 inches high, to the medium-sized draft horse.
Of the large number of breeds only six are useful for

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 123——BURRO AT WORK

mule breeding in America, namely, the Andalusian, Mal-
tese, Catalonian, Majorca, Italian and Poitou.

The Andalusian jack—This breed was developed in
southern Spain, particularly in the ancient Kingdom of
Andalusia. It is a very ancient and distinctive race, as is
evidenced by the statements of the profits arising from
its use in propagating mules during the Roman occupa-
tion and before the time of Christ. The prevailing color
is gray, and often practically white, with black very
uncommon. This is a large breed, standing 14.2 to 15.2
242 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

hands high. The bone of the leg is large and firm and
the breed possesses much substance.

The Andalusian in America.—In 1787 the King of Spain
presented to General George Washington a jack and a
jennet of this breed, which were taken to Virginia. The
jack was called Royal Gift. About the same time General
Washington received a Maltese jack, which he mated
with the Andalusian jennet. The result of this union
was a very famous jack called Compound, which proved
to be much more popular as a breeder than Royal Gift,
although the latter was selected from the royal stud. A
few years later Henry Clay introduced into Kentucky a
few jacks of this breed. These two men did much to
promote the breed in America. Notwithstanding their
influence, however, this breed never found favor in this
country, due largely to the gray color, which is very ob-
jectionable in America, although a great favorite in
southern Spain.

The Maltese jack—This breed was developed on the
Island of Malta, which is located in the Mediterranean
Sea. This being a small island, with very poor soil, the
number of jacks produced is exceedingly lintited. The
Maltese jack is the smallest of the more important Span-
ish breeds, rarely exceeding 14.2 hands high. The color
is black or brown, with the latter more characteristic of
the breed. The breed is described as of good form with
well-carried head and ears. The bone resembles that of
the Thoroughbred horse, and the breed is characterized
by much life and vigor.

The Maltese in America—About 1787, Marquis La-
fayette and the Knight of Malta each presented General
Washington a jack of this breed. It was the present by
Lafayette that sired the famous Compound. It is also
stated that the frigate Constitution, during her first
cruise in the Mediterranean, imported jacks from Malta
to the District of Columbia. Not long afterwards others
were introduced by officers of the navy, and a few very
THE DOMESTIC ASS 243

valuable ones were brought over in merchant’s ships.
Formerly the Maltese jacks were broadspread, but in re-
cent years they have become rather unpopular because
of their small size.

The Catalonian jack——This breed was developed in
northeastern Spain adjacent to France, particularly in
Catalonia, although it _
is widespread and often
found in France. The
color is usually black,
and often jet-black,
which is marked with
light points about the
muzzle, eyes and belly.
While brown of vary-
ing shades is some-
times found, it is un-
common. The hair is
naturally thick and
short. The size is
classed as large, the
height averaging 14.2
to 15 hands, with good
specimens occasionally
exceeding this height.
The Catalonian is a jack
of great style and
beauty and superb action. The head is trim and neat,
with ears well carried, suggestive of character. The
bone, while not large, is very hard, fine of texture, and
free from meatiness. The breed is wiry, tough and ma-
tures early.

The Catalonian in America—In 1832, Henry Clay in-
troduced an excellent specimen of this breed to Ken-
tucky. This jack was so successful and his popularity
grew so rapidly that Clay imported a number of others
of this breed. At an early date a few jacks of this breed.

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 124.—CATALONIAN JACK
244. MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

found their way to Virginia, where they were received
favorably. Long before the Civil War, Benjamin Frank-
lin and others made importations to middle Tennessee
and to Charleston, South Carolina. Since the war, a
large number have been brought to this country, es-
pecially to Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri, the prin-
cipal mule-breeding states of the Union. Mules sired by
the Catalonian jacks have much size and quality, and
have been ranked as the best in the world. They are stylish,
active, early maturing and good sellers. A large percentage
of the jacks imported to America come from Catalonia.
The Majorca jack.—This breed is a native of Majorca,
one of the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea, off
the coast of Spain. The soil is very fertile, and though
it is necessary to irrigate much of the island, it is very
productive of rich, luxuriant pastures. This, no doubt,
accounts for the size of the Majorca, which is the largest
of the domesticated asses, ranging in height from 15.2 to
16 hands, and even more. The head and ears are de-
scribed as conspicuously large, the latter being larger
than those of any other breed and poorly carried. The
bone is exceedingly large, with a body to correspond.
There is a general coarseness throughout, as well as a
lack of the indications of sufficient quality. Because of
the enormous size and poor quality the Majorca lacks in
style and action, and, in fact, is often criticized as inclined
to sluggishness. In its native home it has long been bred
with much purity and large numbers are used in the
government artillery service. It is usually black or brown.
The Majorca in America.—There is no authentic data
as to the first importations, though they were introduced
about the middle of the nineteenth century. Formerly
the breed was popular, because of its large size and good
color, and many were introduced, but it is not destined to
attract favorable comment in this country because of the
general coarseness, lack of quality and sluggishness.
The Italian jack —This breed is a native of Italy, where
THE DOMESTIC ASS 245

its distribution is widespread, although little attention is
given to its breeding. Its principal use is that of a pack
animal. The color is usually black, but bluish and gray-
ish colors are not uncommon. In size the Italian jack
is among the smallest, rarely exceeding 13 or 14 hands.
Considering the height, these jacks have rather large
bone and good weight of body. They are well propor-
tioned and have good action.

The Italian in America.—As with the Majorca, there is
no record of the first
importations although
jacks of this breed very
early found their way
to Tennessee and other |
mule-producing states.
The chief cause for
their early introduc-
tion is said to have
been their cheapness.
They did not meet with
favor in America, prin-
cipally because of the
small size, although
they have also been Fic, 125.—Prize Jack “Dr. HARTMAN”
criticized as being
prone to serve a mare, and as having a tendency to
viciousness. L. M. Knight, who has written much on
jacks, jennets and mules, states that it is his observation
that small jacks are more likely to develop vicious habits
than large ones, and he also adds that jacks are not trust-
worthy animals,

The Poitou jack—This breed was developed in south-
ern France, especially in the province of Poitou, border-
ing on the Bay of Biscay. Here, in the departments of
La Vendee and Deux-Sevres, the most fertile part of
all France, the Poitou ass is bred in his greatest purity.
This is a very old breed, as mention is made of it as early

 

 

 

 

 
246 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

as 1016 in French literature. The prevailing color is
black, with light points, although grays are occasionally
found. The height ranges from 14.2 to 15 hands, with the
larger specimens sometimes standing somewhat taller.
The Poitou is one of the most powerful of the breeds of
jacks. He is covered with a thick growth of long, silky
hair, which is particularly noticeable in the legs, neck
and ears. For this reason he is very unattractive unless
kept well groomed. These jacks are in great demand in
France, where they are bred to draft mares, from which
are produced large mules of the most valuable kind.

The Poitou in America.—This was the last of the dis-
tinctive breeds of jacks to be introduced to this country.
Notwithstanding this breed of jacks produces a good
type of mules, few are to be found here. In fact, the
province of Poitou cannot supply the home demand for
the Poitou jack, and the French breeders, at least in cer-
tain parts of the county, are obliged to use the Catalonia
and the Majorca jack. Because of the great demand,
Poitou jacks command fancy prices, many selling for
$2,000, with the best specimens realizing approximately
twice as much money. According to Knight, the Poitou
jack is the best for mule breeding in this country, and he
places it above the Catalonian, stating that the mules
have sufficient size, with more quality and action than
can be obtained by any other breed of jacks.

The characteristics of the ass.—The domestic ass pre-
sents a great contrast to the horse. In the ass, the head
is large and bony, the ears very long, the foretop and
mane very scanty and the tail has no long hairs except
at the lower part. The entire body is often covered with
long hair. The bone is often large, while the joints and
feet are small. The hind legs have no callosities (chest-
nuts), although they are present on the forelegs. The
ass makes a peculiar cry called a bray.

Jacks useful for mule breeding.—This animal is very
surefooted in going over mountain passes and slopes dif-
THE DOMESTIC ASS 247

ficult for horses, and hence extremely useful as a pack
animal, in which capacity it was formerly used almost
exclusively. While it is still useful as a pack, in mining
regions, in difficult passes, and the like, yet its major use
in America is that of siring mules. Since it is the larger
mules that are the
more useful and
command a premium
on the market, only
jacks of considerable
size should be used
in mule breeding.
The rules of entry
to the American
Jack Stock Stud
Book on the subject
of height and color,
are as follows: After |
January I, 1892,
jacks and jennets, of
unrecorded sire or
dam, shall be eligible Fic. 126.—Prize Jack “GENERAL Woop”
to registration only
when black with light points and of the following height,
standard measure: Imported jacks and jennets, and na-
tive jennets, the produce of unrecorded sire or dam, 15
hands; native jacks, the produce of unrecorded sire or
dam, 15.2 hands. From this it would seem that for best
results in mule breeding the jack should stand approxi-
mately 15.2 hands high and be black with light points.
The temperament, quality, style and action should also
be considered, as these will be reflected in the offspring.
Organizations and records.——In 1888, the American
Breeders’ Association of Jacks and Jennets was organ-
ized as,a stock company and a stud book established, of
which several volumes have been published. In France
an association for registering jacks and jennets also exists,

 

 

 

 

 
CHAPTER XXIV
THE MULE

While England, France, Belgium, Germany and Spain
have developed most of the breeds of horses and jacks, it
has been left for America to prove the usefulness of the
mule. It seems strange that these older countries should
have given mule breeding so little attention, particularly
in view of the animal’s usefulness. The only excuse for
this neglect is that the producing of a mule removes the
opportunity of raising a horse.

The mule a hybrid.—The mule is not a true breed, but
is a hybrid, the result of a cross between a jack and a
mare. As is usually the case, where two species are
crossed, the mule is sterile and will not breed. The
sexual organs are supposed to be incomplete, although
several cases are on record where mare mules have con-
ceived and produced young. These are remarkable
cases, however, and are not accepted as authentic by
most scientists.

The history of the mule.—We have no reliable data as
to when the first mules were raised, although they have
been used more or less since the time of Christ, and per-
haps even before. The literature of ancient Rome and
Greece makes frequent reference to the mule, in which he
seems to have served various purposes. While the mule
seems to have served a useful purpose since very early
times, it is only in recent years that his true value has
been appreciated.

The mule in America—From the time that the King
of Spain presented General George Washington with an
Andalusian jack until the present, mule breeding has had
a steady and rapid growth in America. In fact, mules
were bred in this country as early as the sixteenth cen-

248
THE MULE 249

tury. Notwithstanding ours is one of the newest coun-
tries in the world, it was left to us to establish the true
economic value of the mule. At present more than one-
half of all the mules in the world are to be found in the
United States. This recognition of the value of the mule
is very largely due to the intelligence of our Southerners,
who were the first to adapt him to general purposes.

The characteristics of the mule—Like all other
animals, the mule inherits qualities from both sire and
dam. Thus the mule differs from the horse. The head
is larger and more clearly de-
fined; the ears are longer; the
foretop, mane and tail tufted;
the body smaller and more
cylindrical; the quarters not
so heavily muscled, although,
considering size, the mule is
equally as strong, if, indeed, he
is not more powerful than the
horse; the legs are superior in
quality; and the feet of the
mule are smaller and longer
than those of the horse, with
the arch of the hoof greater.

The mule is exceedingly vari-
able in size and weight, depending on the parentage. On
the market mules are divided into classes according to
their size and the work they are capable of performing
(p. 320).

While the color is exceedingly variable, black, brown
and bay, with light points, are the most popular. The
color is a very important consideration in America, there-
fore, blue, gray, white, buckskin, yellow and like colors
are objectionable. In temperament, the mule is quiet and
patient. He is less nervous, less subject to fright, and
more certain than the horse. For hard pulling and steadi-
ness in the collar he has no equal in the world. The

 

 

 

 

 
250 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

temperament of the mule has been a subject for much
unjust criticism, for when properly handled he is among
the coolest of animals.

The endurance of the mule.—In this respect the mulc
is superior to the horse. It is often true of hybrids that
they are more resistant than either parent. For long,
hard journeys through semi-desert regions, over moun-
tains, precipices and through difficult passes the mule is
preferred to the horse. Mules usually live longer than
horses and their period of usefulness is much greater.
Wallace gives
the mule the fol-
lowing advan-
tages over the
horse: Not par-
ticular as to the
quality of the
food; more
surefooted and
not nearly so
liable to fall;
less liable to
become lame;
more pluck and

Fic. 127.—SPAN OF Prize MULES perseverance;

walk faster;

pull steadier; and in competition with a horse of equal
weight the mule will accomplish more work.

Resistance of mule to disease—Unlike the horse, the
mule will seldom eat more than is good for him, even
though the food be placed before him. Thus the mule
very largely escapes all diseases caused by overfeeding,
which often proves fatal to the horse. The legs and feet
of the mule are less subject to disease than in the horse,
although ringbone, sidebone, spavin and like troubles do
occur. In most contagious and infectious diseases the
mule is perhaps no more resistant than the horse,

 

 

 

 

 
THE MULE 251

Uses of the mule—As a working animal, the mule’s
adaptability is almost universal. He is unaffected by the
climate, working equally as well in the cold, in the hot,
in the moist, and in the dry climate. He serves his mas-
ter in any capacity—as a pack animal, under the saddle,
and in harness, both light and heavy. He is found wher-
ever man needs a beast to help bear his burdens. The
mule’s docility and coolheadedness, as well as his resist-
ance to disease, especially those resulting from over-
feeding, make him a very desirable animal when ignorant
and careless workmen must be relied upon.

Distribution of the mule—While more than one-half
of the mules in the world are found in the United States,
yet these animals enjoy a widespread distribution. This
is due in a large measure to their general adaptability.
They find especial favor in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy,
and Africa. Mules are found in every state in the Union,
but more especially in the southern states. Kentucky
and Tennessee have been noted fer producing mules of
quality for more than a century. Missouri also has long
been noted for the production of mules of quality. To
these states many fine jacks have gone, and from them
in turn many fine mules have been sold. St. Louis is the
leading mule market of the world. At this market thou-
sands of mules are purchased by the various govern-
ments for military purposes.

Organizations and records—As mules do not breed
there is no association promoting their interests as such,
although the American Breeders’ Association of Jacks
and Jennets, which was organized as a stock company in
1888, has the welfare of this animal in hand. This is
because the jack is used almost exclusively to sire mules,
and it is to the interest of jack breeders and importers
to strive for progress in mule breeding.
CHAPTER XXV

PRINCIPLES OF HORSE BREEDING

The development of the various breeds of horses dates
back to the middle of the eighteenth century. About
1760, Robert Bakewell assumed the management of the
estate on which his father and grandfather had resided
at Dishley Grange, Leicestershire, England. Young
Bakewell conceived the idea that he had only to select
the most valuable strains, such as promised the greatest
returns to the breeder, and that he should then, by care-
ful attention to progressive improvement, be able to
produce a breed from which he could derive the maxi-
mum advantage. He made excursions into different
parts of England, in order to inspect the different breeds
and to select those best adapted to his purpose. In this
study Bakewell separated the characters of form, func-
tion, quality, as well as propensity to fatten, consider-
ing them as his units of selection. Thus Bakewell recog-
nized the two cardinal principles of animal improvement
—similar produces similar, and the form bears a close
relationship to the function—based upon which he orig-
inated a system which has resulted in the development
of our specialized breeds of horses.

VARIATION IN HORSES

Variation is the basis of improvement among all farm
animals. If characters were absolutely fixed and un-
changeable, then no improvement could be secured. The
size of the draft horse could neither be increased nor
diminished, and the speed of the trotter would remain
constant from generation to generation. Thus the off-
spring would be no better, or poorer, than the parent.

252
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE BREEDING 253

Frequency of variation—Among farm animals, varia-
tion is universal. No two horses are alike. To those
unfamiliar with horses, one animal of a well-matched
team may look exactly like the other, yet the trained eye
will readily recognize differences, and can describe each
animal so that those with equal training may recognize
it. These differences involve all characters. Two horses
of the same breed may differ widely in conformation and
carriage, particularly of the neck and tail, in color, qual-
ity, action, and the like.

Kinds of variation.—There are four kinds of variation
—quantitative, qualitative, functional and deviation from
the common pattern. Quantitative variation has to do
with size, and is one of degree only. This is the simplest
form of variation and is very common. ‘Two horses of
the same breed, one may be large, the other small; or
on the same animal one foot may be larger than the
others; and, in like manner, all characters may vary in
size. Qualitative variation has to do with quality only,
and is distinct from size. Evidences of this are also
abundant, the quality of no two horses being alike, as
one may have a coarser, rougher hair and a thicker hide.

Functional variation has to do with functions only, and
is distinct from either size or quality. It has reference
to the activity of the various organs and parts of the
body, such as muscular activity, glandular secretions, and
the like. Evidences of this are common, as some horses
walk faster than others, and some trot faster, while still
others pull heavier loads. Deviation from the common
pattern has reference to the irregular appearance of re-
peated parts, such as extra toes, extra teats, and the like.
This class of variation is seldom observed among horses,
but is common among plants, such as the stooling of
corn, wheat and oats, as well as the deabling up of
flowers.

Principal causes of variation—Since variation plays
so important a part in improvement, it is of interest to
254. MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

note the conditions that produce it, particularly since by
modifying these conditions, we can aid in producing
variation in a desired direction. Thus, if we wish to
increase ‘the size of the horse, the conditions that cause
the animal to vary in that direction are of interest and
should be well understood. In horse breeding the prin-
cipal causes of variation are the environment, crossing
and use.

Environment.—By this term is meant the surroundings
of the animal. The
chief factors of en-
vironment, through
which we seek to
improve our horses,
are those of climate,
food and care.

The climate is of
interest largely as it
controls the food
supply, although it
does affect the ex-
ternal coat to some
t : a extent. When the

Fic. 128.—PERCHERON STALLION “GALBA” horse is exposed to

cold, damp weather,
the hair becomes longer and thicker than if protected.
The natural effect of the climate is modified by housing,
and we can move the horse from one climate to another
without serious results.

No single factor influences development to a greater
extent than the food supply. Full feeding increases the
size and the constitutional vigor, while withholding the
food not only arrests growth, but weakens the capacity
for future development as well. In order to secure in-
creased development of all the organs, the animals must
be supplied with more food than is required for the per-
formance of the normal function.

 

 

 

 

 
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE BREEDING 255

The care that the horse receives has a molding influ-
ence upon the variation he is likely to undergo. The
animal that is well cared for—that is, properly housed,
fed, watered, exercised, groomed, and the like—cannot
fail to respond to such treatment. Many persons have
fallen short of success in horse breeding by depending
upon blood alone for improvement. They have for-
gotten that all of our improved breeds are the product of
adequate nutrition, combined with intelligent breeding.
suitable environment and kindly care.

Crossing.—The mating of dissimilar animals is a prime
cause of variation. Up to the time of Bakewell, cross-
breeding was a favorite method of seeking improvement.
Previous to this time crossing was made easy from the
fact that no record of breeding was kept. It was ob-
served that mating two animals reared under different
conditions, resulted in increased size, more vigor and
greater prolificacy. While this system of breeding ren-
dered valuable service in the formation of new breeds it
must be remembered that the cross-bred animal does not
breed true in general characters; in fact, he has nothing
to breed true to, as his parents were unlike. While cross-
ing, such as the mating of two animals from different
breeds, is a course of much variation, the results are
usually disappointing in the end.

Use.—It is well known that use stimulates and disuse
dwarfs development. Examples of the beneficial effect
of exercise are common. Athletes train and musicians
practice for many hours each day that they may become
skilled. Horses intended for racing are trained from
colthood in order to make the most of any natural ability
to trot or run. Thus, use and disuse become important
factors in causing variation.

SELECTION IN HORSE BREEDING

In establishing or creating a type, selection plays an
all-important part, as it enables us to encourage the
256 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

production of those animals that meet the demand and
to prevent, in part at least, the production of undesir-
able individuals. In selecting horses for breeding pur-
poses, there are three important factors to be considered:
First, the individual merit, or the perfection of the animal
as a representative of its race, type or breed; second, the
pedigree, or the purity of the ancestry and the probable
capacity of the individual to reproduce itself or to show

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 129.—BELGIAN MARE ‘ELEQUANTE”

improvement; and, third, the suitability of the two in-
dividuals to be mated.

Individuality.—In breeding horses the perfection of
the animals selected should be carefully considered. Oc-
casionally we give too little attention to this and select
breeding animals on the basis of their pedigree. Such
practice may prove disappointing, as many inferior in-
PRINCIPLES OF ILORSE BREEDING 257

dividuals are recorded. because such animals command a
good price on the market. In choosing breeding horses
each animal should be closely inspected and only superior
individuals placed in the stud.

Pedigree.—The purity of the ancestry is an important
factor in choosing breeding animals, as the capacity of a.
horse to produce superior offspring will depend largely
upon his ancestors. It is often a question which should
receive the more attention, the individual merit or the
pedigree. There are four possible conditions that should
always be borne in mind: First, the offspring of a superior
individual with a good pedigree is likely to possess merit;
second, the offspring of an inferior individual’ with a good
pedigree may possess merit; third, the offspring of a
superior individual with a poor pedigree is likely to be
inferior in merit; and, fourth, in all probability the off-
spring of an inferior individual with a poor pedigree will
be distinctly inferior.

Formerly we associated great length of pedigree with
breeding quality, but the present evidence goes to show
that it is the immediate ancestors that are of most im-
portance. Galton, in his “Law of Ancestral Heredity,”
sets forth the idea that one-half of the full heritage comes
from the parents; one-fourth from the grandparents, and
so on to infinity. This being true, an offspring will pro-
cure seven-eighths of its.full heritage from the three
nearest generations of ancestors.

In selecting breeding horses, the performance, when
available, as in race horses, should be considered, as it
affords valuable information as to what the offspring will
probably be like. A good example of this is seen iti the
speed reduction table where the record time was reduced
from 2.48% to 1.55% in one century (p. 130).

Mating.—Two animals, to be suitable for mating,
should be as nearly alike in general characters as it is
possible to select, otherwise the outcome of a union can-
not be foretold. Since, as we have already seen, no two
258 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

horses are alike, we are obliged to strike an average
between the characters of the parent and what we desire
to get in the offspring. When the offspring shows good
qualities the mating is considered a fortunate nick; when
there is no resemblance to either parent, but to some near
ancestor, it is called atavism,; and if to some of the far-
removed ancestors, it is called reversion, although these
terms are often used interchangeably. The success of a
horse breeder often depends upon his ability to mate the
animals properly. Some persons become very skilled in
such matters.

Re HEREDITY

There are two great forces underlying all breeding
operations: First, similar tending to beget similar, which
has to do with heredity; and, second, the great run of
variation through which improvement is sought. On
heredity, or the extent to which variations are trans-
mitted or passed down from parent to offspring, all suc-
cessful breeding operations depend. Variations that are
not transmitted are of no importance in breeding, though
they may be of consequence to the animal possessing
them. While the transmission of variation is a much-
discussed question, practical animal breeders work on
the supposition that such is the case. Horse breeders
believe that: If high-class trotters are to be produced,
they must mate animals that can trot fast; that, if high
acting horses are desired, high actors must be united;
and that if heavy horses are wanted, then horses of
weight must be mated.

Prepotency.—There is variation among parents in their
power to stamp characters upon the offspring. When
the offspring resembles one parent more than the other,
the one transmitting its characters is said to be pre-
potent over the other parent. Thus prepotency becomes
of importance in improvement, and the influences that
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE BREEDING 259

tend to produce it in the individual are worthy note.
While many of the factors that influence prepotency are
little understood, those that do aid and are under the con-
‘trol of man are: First, purity of breeding, which makes
for stability. The introduction of outside blood lessens
the stability and the certainty of transmission. Second,
strong constitutional development, which strengthens the
characters; and, third, in-breeding, which aids pre-
potency, as it strengthens dominant characters.

In breeding horses the prepotency of the male is given
more consideration than the female. This is due to the
fact that the sire is the parent of more individuals than
the dam, and not to individual resemblance. This is
fortunate, as improvement can be more cheaply secured
through a good sire from the mere fact that he is repre-
sented in more progeny.

Fertility—The number of offspring produced by horses
of either sex varies greatly. Some mares fail to breed at
all, some breed once and go barren, and some breed every
other year; while others breed with much regularity.
The English Thoroughbred mare Pocahontas produced
fifteen living foals and lived to the age of 33 years, while
Old Fanny Cook also produced fifteen, the last one in the
twenty-ninth year of her life. Stallions vary likewise,
some producing a very low percentage, while others are
almost fully fertile. The Standardbred stallion, Gam-
betta Wilkes, has 229 standard performers, and Allerton
has 246, while there are 10 that have over 150 (p. 120).
In these cases, however, much depended upon the oppor-
tunity, as the better the sire the better the class of dams
offered, and hence the better the offspring, all of which
leads to still further opportunities.

Sterility—Perhaps the horse breeder’s greatest diffi-
culty is the failure of his animals to breed freely. The
causes which lead to sterility are many, some of which
are understood and more or less preventable, while others
are little known and perhaps beyond control. Some of
260 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the known causes are: Confinement and lack of exer-
cise; irregular supply of food; food lacking the proper
nutrients; animals in too fat a condition; in-breeding;
excessive breeding; and the like. To lessen sterility, we
should avoid all causes likely to produce it.

Sire and dam.—The relative influence of the parents
is a much-discussed question, and all kinds of statements
are made concerning the influence that each parent exerts
on the offspring. So far as is known, however, the
parents play an equal part in their control of the char-
acters of the offspring. This, of course, is aside from the
question of prepotency, discussed above, and in which
either parent is likely to dominate over the other.

SYSTEMS OF BREEDING

The system of breeding to be employed in raising
horses will depend on the purpose and circumstances of
the breeder. If the object is the production of pure-bred
animals the system employed may differ from that used
in raising horses for the market. The circumstance of
the breeder may modify the system, as he may be so situ-
ated as to make it practically essential for him to employ
a given method.

, Grading.—The mating of unimproved animals with
those more highly improved is perhaps the most common
system of breeding. Usually the improved parent is the
sire and the unimproved one the dam. This is the safest
for beginners, as it is cheap. Ifa worthy pure-bred sire
is used improvement follows rapidly. The first genera-
tion of offspring is half pure, the second three-fourths
and the third seven-eighths, and so on. By continuing
this grading process, selecting the best mares as breed-
ers, it is entirely possible and by no means difficult, to
produce animals equal to pure breds in the production
of work. In view of the ease with which improvement
can be obtained by this method it is surprising that our
horse stock does not improve more rapidly.
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE BREEDING 261

Crossing.—Because of the strong tendency to produce
variation, crossing is seldom employed as a system of
breeding horses. The crossing of breeds results in the
production of nondescript offspring, that lacks in efficiency
and that fail to command a remunerative price when
placed on the market. Attention is directed to crossing
as a system of breeding, largely because.it is the method
employed in breeding mules, the offspring of a jack and
a mare; as well as the hinny, the offspring of a jennet
and a stallion. It is interesting to note that the mule
more nearly resembles the jack, while the hinny resem-
bles the stallion. This
has given rise to the
statement that the off-
spring resembles the
sire in external char-
acters and the dam in
the internal characters. |,

Gregor Mendel
crossed a number of ||
plants and studied the
inheritance of contrast-.
ing characters in the
hybrids. By pairing
certain characters, as
color, form, and the Fic, 130.—AMERICAN SADDLE MARE
like, he discovered that
hybrid parents produced offspring of which one-half were
again hybrids; while one-quarter were pure to each of
the original parent forms. This is called “Mendel’s Law
of Hybrids,” and through its application plant breeders
are able to transfer certain characters from one group of
plants to another. This promises a great field of useful-
ness among plants and the law is receiving universal at-
tention, although it is little used by horse breeders.

Line-breeding—When animals of a single line of
descent are mated the system is called line-breeding. It

 

 

 

 

 
262 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

combines animals similar in their characteristics, narrows
the pedigree to a few and closely related lines of descent
and thus gives stability to the strain or breed. This sys-
tem secures uniformity and increases the prepotency
among horses, but it must be remembered that it acts on
good and bad characters equally, and, therefore, necessi-
tates vigilance in selecting breeding animals.

In-breeding.—When animals closely related are united
the system is called in-breeding or in-and-in-breeding.
This is line-breeding carried to its limits, and conse-
quently it intensifies all the advantages and disadvan-
tages of that system of breeding. This system was first
employed by Robert Bakewell, who shocked the modest
people of his time by mating the animals that possessed
the characters he wished to propagate without regard to
relationship. Since his time it has been successfully em-
ployed by many breeders and many of our breeds of farm
animals owe their early origin to this system.

Breeding from the best.—The feasibility of this system
will depend on the situation. Ifa pure-bred sire is mated
with common grade mares due consideration should be
given the characteristics of each, as unsatisfactory re-
sults would probably follow uniting animals of widely
differing characters. The suitability of the animals to be
mated should be recognized as well as the perfection of
the individuals, otherwise one will soon find himself in
possession of animals varying in all essential character-
istics. For the beginner, however, and until he learns
the attributes of the animals with which he is working it
is perhaps safest to recommend the system of breeding
from the best, as it is likely to result in the production of
good individuals even though they lack in uniformity.
CHAPTER XXVI
PRACTICAL HORSE BREEDING

The average farmer has constant use for his horses
approximately one-half of the year, during which time
they are often overworked because of insufficient horse
power. The remainder of the year the cost of maintain-
ing the animals often exceeds the value of their services.
This is likely to be the case on farms where horses are
kept simply for the work they can do. On the other
hand, there are many very successful farmers who keep
sufficient animals to do the work without rushing, even
during the busy seeding and harvest season. On such
farms mares are usually kept and in order to make them
earn their keep during the idle season, they are bred,
thus producing a colt in addition to the work. The
money obtained from the sale of horses produced in this
way will fully compensate for the extra horses, and for
the maintenance of all horse stock during the idle season.
Thus, instead of purchasing a team every few years, as
is the custom on so many farms at the present time, the
horse-breeding farmer has an income from the. sale of
surplus stock.

Number of horses produced.—There are no data avaijl-
able in the United States on the number of horses con-
sumed, or used up, in a year, but conservative estimates
place it at approximately two million. In addition to the
horses consumed at home there are a few exported. These
animals must be replaced or there will be a horse famine.
There are approximately Io million mares on farms in
the United States, of which we will assume that one-half,
or five million, are of breeding age. If we are to produce
more than two million colts it means that something like
one-half of these mares must be bred each year.

268
264 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Horse-breeding states—The thirteenth United States
census gives figures showing the number of colts pro-
duced in each state for the year 1909, as well as the total
number of mature horses at the time the census was
taken. In this classification all horses over fifteen and
one-half months of age are considered mature. From
these figures we learn that for every 100 mature horses
there were 9.9 colts produced in the United States—28
colts in the New England states; 5.0 colts in the middle
Atlantic states; 10.5 colts in the north central states;
7.6 colts in the south Atlantic states; 9.2 colts in the
south central states; 14.2 colts in the mountain states;
and 11.3 colts produced for each 100 head of mature
horses in the Pacific states.

Conditions favorable to horse breeding.—So far as
natural conditions are concerned much of the United
States affords ideal breeding ground for the horse. This
is emphasized by the manner in which feral horses bred
when given their freedom by the early settlers. Per-
haps nowhere else in the world do the natural conditions
surpass those of Kentucky, especially for the production
of light, stylish horses, such as the Thoroughbred, the
American Saddler and the Standardbred horse. The
same is true of the heavy drafter throughout many of
the north central states.

Mechanical power.—The usefulness of mechanical
power is going to relieve the horse of much of the cheaper
forms of labor such as long distant deliveries, plowing
large areas, and the like. While the future influence of
these motors cannot be foretold, past experience is en-
couraging to the horse breeder. It is not likely that these
machines will affect the horse market, at least for some
time to come, any more seriously than did the railroads
and electric cars. During the past decade, in which
motors have been an active competitor, the price of the
horse has risen 138 per cent. Evidently these machines
have not seriously affected the demand for horses, as such
increase in value would be impossible.
PRACTICAL HORSE BREEDING 265

At present it cannot be denied that the automobile is
affecting the price of fancy and pleasure horses; but past
experience and present conditions indicate that the time
is near at hand when automobiles will be as common and
as cheap in proportion as bicycles, and then the fancy and
pleasure horse will be as great a luxury as ever.

PRACTICAL PLAN FOR BREEDING HORSES

Perhaps the most discouraging factor in horse breeding
in this country is the lack of type and quality among the
common horse stock. This is due largely to the lack of
a definite plan in breeding horses. Our horse breeders
have crossed types and breeds promiscuously, which has
resulted in general de-
terioration. To avoid
this condition the begin-
ner should decide upon
a clearly defined plan of
procedure. A good
lnowledge of horses and
horse breeding should
be obtained. Breeding
establishments and
horse-producing farms
should be visited. <A
careful study should be
made of the conditions,
such as the market, the ric. 131.—Suire STALLION “LoRD CARLTON”
kind of work to be ac-
complished, and the like. Some markets and some con-
ditions will favor the breeding of one type of horse, while
other conditions will favor another type. In working
out the plan, it should be kept clearly in mind, whatever
the type or breed chosen—whether it is draft, coach or
driving, for draft, stylish action or speed—that none but
superior horses will sell at remunerative prices. There

 

 

 

 
206 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

will always be an overproduction of common horses,
which will be the first to be affected by oversupply and
business depressions and the last to be revived.
Co-operative horse breeding.—This system has been
extensively introduced into some of the states and most
excellent results are reported. A number of farmers
possessing the same type or breed of mares band to-
gether and form a horse-breeding association. This as-
sociation provides a suitable stallion, advertises stock,
holds sales and often makes exhibits at the local and
state fairs. Meetings are held for the discussion of
horse-breeding matters and in this way each member re-
ceives the benefit of the others’ experience. This serves
to promote uniformity, to improve the quality and to im-
prove the standard of the horses raised in the locality.
“Company plan.’—-Often a salesman representing an :
importing firm enters a locality and forms a “company”
in order that he may sell a horse. This company con-
sists of a varying number of men, each paying a pro-
portionate amount. The company thus formed usually
pays a high price for the horse, as the price must cover
many expenses. Further, the stallion thus thrust upon
the community is seldom of the proper type to mate
with the local mares. Often a good start is made in the
grading up with a certain breed, as the Percheros, when
a company is formed for the purchase of a stallion of an-
other breed. Such a stallion is a detriment to the com-
munity, although he would have been valuable if of the
same breed as the mares in the locality. The company
plan of purchasing stallions, therefore, is objectionable,
not alone because of the high price, but because they are
often unsuited to mate with the mares of the locality.
Selection of animals for breeding—The general prin-
ciples of heredity and variation must be kept in mind in
choosing breeding stock. This applies to the mare as
well as to the stallion. When the colts are not up to
standard there is a tendency to criticize the stallion,
PRACTICAL HORSE BREEDING 267

whereas undesirable qualities of the mare are as likely
to appear in the offspring as are the bad qualities of the
stallion. It is a serious but common error in horse breed-
ing to suppose that the bad points of one animal can be
overcome by the good points of the mate. Undesirable
characters of the mare are not to be offset by choosing
a stallion that is abnormally developed in a contrary
direction. In selecting breeding stock we must remem-
ber that success will depend largely upon the perfection
of the foundation animals, both mare and stallion.

Breed and type—In formulating the general plan for
breeding horses we should first decide upon the breed
and type. The most profitable breed will be influenced
by the local conditions and the tastes of the breeder, as
there are no best breed and type for all conditions. The
light types naturally belong to farms devoted to dairy-
ing, fruit farming, market gardening, and the like. On
such farms there is little heavy work, such as plowing
and heavy hauling. Further, the necessity of reaching
the market or the creamery requires light, active horses.

On general purpose farms where there is much plow-

_.ing and other heavy work to be done, the heavy horse
. finds his true home. While the horses belonging to the
draft type are not so active or stylish as those of the light
type, they possess many advantages. Draft horses can
be reared with less risk than the lighter and more active
types. They are not so likely to injure themselves as the
|, higher strung animals; and should a slight blemish occur,
it is not considered so serious as in the case of a roadster
or coacher. Draft horses can be put to light work much
younger and do not require so much training to fit them
for their life work. Further, the horses of this type are
in constant demand for city traffic. They are the last to .
be affected by business depressions and the first te re-
cover; they are the least affected by automobiles, motor
cars, and the like; they are not affected by fads, fancies,
or fashions, and always command a remunerative price.
268 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSFS

The mare.—In selecting breeding stock, the influence
of the mare in transmitting qualities to the foal is often
underestimated, and frequently ignored entirely by horse
breeders. No doubt this accounts for much of the disap-
pointment in breeding horses. No matter what type or
breed is selected, the brood mare should be as nearly per-
fect as it is possible to obtain. She should be of good size
for the breed to which she belongs, ponies excepted. Her
conformation should be rather open, showing much chest
and girth capacity, and insuring constitutional vigor.
The pelvic region should be broad, to insure ease of
foaling.

The legs and feet of the brood mare should be care-
fully considered. The bones of the limbs should be clean
and free from coarseness, so that the legs appear wide
and flat. The tendons should be prominent and free
from meatiness, and the hair fine, silky and glossy. The
feet should be of medium size, well shaped, dark colored,
tough, elastic and close of texture. Mares having poor
hoofs, too small, too large, too soft and spongy, too weak,
brittle, wide and low in the heels, too shallow and flat,
too steep and contracted, are not desirable for breeding
purposes. The wearing qualities of the horse depend
largely on the character of the legs and f

The brood mare should have a good deneeti In-
firmities in temper seem to be transmitted to the off-
spring. Pregnant mares are often quarrelsome and many
distressing accidents occur when the mare has a naturally
mean disposition.

The stallion.—If possible, choose a sire of known breed-
ing qualities. The stallion that is known for the produc-
tion of uniform colts of excellent quality is the one to
patronize. For this reason middle- aged stallions are
preferred to young ones. ”

Pure-bred sires always should be patronized, although
the individuality of the animal should be given equal
prominence with the pedigree. As an individual, the sire
PRACTICAL HORSE BREEDING 269

should be a perfect representative of the breed to which
he belongs. The pedigree alone does not guarantee his
worth, as many inferior pure-bred animals find their way
into the stud books. The conformation, quality, action
and temperament should be carefully considered. Note
the condition. Stallion owners like to have their animals
very fat, as this covering often conceals many defects.
When possible it is preferable to patronize stallions that
are worked moderately. This exercise serves to keep the
animal in excellent condition and a better grade of colts
will.be obtained than if this exercise is withheld. It is
not sufficient that he simply be jogged, as this does not
stimulate proper development.

he stallion fee.—Perhaps
no ‘single factor has done
more to discourage profit-
able horse production than
the low service fee of the
grade or scrub stallion. The
services of a desirable stal-
lion cannot be had for less
than $15 without the owner
losing money en his invest-
ment, yet many cheap and
inferior horses stand for less
money. The common farm-
er, not appreciating the value
of good blood, patronizes Fic, 132.—PERCHERON STALLION
the inferior animal because
of the low fee, with the result that the offspring is a
nondescript and not worth the food required to raise him,
while the superior animal is driven from the locality for
lack of patronage.

There are three methods of charging stallion fees in
common practice: To insure a living foal; to insure the
mare in foal; and by the service. Often a stallion stands
at a certain fee for a single service and at a higher one

SURI,

 
270 MANAGEMENT AND RREEDING OF HORSES

to insure a living foal, the farmer being given his choice.
To get at the relative value of these propositions we will
consider some data compiled by Sanders which, accord-
ing to our own observations, seem to be approximately
correct. This data was obtained from the German studs,
in. which 1,000 stallions served 42,000 mares, with re-
sults as follows:

 

 

Mares: Served ci si2,5 dar dsebeived chaos ued he wR TOA S Hee Teas 100.0
Mares tay foals date sceuses Sasseedls i ausute o2 axdundedceltnd abc al tetpeva-o nega: bs anscbue’ seaea

Live foals dropped.................05 ae

Mares aborted and miscarried
Mares dying or misSing.......... 0. cece cece n eee e enter neenee

 

 

 

According to this table a stallion will make as much
money for his owner by standing at $10 for a service as
he will at $15 to insure the mare in foal, or at $20 to in-
sure a living foal. These sums are approximate, and
they serve as a very good guide in deciding which of the
three conditions to accept when they are optional with
the farmer.

Lien laws.—Many of the states now have laws grant-
ing a lien on mare and foal, resulting from the services
of a properly recorded and advertised stallion. These
laws make the mare or foal, or both, holden for the
service fee. These laws differ widely in the various
states and the horse breeder should become familiar with
the provisions made by the statutes of his own state.
The wording of some of these statutes is not clear, and
in such cases the advice of a lawyer should be sought.

Soundness.—Both sire and dam should be free from all
forms of unsoundness or diseases that are hereditary,
transmissable or communicable to the offspring. While
absolutely perfect animals can rarely, if ever, be found,
and few horse breeders can afford to reject breeding
stock for small and unimportant defects, yet not until
both mare and stallion are free from unsoundness can
we hope to raise the excellency of our horses to the
PRACTICAL HORSE BREEDING 271

degree possible as the result of intelligent breeding and
development.

It would seem logical to expect that if we used un-
sound sires and dams their progeny may prove equally
unsound, or if one parent is unsound its unsoundness
may offset the soundness of the other parent and endow
the offspring with a tendency to like unsoundness. Many
breeders have fallen into the grievous way of considering
any broken down, halt, maimed, blind or otherwise un-
sound mare fit for breeding purposes when no longer
able to work. It is certainly poor policy to knowingly
use unsound breeding animals and thus promote un-
soundness in the offspring.

Uniformity and persistency in breeding —We have not
had sufficient regard for uniformity and type in our
horse-breeding operations. All sorts of crosses have been
made, with the result that our horses are of mixed breed-
ing and many of them mongrels and misfits. The only
certain method of raising the general average of our
horses, in respect to type, quality, action and specific
utility, is by persistent breeding to sires of the same
breed until the blood of that breed has wholly obliterated
the native blood derived from the mares originally used.
Were this practice followed, for even a few generations,
we would find general excellence of form, quality, action
and utility, such as characterize the breed, used in the
work of improvement.

Our farmers have been using pure-bred sires, to a
greater or lesser degree, for more than half a century, yet
few, if any, communities have persistently used such sires
in a right line until the characters and quality of any one
breed have become predominant. The importance of
persistency of effort in horse breeding is well illustrated
in the district of La Perche, in France. This county has
become famous throughout the world for one breed of
horses—the Percheron—which possesses marked breed
prepotency and breeds so true to type. The Clydesdale
272 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

of Canada affords another example. The early Canadian
settlers were partial to the Clydesdale breed, and hence
imported Clydesdale stallions of best character which
have been employed in the breeding operations of that
country since the year 1842, when Archibald Ward of
Markham, Ontario, imported Grey Clyde (78). Prac-

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 133 ARRANGEMENT OF BREEDING HOPPLES

tically no outside crosses have been made. This has
enabled the farmers to select suitable mares and to ade-
quately develop their progeny. The result is that Can-
ada has but one type of draft horse, and it is a good one,
showing to a marked degree the characteristics of the
pure-bred Clydesdale.

The individual farmer will do well to cast his lot with
the majority of his neighbors and breed the same type
that they are breeding, even though that type may not
be the one that best suits his fancy or even the one that
is best suited to the district.
PRACTICAL HORSE BREEDING 275
' ; paddock
The process of breeding.—The stallion should *) <oth
hands of a caretaker who understands his work” ;
; ae vary
oughly. Englishmen and Scotchmen, by virtue of « J,
training abroad, usually make the best grooms. 11 .
stallion standing for public patronage should have a
properly constructed breeding plant. This may consist
of an inexpensive shed with an earth floor on which to
breed the mares. At one side of the shed erect a teasing
stall in which to try the mares. The front and side of
the stall should be boarded up solid for about 4 feet.
This is preferable to the teasing pole, as neither the mare
nor stallion can injure each other by striking or kicking.
No matter how gentle the mare may be, the breeding
hopples should be used at time of service. It only takes
a moment to adjust them,-and they will avoid all acci-
dent. The hopples should be adjusted snugly so as to
prevent the mare from stepping about. Many a valu-
able stallion has been injured when-it was thought un-
necessary to take this precaution. When the mare is in
place lead the stallion from his stall, making him come up
quietly and at right angles to her. It is better to train
the stallion to mount from the side rather than from
behind. Train him to come up quietly; do not allow
him to tear all over the plant in his efforts to mount and
do not allow him to nip at the mare.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE BROOD MARE

The mare used for breeding purposes should receive
careful attention. This need not lessen her usefulness
as a worker to any considerable extent, but is very im-
portant, as the wellbeing of both mare and foal depends
upon such attention.

Care of brood mare.—In our attempt to favor the mare
in foal, we often subject her to very unfavorable condi-
tions. Often she is placed in a stall, fed the most nutri-
tious of foods and denied exercise, particularly in winter,
as we are afraid she will slip and injure herself or the
foal. Under such conditions she soon stocks up, the legs
become swolien and stiff, she takes on fat rapidly and
becomes soft and flabby, all of which serve to increase
the difficulties at parturition time. It is a much better
plan to keep the mare in foal at moderate work, even up
to the day of foaling, as this will provide the needed
exercise, which is so essential to the wellbeing of both
mare and foal.

Where a large number of brood mares are kept, it is
often impossible to supply work for them, particularly
in the winter season. If possible, it is a good plan to
provide each mare with a box stall, at least 10 by 12 feet
square. Each stall should be arranged with a door
facing the south and opening into a small paddock or
yard, so that each mare may have her own exercising
ground. This will provide for exercise and avoid many
distressing accidents, as mares in foal are usually quarrel-
some and often injure each other when exercising two
or more in a paddock. Where box stalls and small yards
are not practical, a good, tight shed well protected on
the north and west, but open to the south, will do very
well for mares, if they have plenty of room, particularly

274
THE BROOD MARE 275

if the climate is not too severe. A spacious paddock
should be arranged in front of the shed, facing the south.

Productive period in brood mares.—Mares vary
widely in fertility, but the most productive period is
from four to 12 years of age. In exceptional cases,
however, this period may be extended both ways. Occa-
sionally a filly will breed freely at two years of age, thus
foaling her first colt at three; and, as we have already
seen, Old Fanny Cook produced 15 living foals, giving
birth to twins at 22 years of/age, and there are many
similar cases, especially among the lighter types.

Breeding two-year-old fillies—Among practical horse
breeders there is much difference of opinion as to the
advisability of breeding a two-year-old mare. Many per-
sons assert that the breeding of a filly at so early an age
tends to retard her development; that she will not make
so large or vigorous an animal as she otherwise would
and that the foal is handicapped in its development be-
cause of having an immature dam. On the other hand,
there are breeders who state that early pregnancy has a
tendency to stimulate the development of the dam, to
increase the fertility, and that the first foal, if from
a filly at least three years of age, stands just as good a
chance as the first foal from a mature mare.

From experience, it seems that the practicability of
breeding a two-year-old filly depends on at least three
factors: The breed, the individuality of the mare and
the object sought. As a rule, Horses of the heavy type
mature younger than those of the light type. A draft
filly at two years of age is often as mature as a trotting,
running or saddle filly at three years of age. Individual
mares differ in the way they mature, as a smoothly
turned, neat and well-finished one develops much younger
than a rough, coarse and growthy individual. Maturity
is influenced by the feed and care. A filly that is kept
growing continuously from birth will mature earlier than
one imperfectly cared for and which receives a set back
ONIGSSeYa YOA AMAL LNATISOXG JO SaYVW NOYAHDYdd Fel “DI

 
  

 
THE BROOD MARE 277

each winter. Finally, if breeding pure-bred animals, and
the object sought is to improve the strain, the advisability
of breeding a‘two-year-old filly would be questionable.
On the other hand, if working with grades and the object
is to produce draft horses for the market, there is no rea-
son why fillies cannot be bred at two years of age if they
are well grown and mature, and their owner is willing to
feed and care for them properly during their pregnancy.

Perhaps one reason for much of the discussion as to
the wisdom of breeding a mare at two years of age is
from-the fact that fillies at this age breed with much
difficulty. From practical experience it seems that only
about one filly out of four will conceive at so early an age.

Breeding aged mares.—At about 12 years the pro-
ductive powers of matiy draft mares begin to wane, al-
though some breed freely for a much longer period, par-
ticularly if they have been bred continuously from their
maturity. Asa rule, the lighter types retain their produc-
tive powers longer than the heavy types, although it is
rarely profitable to keep a mare for breeding after she is
15 years of age.

Season of the year to breed. Rares breed naturally in
the early spring. At this season their breeding condition
is more readily observed and they conceive more fre-
quently than at any other time during. the year. While
theyspring of the year is the natural breeding season, on
many farms it is inconvenient to do so, because of the
scason’s work, this being the busiest time of the year.
This often necessitates breeding the mares so as to have
the colts come in the fall.

Spring foals—When convenient the spring is the
proper time to breed the mare, as this is attended by
many advantages. Not only is the mare’s breeding con-
dition more readily noted and her chances of conceiving
much ‘greater, but the foal comes at a time when it is
much more easily managed. The housing is simplified,
for if the weather is warm the mare and foal may be
NOILVWHOANOD GOOD JO SAYVW NVIOTAI—'Sel “Old

 

 

 

 

 

278

 
THE BROOD MARE 279

turned to a small paddock or pasture. If the mare is
worked during the day she should be fed her evening
meal, before going to pasture, as she needs the more
nutritious feed, the grass being too succulent to meet the
demands made upon her system. The grass she eats will
serve to keep her in good physical condition and stimu-
late the flow of milk. This gives the foal the range of the
field that it may take the much-needed exercise, without
which no foal can develop endurance. Soon the foal
will learn to nibble the grass, and this will prove very
beneficial, as grass is a very good supplement to milk
for a suckling colt. If the foal is given a little grain at the
same time the dam receives her ration, it will thrive and
develop in a manner very difficult to equal with a fall colt.

Aside from the inconvenience of the foal while work-
ing the dam, the chief objection to a spring colt is that
he must be weaned in the fall just about the time of
going on dry feed. At this time the colt must receive
extra feed and attention or he will lose flesh and perhaps
receive a setback that will retard his future development
and usefulness.

Fall foals—On grain farms the pressing work begins
in March and continues until August, while in dairy dis-
tricts where there is much hay to harvest and silos to fill
it may last until October. When fall foals are to be
raised the mares should be bred so as to foal as soon as
convenient after the season’s work, providing the foals do
not come when flies are cruelly annoying. Time of breed-
ing and other details will be modified by circumstances.

While the mare is not so likely to breed in the fall as in
the spring, due, in part at least, to her thin condition
after the summer’s work, yet by increasing the food, es-
pecially the grain ration, by blanketing, and by mod-
erate and regular exercise, the desired results can often
be attained. The bowels should be kept free from consti-
pation by feeding moderate amounts of succulent food.
In short, make the conditions as springlike as possible.
280 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

If the foal comes in the winter it will need extra warm
quarters and extra attention. The dam will need milk-
producing foods, such as clover or alfalfa hay, oats, bran
and a few carrots, if available. She should be exercised
regularly. If one has succulent food, such as carrots,
and provides sufficient exercise for mare and foal, it is
possible to raise a winter colt that will be a strong rival
to the average spring colt, but extra care must be given.

Breeding the mare.—Do not change the habit or work
of a mare at breeding time, but keep her as she was before
the service. Often work mares are bred and turned to
pasture. This is poor practice, as the sudden changing
of a mare from dry grain and hay to pasture, and from
work to idleness will so upset her system as to render
conception difficult. In like manner, taking a mare from
pasture and giving her a diet of grain and hay will have a
similar result. The quieter a mare is kept at time of
service the better it will be for her. If possible long
drives to and from the stallion should be avoided. When
it is desired to breed to a stallion located at some dis-
tance, if possible, arrangements should be made to leave
her near him for a time.

Breeding condition.—While mares differ widely in the
recurrence of their breeding condition, this difference is
not so great as to render a general rule inapplicable. A
mare bred on the ninth day after foaling will usually
conceive, and if she is healthy and has received no
injuries in giving birth it is the practice to breed her
at this time. When she should be returned to see
whether she has conceived is a much-discussed question,
due to the fact that mares differ in this respect. The
horse breeder should make a study of the individuality
of his mares so as to be able to return them at the proper
time. In common practice the mare is returned on the
twenty-first day after first service, and every seven days
thereafter for at least one month, particularly when the
mare is a valuable one and the owner wishes to make
sure she is in foal.
THE BROOD MARE 281

Some mares are shy breeders and are never observed
to be in breeding condition. If it is desired to breed such
a mare she can occasionally be brought around by hop-

Pwling her securely and then breeding her. In approx-

itdately three weeks from this service she may be ob-

stafrved to be in breeding condition, when she should be
bufed again. On the other hand, there are many mares
‘that will freely be served even when in foal, and in some
cases up to the time of foaling.

Barrenness in mares.—Some mares come into condition
and breed normally, but fail to conceive. While there
are many causes of barrenness, some of which are well
understood and easily prevented, there are other causes
not so well known and perhaps beyond the control of the
breeder. Chief among the known causes are: Late
breeding; lack of exercise; overfeeding and mares in too
fat a condition; underfeeding and mares in too thin a
condition; lack of proper food and the like. Thus, mares
not bred until late in life are difficult to impregnate for
the first time. This is particularly true of hard-working
mares. This is due, no doubt, to the long inactivity of
the generative organs.

Perhaps the most common cause of non-breeding
is the excessive feeding of foods too rich in carbo-
hydrates, particularly corn, which is very fattening.
This also increases the dangers attending parturition,
such as milk fever, difficulties in foaling, and the like.
Breeding animels that are fed such rich and stimulating
foods should receive an abundance of exercise. The
other extreme—poor feeding and hard work—is equally
as likely to cause barrenness, as the system is weakened
by the lack of sufficient nutrition. On the other hand,
there is a long line of causes of barrenness over which
the breeder has little or no control, such as derangement
of the female organs, diseased ovaries, tumors, inflamma-
tion, and the like, which lead to the destruction or expul-
282 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

sion of the semen before conception, or soon afterwards.

To reduce barrenness among brood mares, avoid all
causes which may have a tendency to produce it. Feed a
moderate amount of clean, nutritious food and provide
the mare with sufficient exercise. Keep. her in good
health and if she is normal she will conceive. If she S
not normal or is unthrifty, she either may not conceive
at all or only occasionally, and even then there is likely
to be difficulty.

Abortion in mares.—Perhaps many mares thought to
be barren conceive freely, but abort soon after concep-
tion. Either difficulty is serious, as they prevent living
offspring and thus render the mare worthless as a
breeder. Abortion may be brought about by any cause
that very generally disturbs the mare’s system, such as
the feeding of too stimulating a ration or the reverse,
the feeding of certain harmful materials as ergot of rye,
smut of corn or other grain, and the drinking of filthy
stagnant water, iced water as well as the eating of iced
grasses and other indigestible materials. In addition,
abortion may be due to a number of more or less direct
mechanical causes, as falls, blows, overwork and violent
exertion, traveling on muddy roads, soft, plowed ground
or jumping fences, ditches, and the like.

As in barrenness, abortion can usually be prevented by
avoiding all causes which may have a tendency to pro-
duce it. The same precautions should be taken as sug-
gested for barrenness. When all measures fail and mis-
carriage results, all that can be done is to assist in the
removal of the fetus and its membranes, as in ordinary
parturition. At this time the mare should have extra
care. She should be placed in a roomy, well-lighted and
well-ventilated stall, and fed easily digested food, as it
is essential to avoid constipation, diarrhea, indigestion
and the like. The mare should never be bred on the ninth
day after a miscarriage. Let her go over at least one
period.
THE BROOD MARE 283

THE PREGNANT MARE

The management of the pregnant mare should have for
its object the feeding of such a ration as will supply her
demands for energy, and in addition allow ample nourish-
ment for the development of the foal, both before and for
a short time after birth, together with such a regulation
of the work as will protect the mare from becoming tired,
overheated, or injured in any way. The breeder who is
painstaking and can accomplish this will experience little
or no difficulty in managing brood mares before, during

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 136.—BROOD MARES SHOWING CONFORMATION, SOUNDNESS AND
UNIFORMITY

and after parturition. There is no secret in raising colts
further than the feeding of a moderate amount of nutri-
tious food and providing sufficient exercise to keep the
mare and foal in perfect health.

Working the pregnant mare—As stated, moderate
work is not only harmless, but positively advantageous
to mares in foal, provided proper care can be taken not to
overload them. It is much better than to keep them
tied in the stable, for in that case they suffer for want of
exercise. Notwithstanding, popular cpinion to the con-
trary, moderate work is better for brood mares than to
284 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

permit them to run at large in the fields, where they are
exposed to accident resulting from racing, playing or
fighting with each other. Pregnant mares are usually
quarrelsome, aad abortion frequently occurs from in-
juries received at the heels of other horses. If proper
care be taken, the mare can be used safely at the ordinary
work of the farm up to the very day of foaling. As foal-
ing time approaches, however, it is important that the
work be not heavy or the pace rapid. Further, the preg-
nant mare must not be fretted by the other horses, or by
rough, inexperienced hands.

Feeding the pregnant mare.—The food of the pregnan
mare is of most importance. The quality of the ration;
of as much importance as the quantity. Fat production
is to be avoided, and the formation of blood, muscle and
bone induced. Foods rich in protein and ash, such as
oats, bran, clover and alfalfa are preferred to starchy
foods, such as corn and timothy hay. A very good ration
for the pregnant mare is as follows: Four parts ground
oats, four parts of wheat bran or its equivalent, and one
part of linseed meal, with bright clover and alfalfa hay
for roughage. If this ration should prove too laxative
discard the linseed meal, or if too constipating give a bran
mash occasionally. By the use of the proper foods, the
bowels should be kept in good condition.

The ration of the mare should be reduced just before
and for a short time after foaling, and made more lax-
ative by the addition of a succulent food, as carrots or an
occasional bran mash. This should be continued until
mare and foal recover from the ordeal incident to birth.

The gestation period——The mare carries her foal about
eleven months, more accurately perhaps 340 days, al-
though it may vary greatly either way. Fillies have been
known to drop perfectly healthy foals at 300 days from
time of service, while older mares have gone 400 days
and given birth to living foals. The statement that male
foals are carried longer than female foals lacks .con-
THE BROOD MARE 285

firmation. Because of the uncertainty of the period, the
mare should be watched closely from the tenth month
until parturition. Place her in a large, well-lighted, well-
ventilated box stall, free from projectiof; »n which she
may injure herself or the foal, and in a quiet section of
the barn. It is important that this stall be thoroughly
clean and freshly bedded. It is a good plan to scatter a
little lime about the floor before the bedding is put down.

TABLE SHOWING PERIOD OF GESTATION—MARES 340 DAYS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan. 1 3 6 9 12 15 18 -2t 24 27 30
4 6 8 11 14 «17'——~— 20-23 2629 1 4 Jan.
a | 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27
ub. 6 8 11 14-17, «20-23 2629 1 Feb.
Mar. 1 3 6 9 12 15 18° 21 24 27° 30
Feb. 3 5 8 11 14.17 = 20-23-26 1 4 Mar.
Apr. 1 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 © ©30
Ma 6 8 11 14.17, «20,23 2629 1 4 Apr.
May 1° 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
pil 5 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 May
ne 1 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 #27 «30
y 6 8 IL 14.17. «20.23, 2629 1 4 June
3 1 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
june 5 7 10:13 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 July
Aug 1 3 6 9 12 15 18) 21 24 27 30
July 6 8 11 14. «:17—— «2023 25s 1 4 Aug.
Sept. 1 3 6 9 12 15 1824 24 27 30
Aug 6 8 IL 14. 17. 20-23, 2629 1 4 Sept.
Oct. 1 -3 6 9 12 15 18 at 24 27 30 :
Sept. 5 7 1013 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 Oct.
Nov. 1 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
Oct. 6. 8 11 14. 17-2023 2629 1 4 Nov.
Dew. 1 3 6 9 12 15 18 2 24 27 830
Nov. 5 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 Dec.

 

 

The upper figure in each pair of horizont&l lines repre-
sents date of service, the figure beneath it, with the month
designated in the margin, shows probable date of par-
turition. A mare bred January 1 should foal December 6.
286 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES.

Foaling time.—There are certain signs of the near ap-
proach of parturition that rarely fail. The udder may
become much distended some time before foaling, but the
teats seldom fill out plump to the end more than four or
five days before the foal is born. By many persons the
appearance of wax on the ends of the teats is considered
a certain sign. This generally appears not earlier than
48 hours before the foal comes. In some cases, however,
the teats may discharge a watery exudate for days before
the mare foals. About one week or 10 days before foal-
ing there is a marked shrinking or falling away of the
muscular parts at the top of the buttocks and back of the
hips. On the other hand, occasionally a mare may give
birth to a foal without any of these signs.

When birth is normal, let both mare and foal alone, as
they will come through the ordeal all right. In normal
presentation the forefeet appear first with the bottom of
the hoofs down, and then the nose (Fig. 185). It may be
necessary that a caretaker be near at hand to render as-
sistance if need be, but the mare should not know of his
presence. The navel cord of the foal should be disin-
fected at once. To do this some persons use a saturated
solution of boracic acid, and then dust the cord with
boracic acid powder.

When birth is difficult, or if there is an abnormal pres-
entation a veterinarian should be summoned at once, as
difficult parturition is likely to prove fatal to the foal.

Mare after foaling—When birth is normal, the mare
will usually tend the foal, though it may be necessary to
aid him to get the first meal. When the mare has rested
offer her a drink of gruel made from a pound of fine oil
meal in half a bucket of water from which the chill has
been taken. The mare should be given a few days’ rest,
though she should be exercised after the first few days,
particularly if she has been at moderate work up to the
time of foaling. This is important, as otherwise the foal
will not thrive. If all is well the mare may be put to °
mederate work the;ninth day after foaling.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE FOAL

It is important that the young foal get the first milk
from the dam. The first milk, often called colostrum,
looks thick and yellow, and differs materially in composi-
tion from the subsequent milk. It is a natural purgative
for the removal of the material that has accumulated in
the foal’s digestive tract during the last few days of his
development. The prompt removal of this material is
essential to the life of the foal. Thus, if the youngster
is unable to stand and nurse, he should be aided to find
the teat and to obtain his first meal.

The foal that makes his appearance normally, and is
able to stand and nurse, needs but to be let alone as long
as mare and foal are both doing well. The young foal will
be better for it. By regulating the food and the exercise
of the mare, the foal may be kept thriving and in the pink
of condition without any special attention.

Ailments of the young foal—There is a high death
rate among foals, due largely to lack of understanding
on the part of the caretaker. It sometimes happens that
the new-born foal cannot breathe because of the mem-
branes surrounding the head. In such cases the mem-
brane should be broken with the hand. Occasionally a
new-born foal does not establish the function of respira-
tion. In such cases the body should be rubbed briskly.
Soon after birth many foals are troubled with digestive
disorders, that must be remedied at once or they will
prove fatal. Again, they are sometimes troubled with an
infectious navel disease which usually proves fatal to the
young foal. Practically all of these troubles can be
avoided if proper precautions are taken.

Constipation During the last few days of fetal de-

287
288 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

velopment there collects in the digestive tract of the foal
a yellowish, rather hard, waxy substance called meco-
nium. This fecal matter must be passed soon after birth
or it will prove fatal to the new-born foal. If the diges-
tive tract has not been cleaned of this material within
12 hours, and the youngster presents a droopy, listless
appearance, such as eyes not bright, ears lopped over
and the like, something must be done to stimulate the

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 137—ARABIAN MARE AND FOAL

action of the bowels. This usually can be done by giving
internally two ounces of olive oil or castor oil, and by an
injection of warm water into the bowels. The oil must
be given carefully to avoid strangling the foal. The
water used in the injection should be at blood heat and
have added to it a little glyceriné. Inject gently into the
rectum with a common two-ounce hard rubber syringe,
taking care not to rupture the tender membrane. This
THE FOAL 289

will lubricate the passage and stimulate the bowels, to
action. The injection may be repeated each hour until
the matter is passed, which should be within five hours
from the time of giving the oil.

Diarrhea—-Young foals are often troubled with
diarrhea or scours, which often proves fatal soon after
birth. There are a number of causes of this disease, per-
haps the chief one being changes of an unknown char-
acter in the composition of the mare’s milk, due to poor
health, lack of exercise, or to the mare becoming fretful
when kept away from the foal for a time soon after foal-
ing. The foal feeding on this changed milk induces
indigestion and diarrhea. Some mares give a very large
flow of milk, particularly when fed rich and stimulating
food, and if the foal is permitted to take it all, digestive
disorders and diarrhea are likely to result. The same
often happens in early spring when the mare is pasturing
on a rank growth of succulent grass. Other causes are
the non-removal of the fecal matter, mare and foal con-
fined in unclean stables, and the like.

The treatment is the avoidance of conditions likely to
cause such disorders. If the dam is properly housed, fed
and exercised there is very little danger. At the first
appearance of such trouble, we should attend the foal
and remove the cause, for even then it may be too late.
If it is due to an oversupply of milk, the dam should be
milked in part by hand. Never give an astringent with
a view of cutting off the discharge, as the trouble is prob-
ably caused by an irritant in the stomach or bowels which
must be removed before a cure can be effected. The best
plan in all such cases is to expel the disturber with a lax-
ative, such as two ounces of olive or castor oil, and later
when the irritant has been removed to check the dis-
charge.

Navel infection—Young foals are very commonly
troubled with navel infection or joint ill, which is a very
fatal disease, particularly after the joints become af-
290 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

fected. This disease is due to filth germs that gain access
to the body of the foal by way of the open umbilical vein
of the navel at birth. Soon after these germs enter the
navel, they set up irritation and inflammation. The navel
becomes enlarged, pus forms and is absorbed into the cir-
culation. Abscesses form in all parts of the body, notably
in the joints of the limbs, and at the throat and poll.
As with digestive disorders, the treatment is the avoid-
ance of conditions likely to produce the disease. It
should be understood that simple hygienic measures will
prevent all such diseases. The box stall in which the

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 138.—MARES AND FOALS AT PASTURE

mare foals should be scrupulously clean, well lighted and
well ventilated. It should be well bedded with clean,
fresh material, for which straw or shavings is best. To
make the stall sweeter a little lime should be scattered
about the floor before the bedding is put down.

FEEDING THE YOUNG FOAL

If the dam’s milk is insufficient to promote a healthy,
vigorous growth in the foal, additional food should be
provided. For this purpose cow’s milk is best, and the
bon crunau 2gi

poorer in fat the better, as mare’s milk will average only
about 14%, while that of the cow contains more than
twice as much fat.

Modified cow’s milk for foals.—Occasionally it becomes
necessary to raise a foal entirely independent of the dam.
In such cases the cow’s milk must be modified and care
must be exercised not to give too much at one time. To
a pint of fresh milk add half a teacupful of lime water,
in which has been dissolved a dessertspoonful of white
granulated sugar. Warm the mixture to blood heat.
Let the foal have half a teacupful every hour at first.
As the foal grows older this amount should be increased
and the frequency of feeding decreased, first to 12, then
to nine, six, and, lastly, to four times per day. This re-
quires patience and takes time, but must be done. The
object is to feed the foal all he will drink, and to feed
him so frequently that he will not require much at a time.

Feeding grain.—As soon as the foal is old enough, he
should be taught to eat grain. He will begin to
munch in the grain and hay at 10 days to two weeks of
age, and should be encouraged to eat. A small handful
of bran or oatmeal, to which a little brown sugar has been
added, is good to get the foal in the habit of eating grain.
A grain mixture consisting of half bran and half oatmeal
by volume, makes a very satisfactory food for the sucking
colt. The youngster should be given all of this mixture
that he will consume with a relish.

If it is necessary to feed milk after the colt is two
months of age, skimmed milk should be substituted for
fresh cow’s milk. This should always be given when
sweet. If the colt is troubled with constipation add a
little oilmeal to the grairf ration. This meal can be fed
with profit to growing colts, as it furnishes a large pro-
portion of muscle-forming and bone-forming food.

Weaning the foal—When properly managed, the foal
can be weaned without loss in weight. This is largely
a matter of preparation, and the simplicity of the weaning
292 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

process depends on the thoroughness of the preparation.
The colt that has been accustomed to grain as suggested,
and that has been permitted to take increasingly more
as he grew, has learned to rely on his own resources.
Thus, when the time comes for complete separation from
the dam there will be very little if any setback, provid-
ing he is given all the grain he likes and is provided with
an abundance of fresh drinking water. On the other
hand, if the foal must learn to eat after being deprived
of the dam’s milk, he will require time to get accustomed
to the new condition, which will of necessity prove a_
heavy drain upon
the system. The new
quarters where the
weanlings are con-
| fined should be such
that they cannot in-
jure themselves
while fretting over
the separation.

At this time the

4 udder of the mare
¥ requires extra at-
a

 

  

tention. When it
becomes so full as

to cause her uneasi-
Fic. SEES MEINE, WELL BRED ness, part of the

milk should be
drawn, but she should not be milked dry. If the milk is
all withdrawn it will take longer to dry her.

Age to wean the foal—In common practice colts are
usually weaned at four to six months of age, depending
on the conditions. In the case of mares that have been
bred soon after foaling, it is best to wean early, so that
they will have time to recuperate and to nourish the
fetus. Jf for any reason the mare or foal are not doing
well, it is perhaps best to wean rather early. On the

 

 

 
THE FOAL 293
other hand, if the mare has a full flow of milk and her
services are not needed, and if it is desired to push the
foal to his maximum growth, there is no reason for wean-
ing under six months of age.

When dam and foal are separated, leave the foal in his
accustomed stall and take the dam out of sight and hear-
ing. This separation should be complete. If they are
permitted to see, hear or smell each other again all that
has been gained is lost, and it will be necessary to begin
over again.

MANAGEMENT OF THE WEANLING

Weanlings should have snug quarters during the first
winter. Feed them ground oats, barn and corn meal, one-
third each by weight, to which a little oilmeal has been
added to keep them in good physical condition. Feed
only the best hay, clover or alfalfa preferred, and always
avoid that which is dusty or moldy. Give them all they
will clean up and come back hungry for the next meal.

Exercise and development.—The colt needs an abun-
dant opportunity for exercise in the fresh, pure air, un-
contaminated by stable odors, as this is essential to a
healthy development. It is not sufficient that he be led
out at stated intervals for exercise. He needs the op-
portunity to romp and play, that he may extend his
muscles to their utmost capacity, expand his lungs to
their very depths, and send the blood coursing through his
veins with much vigor. ‘This is essential to a healthy,
robust development of heart and lungs, bone and muscle,
and nowhere can it be obtained in so great perfection as
in the freedom of a lot or field.

The colt that is confined to a stall grows up a stiff,
clumsy animal, deficient in stamina and vigor. And this
for the want of that which is so free—fresh air and exer-
cise.

Care of the colt’s feet—The feet of a growing colt re-
quire constant attention, otherwise they will not always
294 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

grow out full, strong and perfect inform. On sandy soil,
the hoofs wear off as fast as necessary, to keep them in
fair proportion, but the wearing is not even. The feet
should be carefully inspected once each month, and all
irregularities corrected. It will often be necessary to
shorten the toes. This should be done with a rasp, which
is the only instrument that should be used on a colt’s
foot. The frog needs special attention, for if it gets out
of contact with the bearing surface the foot will rapidly
lose its shape, the heels will contract and the walls at the
quarter become brittle, weak and easily split both from
above and below. To avoid such irregularities, keep the
walls rounded at the ground surface, the toes short and
the frog prominent.

Age to castrate male colts.—It is customary to castrate
the colt when he is between one and two years of age.
The work for which the colt is required, as well as the
individuality, are factors to be considered in determin-
ing the proper age. The longer the colt is left entire, the
more muscular in appearance and the more courageous
he will be. Thus, if the colt is rather undeveloped, es-
pecially about the head and neck, and rather timid in his
nature, he may be left entire six months or even a year
longer than if he is overdeveloped in these parts and
inclined to be lively and vicious.
CHAPTER XXIX
PRACTICAL MULE BREEDING

While in the breeding of mules the same general fac-
tors are to be considered as in breeding horses, yet there
are a few peculiar differences worthy careful considera-
tion. Chief among these peculiarities are the method
of obtaining the sire, as well as his management from
the time he is foaled until maturity.

Number of mules produced—The number of mules
bred in the United States is increasing very rapidly.
According to the thirteenth census there were approx-
imately 314 million mules in the country in 1900, while
in I910 there were about 414 million. This increase is
due to the efficiency of the mule as a beast of burden.
He possesses a few outstanding advantages over the
horse, chief of which are his resistance to disease, largely
because he seldom eats more than is good for him; his
pluck, perseverance and steady habits; his fast walk;
and his long life, the mule being a longer-lived animal
than the horse.

Mule-breeding states.——The geographical distribution
of mules is different from that of horses. Although the
use of mules is rapidly increasing in the North, it is in the
South that they have been found particularly useful. In
1910 there were more than 12 times as many horses as
mules in the North, while in the South there were only
about one and one-half times as many. Of the 313,196
yearling mules in 1909, practically none were in the New
England states; less than .5 of 1% in the middle Atlantic
states; 3.3% in the South Atlantic states; 46.2% in the
north central states; 44.9% in the south central states;
and 5.1% in the mountain and Pacific states. Missouri,

295
296 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma lead all other states, each
possessing more than 10,000 yearling mules in 1909, while
Towa and I linois, the two leading horse-producing states,
which numbered 158,679 and 138,447 yearling horses
respectively, possessed but 1,482 and 7,202 yearling mules
respectively, at the same time. Kentucky and Tennessee
stand high among the mule-producing states, and are
particularly noted for raising mules of style and quality.

BREEDING JACKS AND JENNETS

Since the jack is sire of the mule, it is necessary to con-
sider the breeding of jacks and jennets in any discussion
of mule breeding. While’ we have no data as to: the ex-
tent of jack and jennet breeding in the United States, it
is very limited, as the thirteenth census reports only
105,698 jacks and jennets. The leading mule breeders
tely largely upon im-
ported jacks, although
with the increasing
popularity of the mule
there is likely to be an
increase in the number
of jack-breeding farms.

Selecting breeding
stock—In the choos-
ing of jacks and jen-
nets, equally as much
care should be exer-
cised as in the case of
breeding horses. The

Fic. 140.—CATALONIAN Jack same general principles

of breeding apply to

jacks and jennets as to stallions and mares. Lack

of numbers makes rigid selection impossible, but im-

provement is not possible unless superior animals are
mated,

 

 

 

 
PRACTICAL MULE BREEDING 297

Select animals that are typical of the breed and that
display jack characteristics. Choose the animal with
a long, thin, bony head and long, tapering ears attached
gracefully to the head. The neck should be of medium
length and well attached at the shoulders, which should
be well laid in and not too rough. The body should be
smooth and well turned. Breadth in hips and pelvis is
very essential, particularly in the jennet. Many jennets
are so deficient or narrow in the pelvis that they often
experience great difficulty at parturition time. The legs
should be flat and clean, with large joints, and the feet
should be large and deeply cupped.

In size, the breeding animals should be large for the
breed and well proportioned. Large jacks often lack in
proportion and are often clumsy. Both of these faults
must be guarded against. The action should be free and
easy as well as regular and straightaway. The walk
should be rapid and regular. The color is a very im-
portant character in jacks and jennets, notably in the
United States, where a good black with distinctively
light points is preferred. Dun, yellow, blue, and, the
like, are discriminated against. Perhaps the most im-
‘portant characters to be considered in selecting jack stock
are the color, size and action.

The pregnant jennet.—The same suggestions made for
the pregnant mare apply to the jennet (p. 283). As it is
not customary to work jennets in this country, they must
be provided with facilities to take the much-needed exer-
cise. When in season, the pasture fills this need. If the
weather is unfavorable, the jennet should be placed in a
box stall, adjacent to an exercising lot and the door of
the box stall left open except in very severe weather. To
avoid all risk from accident each jennet should be kept
by herself.

The jennet carries her foal longer than the mare, often
well up to12 months. As the time of foaling approaches
the jennet must be watched closely, and an attendant
298 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

must be with her when the foal is born. This is im-
portant. When the foal is born he may have the
membrane over his head and nostrils, and if this is
not torn and removed, he will smother. The navel
cord is rather tough and sometimes does not break.
In such cases, it should be tied with a silk or flax thread
and then cut three or four inches from the navel. Never
cut the cord before tying. Sometimes foaling jennets
are troubled with sore, tender and inflamed udders, due
to the large amount of milk they contain. When such is
the case, the jennet will not allow the foal to suck. She
will kick and_ bite
him, and he may
starve if not looked
after properly. The
jennet must be care-
fully milked and the
udder bathed in salt
water to relieve the
inflammation.

While mares us-
ually breed on the
seventh to the ninth
day after foaling, jen-
nets breed much later,
Fic. 141.—Jack Coit Firteen Montus or Ace Probably about the

twelfth to fourteenth
day. As with mares, if they fail to breed at this time,
they are not likely to mate while nursing the foal. A
few days after weaning, however, and the mare or jennet
dried off, they are likely to come into heat, particularly
if they have been well cared for and are in a thriving
condition.

The foal—The jack and jennet foal should receive
much the same care as that suggested for the horse foal
(p. 287), although jack stock is very tender when young
and should receive vigilant attention. These foals are

 

 

 

 

 
PRACTICAL MULE BREEDING 299

more or less subject to springing of the forelegs when
young. According to Knight, who has had large ex-
perience in raising jacks, this difficulty results from the
foal’s long legs. Thus, when the dams are low, and the
foal is compelled to stoop and suck, the forelegs are often
cramped in such a position as to increase their liability
to injury. At an early age the bones are very soft and

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 142.—SPAN OF PRIZE MULES

easily sprung. The difficulty is also noticed in young
foals feeding on pasture. The youngsters are required
to put too much weight on the forelegs in order to reach
the grass, and this may result in injury to the joints.
Usually the knees spring in or out, but sometimes the
ankles give way and occasionally the arm joints are
injured.

This difficulty may be so serious that Knight suggests
placing the foals in the stable and feeding them suitable
food. Fresh green grass may be fed in the stable, thus
300 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF -HORSES

avoiding the exposure of the limbs by grazing. When
the difficulty is due to a low dam, the youngster may be
placed in the stable and fed on modified cow’s milk, much
as suggested for feeding modified cow’s milk to horse
foals; or the milk from the dam may be used, as some:
jennets give large quantities.

Raising a mule-breeding jack—The jack is peculiar in
his habits. He will not serve both mares and jennets.
In fact, he will seldom serve a mare if reared along
with a jennet. In raising mule-breeding jacks this is a
factor of much importance. To mate with mares, a jackj
must be raised with mare colts and not permitted
to smell’a jennet until well trained to breed mares. If
permitted to serve a jennet, he will often refuse to serve
mares, and his usefulness as a mule breeder is at an en¢

MULE BREEDING

As we have seen, the mule is a hybrid, and results
from crossing a jack on a mare, the reciprocal cross
being known as a hinny. The latter is seldom seen,
because the stallion has an aversion to the jennet and
will not often mate with her. It is asserted:that the
hinny takes more of the characters of the horse, the
head being neater and the ears shorter than the mule, the
hair in the mane and tail heavier and the foot larger.
The bray is like the horse.

Selecting mule-breeding stock.—Formerly very little
attention was given to the choosing of either sire or dam
in mule breeding. Thus, the mule of a decade ago was a
small, ill-tempered and inferior animal, unsuited for most
kinds of work. These early specimens were at once the
contempt of all horsemen. Even though the modern
mule is one of the most efficient working animals we
have, he is held in more or less common prejudice be-
cause of the inferiority of his early brother.

Since the same general principles of breeding apply to
the mule as to-the horse, the same care should be exer-
PRACTICAL MULE BPREEDING 301

cised in selecting both the jack and the mare, as suggested
for the stallion and mare (p. 268). The market value of
the mule will depend largely upon his size, conformation,
quality, action and color. These factors should be taken
nto consideration in selecting the mule-breeding stock.
Many breeders have fallen into the grievous way of con-
sidering a mare for mule breeding when no longer suited
for horse breeding. For some reason they seem to ex-
pect such a mare to produce a good mule. This is ex-
actly the cause of much of the prejudice against mule
>reeding. Not until due consideration is given the selec-
tion of both jack and mare can we hope to raise our mule
stock to the highest degree of efficiency obtainable. This
applies to the individuality of both parents as well as to

.eir suitability for mating.

The type of mare to select will depend largely on the
class of mule it is desired to produce. In breeding mules
it is as important to study the market as in breeding
horses. If it is desired to produce a light mule, such as
mining mules, sugar mules, and the like, then mares of
the light type should be selected. On the other hand, if
the object is the production of draft mules, then the
mares should be of the heavy or draft type (p. 320). The
jack should be selected from the same point of view.

Mare and mule foal.—In general, the care of the mare
and mule foal should be the same as that suggested for
the mare and horse foal (Chapters XXVII and XXVIII).
CHAPTER XXX
BREEDING HORSES FOR FARM AND MARKET

Since the mass of horses that supply our markets and
do our work are produced upon farms, we will consider
the breeding of horses for farm work and for the market.

Farm breeders’ limitations —The farmer should under-
stand from the beginning that his task is the production
of common working animals. He should understand
that it is not possible for him to successfully produce
race horses, coachers and saddlers. The production of
these types must be left to the horse breeder who has the
capital, time and facilities to put his stock into market
condition. This is important and must be appreciated
if farmers are to succeed as horse breeders. No other
class of horses has been so extensively produced by our
farmers as a low grade of speed horses, that is often so
nervous as to be worthless upon the farm and that is
not wanted upon any market because of the small size.
True, there is an occasional horseman who may be
classed as a farmer, and who is making a success of breed-
ing and fitting these light types, but if his business be
carefully examined it will be observed that he is placing
his major efforts into the breeding and preparing of
horses, while farming takes second place.

While a well-bred and fast trotter or runner, a fashion-
ably bred, well-educated and active coacher, and a well-
trained and stylish saddler may command a fancy price,
especially if a buyer can be located, yet the capital, time
and skill required to breed and condition such animals are
far beyond the average farmer. The production of these
types is the work of skilled horse breeders, whose lives
are wrapped up in their work, and who are located at
great breeding establishments, where every circumstance
favorable to development is provided.

302
BREEDING HORSES FOR FARM AND MARKET 303

THE FARMER’S HORSE

While the average farmer should not attempt to pro-
duce fancy or fast horses, because of his lack of capital,
time and facilities, yet he has certain advantages as a
horse breeder that should be recognized and that should
shape his course. The farmer uses horses extensively,
and while the most efficient type of horse will depend
to some extent upon the nature of the farm work, yet
only the more useful
types can be proper-
ly employed, there
being no work suit-
able for race horses,
coachers and_ sad-
dlers. On most farms
there is a large
amount of cheap
feed, which puts the
horse industry on
much the same basis
as the beef industry.
Further, most farms
are provided with
an abundant range,
which affords facil-
ities for exercising
and growing young
stock. While there
may be many exceptions, the general trend of farm
work is toward the horse possessing considerable weight,
much endurance and good action.

General-purpose horse.—On the average farm there is
a variety of work to be done, some very heavy, as plow-
ing, and demanding a heavy horse; some rather moderate
as drawing produce to market, and demanding an active
moderate-sized horse; and on the same farm there will
be family driving, demanding a driving horse. To da

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 143.—GRADE PERCHERON COLTS READY FOR
& MARKET
304 MANAGEMENT AND: BREEDING OF HORSES

this variety of work many farmers have sought to pro-
duce a general-purpose horse, by which is meant an
animal of all work. Since there is no breed of all-work
horses, our farmers have taken it upon themselves to
produce such animals by making various sorts of crosses.
No doubt much of the indiscriminate crossing, which has
resulted in our heterogeneous array of horse stock, was
done in the hope of producing a general-purpose horse.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 144..-SHIRE STALLIONS SUITABLE FOR BREEDING FARM OR
MARKET HORSES

It often happens that a breeder has made a very good
start in developing a certain type of horse, say, a driving
animal, when he concludes that the horse is too light to
draw a plow and consequently mates with a draft horse in
the hope of obtaining an offspring possessing the action
of the roadster and something of the size and strength of
the draft horse. On the other hand, another farmer may
have developed a draft strain, when he concludes his
animals are too heavy for the road and mates with a
trotting horse. The offspring in either case proves a
BREEDING HORSES FOR FARM AND MARKET 305

disappointment, as anything in the horse line, except a
useful animal, is likely to result from such crossing of
types. It is this kind of breeding that results in animals
with draft-horse bodies and trotting-horse legs, with big
_forequarters and small hindquarters, with big heads and
little bodies, and with all sorts of irregular combinations.
This method of breeding cannot be too strongly con-
demned, as it is a menace to the horse-breeding industry.

The draft horse for heavy work.—On grain farms, hay
farms, stock farms, and the like, where there is much
heavy work, such as plowing, dragging, harvesting and
hauling, the draft horse is by far the most efficient. On
such farms the draft horse finds his true home, and as
there is work but a part of the year, the animals may be
bred and raise a colt without serious inconvenience.
The work is not so severe as to preclude the use of breed-
ing mares. In fact, it is too expensive to keep geldings
simply for the work they can do during the busy season.
On farms of considerable size where three or more teams
are kept one may be of the light type to take care of the
light work and do the family driving.

The light horse for light work.—On dairy farms, small
truck and fruit farms, where there is a minimum amount
of heavy work, and where the necessity of reaching the
market demands light active horses, the light horse is
most efficient. On such farms of considerable size where
it is necessary to keep several teams, one should be of
the draft type to take care of the heavy work, since as
these farms increase in size there is much heavy work to
be done. Perhaps there will not be the same opportunity
to breed these animals as on grain, hay and stock farms,
but it makes a clear distinction as to the type of horse
likely to prove the most efficient.

The one-team farm.—The same principle applies to the
small farm as that suggested for the larger farm. If the
major part of the work is heavy, the draft horse will prove
the most efficient ; while if the larger part of the work is
306 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

light, the light horse will be the most useful. In breed-
ing farm horses these principles should be kept clearly in
mind, as the horse of all work is a myth, and the attempt
to produce him will prove a disappointment. Many a
small farmer has come to grief because he provided for
his family driving before his work and because he looked
upon colt raising as causing too much trouble.

THE MARKET HORSE

Since the general farmer must keep more horses than
he can provide with continuous work, in order that he
may manage during the busy season, it has been sug:
gested that he keep brood mares and raise colts, thus
increasing the output from the farm. If the farmer
breeds to a given type, as suggested above, this will
prove a remunerative investment, although it will prob-
ably fail if he breeds indiscriminately and without regard
to type. The farmer breeding horses in this way should
make a careful study of the market requirements and
market classes of horses, especially as applies to his
local market and to his individual conditions.

Market requirements.—In breeding and fitting horses
for the market there are a number of market require-
ments that should be carefully considered. Chief among
these requirements are the general appearance, education
and disposition, soundness, quality, condition, action, age,
color and sex.

-Appearance.—The general appearance of the horse has
much to do with his market value. If able to shape hi:n-
self well in harness, a very plain horse often makes a
stylish showing and thus commands a good price. The
animal should show spirit and energy, which accom-
panies good feeding. He should be well groomed, the
hair short and sleek, lying close to the body and pos-
sessing a luster which is indicative of thrift, The gen-
eral form must be indicative of strength, endurance and
BREEDING IORSES FOR FARM AND MARKET 307

longevity. The various parts should be in the proper
proportion, thus improving the general symmetry.
Education.—The horse that is sent to market should be
well educated to do the tasks he is expected to perform.
The draft horse should be a fast walker and a good puller.
He should be free from vice and bad habits. Among
light horses education is of first importance, as the car-
riage, coach and saddle horse will sell in proportion to
their training. In this day of motor-driven carriages too

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 145.—BELGIAN MARES FOR BREEDING

much stress cannot be placed upon the horse’s education.
The disposition is also very important, as a kindly dis-
posed animal will outsell any other. This is emphasized
in the case of branded horses, which do not command
as high a price as native animals because of their timid
and uncertain disposition.

Soundness.—Perhaps no market requirement is of more
importance than that of soundness. The market horse
should be serviceably sound, or free from unsoundness
that interferes with service. Such a horse may have
slight blemishes, as small splints, puffs, and the like,
but nothing is permitted that is likely to cause lameness
or soreness in any way.

Quality.—In market horses quality is of prime im-
portance. In animals of quality the muscles stand out
prominently and are clearly defined, which aids in giving
a horse finish and indicates endurance,
308 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

ConditionThe market horse should be in good con-
dition of flesh. This applies more especially to animals
of the draft type. Possibly this added flesh does not in-
crease the horse’s real value for utility and longevity,
but the market demands it and the horse producer should
supply it. Many horses find their way to market in poor
condition, and some persons make a good profit in buy-
ing these thin animals, and shipping them to the country
to be fitted, after which they are shipped back to the
market and resold. Careful estimates place the value of
horse flesh at 25 cents per pound on heavy horses weigh-
ing 1,500 pounds and upward. The farmer who is pro-
ducing horses for the market cannot afford to let some
one else reap this profit.

Action.—The action is an important market considera-
tion, although not of equal importance in all types and
classes of horses. With the single exception of sound-
ness, action is by far the more important requirement in
carriage, road and saddle horses. Perhaps too little at-
tention is paid to action in heavy horses, particularly the
rapidity of the walk. Many heavy horses are notoriously
slow walkers and their efficiency is handicapped to that
extent.

Age.—The market favors horses from five to eight
years of age, depending on the maturity and the class.
Heavy horses sell best at five to seven years old, but a
well matured four-year-old will find a ready sale. Since
the lighter types do not mature so early, and since their
education requires more time, they sell better with a little
more age, about six to eight years.

Color.—On the market, horses of solid color are pre-
ferred to those that fade. The demand is good for bays,
browns, blacks, chestnuts, sorrels and roans. In light
horses bays, browns and chestnuts sell best. In all
classes matched pairs sell better than single horses.
White is more or less discriminated against, as is “flea-
bitten gray,” “mealy bay,” and the like.
BREEDING HORSES FOR FARM AND MARKET 309

Sex.— While the sex is of no great importance, the city
trade favors geldings. This is due to the liability of the
mare being in foal, and to the recurrence of her periods
of heat, which are objectionable, as many mares are less
efficient when in such condition. For the farm trade,
however, mares are often preferred, as many farmers buy
horses with the expectation of breeding them.

Breed.—The farmer who is raising horses with the
expectation of marketing his surplus stock, is often at a
loss to know what breed to choose. The breed is of less
importance than the individual excellence. Fine speci-
mens of any breed will find a ready sale at a good price.
The farmer should study his local market closely, and if
it favors any one breed he will do well to raise what his
market demands.

Matched teams.—The importance of uniformity is em-
phasized by the fancy price a well-matched team of horses
will command. The matching of horses is very profitable
and many persons make a business of buying horses
singly, then matching them, and selling them in pairs.
To be successful, however, this requires native ability and
skill on the part of the horseman as it is really a difficult
task to match two horses in all of the important char-
acters.
CHAPTER XXNI
MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES

In our large horse markets, horses are classified accord-
ing to the work they can perform. On any given mar-
ket, a market class is a group of animals similar in type,
height, weight and action. While classes go by a cer-
tain name all over the country, the kind of horse that is
referred to in one part of the country by one name may
be very different from the horse referred to by the same
term in another section. Thus, the Boston wagon horse,
the New York wagon horse and the Pittsburgh wagon
horse are three different kinds, although they are all
wagon horses. The same is true of practically all the
classes, and the breeder who is producing horses and the
feeder who is fitting horses for market should become
familiar with the classes upon the market where his stock
is to be sold.

MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES*

In this classification, horses are divided into classes,
sub-classes and grades. The classes embody groups of
horses of a general type. The sub-classes are divisions
of the class and distinguish horses of a similar type, but
slightly different in size, weight, or the use to which they
are put. The grades of the various sub-classes refer to the
quality, condition and action, the relative importance of
which is not the same for all classes. The principal
grades are choice, good, medium, common and inferior.
The various grades will not be discussed because of the
lack of uniformity in their application. The principal
classes are draft horses, chunks, wagon horses, carriage

 

*Made up from Illinois Bulletin 122, and applies to th> Chicago and St, Louis
horse markets, :

310
MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 3Ir

horses, road horses and saddle horses, to which may be
added feeders and range horses.

Draft horses—Horses of the draft class should be
broad, massive individuals with symmetry of bone and
muscle, standing from 15.3 to 17.2 hands high, and in
good flesh, weighing not less than 1,600 pounds. The
general form of the draft horse will vary somewhat ac-
cording to the market under consideration. European
markets, especially the British markets, demand a more
upstanding draft horse,
with a longer neck
than is desired by
American markets.
New York, being a
great shipping port, de-
mands larger and more
upstanding horses than
any other city in the
United States. This is
because of the large
wagons: used and
heavy loading for the
docks. The large
amount of business
done and the long waits Fic. MEH eG coos WEIGHT,
necessary to be made
before a place can be had at the docks to unload, have
caused merchants to adopt the use of heavy wagons, thus
making a good demand for the large upstanding horse.
On the other hand, the dray work of Boston being lighter
than that of New York, smaller and lighter wagons are
used, and consequently the demand has been for a low-
set, smaller horse, although the conditions are rapidly
changing and the demand is now for a larger horse.

The draft horse class is composed of heavy draft horse,
light draft horse and the logger, all of which are of much
the same general type. The heavy draft horse includes

 

 

 

 

 
bi2 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the heavier weights of the draft class, standing from 16
to 17.2 hands high and weighing from 1,750 to 2,200
pounds. The light draft horse, which is similar in type,
but smaller, stands from 15.3 to 16.2 hands high and

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 147.—PERCHERON GRADE. WEIGHT, 1,925 POUNDS AT 4 YEARS OLD

weighs from 1,600 to 1,750 pounds. While 15.3 hands
is accepted as the minimum height for light draft horses,
occasionally 15.2 horses are included, although it should
be understood that they are less desirable than
taller ones, and border closely on the type known as
eastern chunks. Loggers are horses of the draft class
that were formerly bought to go to the lumbering woods,
where they were used for logging purposes, hence the
MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 313

name loggers. While they still fill this demand, they are
also used extensively for other work. In such instances
the trade demands a comparatively cheap horse, and yet
must possess size and strength. Because of the price
paid, this trade is usually compelled to take the plainer,
rougher horses of the heavy draft type that are slightly
blemished. Loggers, therefore, should stand from 16.1
to 17.2 hands high and weigh from 1,700 to 2,200 pounds.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 148—EXPORT CHUNK. WEIGHT, 1,550 POUNDS

Chunks.—This class takes its name from the conforma-
tion of the horse, rather than from the use to which he is
put, although the prefix given the sub-class is indicative
of the use. Chunks stand 15 to 16 hands high and weigh
from 800 to 1,550 pounds. This class is composed of
eastern, farm and southern chunks.

_ The eastern or export chunk was formerly known as
the Boston chunk, but as the trade has widened to other
cities and some are exported, they have become known by
the general name of eastern or export chunk. As the
314 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

name signifies, they are very massive and compact, stand-
ing 15 to 16 hands high, rarely exceeding 15.3, and weigh-
ing from 1,300 to 1,550 pounds, depending on size and
condition.

Farm chunks are not so massive or so heavy as eastern
chunks. They are bought to be used on the farms and
are found in greatest numbers on the markets at the sea-
son of the year when crops are being planted, particularly
in the spring. Farm chunks are usually light in bone and
often slightly blemished or unsound, as farmers do not
usually care to pay high prices. They stand from 15 to
15.3 hands high and weigh from 1,200 to 1,400 pounds.

Southern chunks are not so heavy or so massive as
either farm or eastern chunks. They are rather fine of
bone, possessing an abundance of quality, and are more
rangy in conformation, having more of the light horse
blood in their veins. These chunks are used by the
southern merchant as well as the southern planter. The
southern farmer does not cultivate deeply and the soils
are light, consequently he does not require a very large
horse, although the trend of the market is for larger
horses. The southern chunk stands from 15 to 15.2
hands high and weighs from 800 to 1,250 pounds.

Wagon horses.—Animals suitable for quick delivery
are termed wagon horses. They must be closely coupled,
compactly built, with plenty of constitution and stamina.
They must be good actors, possessing a good clean set of
limbs with plenty of bone and quality, and good feet that
will stand the wear of the paved streets. Wagon horses
stand 15 to 16.2 hands high and weigh from 1,100 to 1,500
pounds. This class is composed of express horses and
delivery wagon horses.

Express horses are used by the express companies, and
vary in size and weight according to the nature and
weight of goods handled and the territory from which
trade is drawn. ‘Thus, if the business of a company is
centrally located in a city and depots are not far apart,
MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 315

they use larger horses and load heavier than if the busi-
ness is done in the outlying parts of a city and the
depots are considerable distances apart, in which case
lighter horses with more action are demanded. The size
of the horse, therefore, depends on the weight of the
wagon to which he is hitched. A typical express horse
is rather an upstanding, deep-bodied, closely coupled
horse with good bone, an abundance of quality, energy

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 149.—WAGON HORSES. WEIGHT, 3,400 POUNDS

and spirit. He stands from 15.2 to 16.2 hands high and
weighs from 1,350 to 1,500 pounds.

Delivery wagon horses, or as they are usually termed,
wagon horses, are similar to express horses, but the class
is broader in its scope, including horses of common and
inferior grades, as well as of good and choice grades.
The demand for delivery wagon horses is large and comes
from all kinds of retail and wholesale mercantile houses,
such as meat shops, milk houses, grocery houses, dry-
goods firms, hardware merchants, and the like. As a
rule, delivery horses are not so large as express horses
and not of as high a grade, as most mercantile firms are
316 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

not very liberal buyers and consequently get a cheaper
grade of horses. There are exceptions to this, however, °'
as some large department stores use their deliveries as
an advertisement and buy very choice horses. The con-
formation of the delivery horse is practically the same as
the express horse, except that they are not quite so large,
standing 15 to 16 hands high and weighing 1,100 to 1,400
pounds.

Carriage horses.—As the name implies, this class of
horses is used on the various heavyweight vehicles, and
is often referred to as the “heavy harness” class. The

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 150.—COACH HORSES OF STYLISH ACTION

animals of this class are plump, full, smoothly turned,
high headed and stylish, with an unusual amount of
quality. They must possess high, stylish action, with
a fair amount of speed. Carriage horses vary much in
height and weight, according to the sub-class to which
they belong. They stand 14.1 to 16.1 hands high and
weigh from goo to 1,250 pounds. This class is composed
of coach horses, cobs, park horses and cab horses.

The coach horse is the largest of the carriage horse
class, standing 15.1 to 16.1 hands high and weighing from
1,100 to 1,250 pounds. Weight, however, is not so im-
portant as with draft and wagon horses, the principal
MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 317

requirement being high, stylish action combined with
beauty of form. The entire outline of the horse should
be carried out in easy, graceful curves, pleasing to the
eye. Cobs are the smallest of the carriage horse class,
standing from 14.1 to 15.1 hands high and weighing from
goo to 1,150 pounds. This sub-class is of English origin.
Cobs are small horses of a stocky build with plenty of
quality, good length of neck, a neat head, and high action,
carrying the knees high and bringing the hocks well
under the body.

Park horses possess much of the coach horse type in
that they possess symmetrical, well rounded bodies, an
abundance of quality and flashy action. As the name
indicates, they are strictly dress horses. They must be
well trained, as they are often hitched tandem to a gig.
‘Park horses stand from 15 to 15.2 hands high and weigh
from 1,000 to 1,150 pounds. Cab horses are of much the
same type as coach-horses, except that they are of a
lower grade, in fact many discarded coach horses are
$old for cab use. The principal quality sought is sym-
metry of form combined with endurance. Cab horses
stand from 15.2 to 16.1 hands high and weigh from 1,050
to 1,200 pounds.

Road horses.—This class embraces the lighter weights
of harness horses which are commonly spoken of as
drivers or “light harness” horses. They are lithe in build
and more angular in form than those of the carriage
class. The use to which they are put demands that they
be able to cover distance in the quickest possible time
without fatigue. Performance is the principal quality
sought, but a good*conformation is almost as desirable.
Road horses stand 14.3 to 16 hands high and weigh from
goo to 1,150 pounds. This class consists of roadsters
and runabout horses.

The roadster lacks the symmetry of form and the finish
of the carriage horse. ‘The body is more angular, the
croup is more drooping and the width not so well carried
318 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

out, the thighs and quarters are not so deep or so well
rounded out with muscle, and the rear flank is more
tucked up, giving the general form of a greyhound.
Action, stamina and endurance are the principal require-
ments. The roadster stands from 15 to 16 hands high
and weighs from goo to 1,150 pounds.

The runabout horse occupies an intermediate place be-
tween the roadster and the cob. He is not so lithe in
build or so angular in conformation as the former, but is
lither and more angular than the latter. He lacks the long,
free open stride of the roadster, but is bolder, more
frictionless and straighter than the cob. Because of the
harness worn by the runabout horses, some authorities
class them as carriage horses, but on account of their
action, conformation and use, it seems more proper to
class them as road horses. Runabout horses are rather
short legged, standing from 14.3-to 15.2 hands high and
weighing from 900 to 1,050 pounds.

Saddle horses.—The requirements for saddle horses are
surefootedness, ease of carriage to the rider, good man-
ners and ease of control. The action should be free,
easy and frictionless, with no inclination to mix the gaits.
It need not be extremely high, but the horse should keep
his feet well under his body so that there will be little
danger of stumbling or falling in case he should slip.
The general form should be symmetrical and stylish.
The neck should be moderately long, as this insures ease
of handling and smoothness of carriage. In order to
carry weight the back should be short, level and closely
coupled, while the quarters should be straight and well
muscled. The saddle horse stands 14.3 to 16.1 hands
high and weighs goo to 1,250 pounds. This class is com-
posed of the five-gaited saddler, which stands 15 to 16
hands and weighs 900 to 1,200 pounds; the three-gaited
saddler, which stands 14.3 to 16 hands high and weighs
goo to 1,200 pounds: the hunter, which stands 15.2 to
16.1 hands high, and weighs 1,000 to 1,250; the cavalry
MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 319

horse, which stands 15 to 15.3 and weighs 950 to 1,100;
and the polo pony, which stands 14 to 14.2 hands high,
weighing 850 to 1,000 pounds.

Range horses—During certain seasons of the year
there may be found on the market horses bred and reared
on the range. These are known as range horses, and are
divided into two general classes, light and heavy, accord-
ing to the predominance of light or draft horse blood.
Most of these horses find their way to the country where
they are trained, fitted and returned to the market to be
resold.

Feeders.—Thin horses, purchased to be put into condi-
tion and resold, are called feeders. While they may
belong to any of the market classes, by far the greater
number are draft horses, chunks or wagon horses. The
old adage, “A little fat covers a multitude of defects,” is

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 151—IRISH HUNTER
320 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

true, and the value of flesh when put on a thin horse is
difficult to overestimate (p. 344).

MARKET CLASSES OF MULES

The mule market, though of more recent origin than
the horse market, has grown to be a business of great
magnitude and importance. In most respects the trad-
ing in mules is similar to that of horses; this is par-
ticularly true of the market requirements. As in horses,
the market classes of mules are determined by the use
to which they are put. In the East St. Louis market,
which is the largest mule market in the world, there are
five market classes: Draft mules, farm mules, cotton
mules, sugar mules and mining mules. Mules are also
graded according to height in hands.

Draft mules.—These animals do the same work as draft
horses. They are preferred by grading contractors and
for heavy teaming in cities located in warm climates, as
they have great endurance and are able to stand the hot sun.
Draft mules stand from 16 to 17.2 hands high and weigh from
1,200 to 1,600 pounds. As in draft horses, the principal
quality sought is combined weight and strength. They
should be large and rugged, with heavy bone and strong
muscles, the back should be strong, the body deep and
closely coupled, the croup not too drooping, the thighs
and quarters heavily muscled and the feet should be large.

Farm mules.—Mules purchased for agricultural pur-
poses are known on the market as farm mules. They are
rather lacking in uniformity, standing 15.2 to 16 hands
high and weighing from 1,000 to 1,300 pounds. They are
likely to be plain looking and thin in flesh, though pos-
sessing good constitution, bone and feet and the qualities
necessary for future development. Many of them are
worked for a time, then fattened, and returned to market,
when they sell in some of the higher priced classes.

Mining mules.—Mules purchased to operate mines are
MARKET CLASSES OF HORSES AND MULES 321

called mining mules. They are used to haul cars of coal
or ore to the hoisting shafts. These mules are massive,
having deep bodies and short legs. They stand from 12
to 16 hands high and weigh from 600 to 1,350 pounds,
the height being determined by the depth of the vein
worked. Geldings are preferred to mare mules for this
trade.

Cotton mules.—These are small, light-boned mules,
used in the South on cotton plantations. They possess
much quality and finish and are taller in proportion than
mining mules. Cotton mules stand 13.2 to 15.2 hands
high and weigh from 750 to 1,100 pounds. Mare mules
sell better than geldings in this class.

Sugar mules.—These are mules purchased to be used
on the sugar farms of the southern states. They ars
taller, larger and more breedy looking, with quality and
finish, and have heavier bone than cotton mules. They
stand 16 to 17 hands high and weigh from 1,150 to 1,300
pounds. Mare mules are the more popular.

Export mules.—During the past few years an export
trade of considerable importance has developed. The
size and type of mules exported are determined by the
use to which they are put, and the country to which they
are sent. Since some are used for army service, some
for agriculture, some for heavy teaming, and others in
the mines, it is apparent that they lack uniformity of
type.

RULES OF AUCTION

In the auction ring, sales are made under certain well-
understood rules which are published and are announced
from the auction stand, and serve as a guarantee. The
following are the more important rules:

Sound.—Perfectly sound in every way.

Serviceably sound.—Practically a sound animal, bar-
ring slight blemishes, which do not interfere with his use-
fulness in any way.
322 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Wind and work.—The animal must have good wind
and be a good worker, nothing more.

Work only.—He must be a good worker, nothing more.

Legs go.—The animal must be serviceably sound in all
respects but his legs, on which no guarantee is placed.

At the halter—Sold just as he stands without cny
recommendation.

Some market terms.—On the large horse market there
are a number of terms used to designate undesirable char-
acters, of which the following are the more important:

A bull.—Horse with unsound wind.

Bush.—To deduct a part of the stated sale price because - -

the horse was not as represented.
Coon footed.—Long and low pasterns.
Green horse.—Not thoroughly trained.
Hipped.—One hip lower than the other.
Hog back.—A roach back.
Jack.—A bone spavin.
Light in the timber.—Light bones.
Lunker.—A big heavy boned horse.
Michigan pad.—A puff below ihe hock.
Nicked.—Operation severing cords on one side of th2
tail to straighten it.
Parrot mouth.—Upper jaw longer than lower one.
Rough behind.—Having a bone spavin.
Rounding hock.—Having a curb.
Smooth mouth.—An aged horse.
Speck in eye—Spot on eye may impair sight.
Stump sucker.—A cribber.
Whistler— Defective wind.
CHAPTER XXXII
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE FEEDING

To become skilled in horse feeding we should have a
knowledge of the principles of feeding. The broader our
understanding of the composition of the animal body, the
composition of food, its use and digestibility, and the
more familiar we are with the function of the various
food materials, the more intelligently can we choose the
foods that the body needs for maintenance and energy.

The animal body.—The body of the animal is com-
posed of water and dry matter. Approximately one-hait.
of the body weight consists of water, which the animal
obtains largely from the water it drinks, though a por-
tion may come from the food, particularly when the
animal is given succulent food, as grass, carrots, and the
like. The water of the body serves a number of pur-
poses, chief of which are the conveying of the food from
the digestive tract to those parts of the body where it is
used, the removing of the waste of the body and equaliz-
ing body temperature.

Dry matter of the body.—To gain a clear conception of
the relation of the food to the body, the dry matter may
be divided in four groups of substances, as follows: Ash,
nitrogenous materials, carbohydrates and fats. The ash
is the mineral part of the body,.and constitutes from 2 to
5% of the live weight. It occurs mostly in the bones.
The nitrogenous materials are known by a variety of
names, the most common being protein, which is char-
acterized by the nitrogen it contains. These materials
occur mostly in the lean meat, skin, hoofs and hair. The
protein of the body is built up entirely from the protein
of the food.

Very little carbohydrate material exists in the body,
except in the blood. The liver acts as a kind of store-

323
324 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

house for this materia. and regulates the supply to the
blood in such a manner that the muscles receive a uni-
form amount. It is also probable that the liver has the
power to make carbohydrates from the fats and protein
of the food. The quantity of fats in the body varies with
the condition of the animal. They are found in all parts
of the body and almost pure in the fatty tissues. It is
probable that fats can be made from protein and carbo-
hydrates as well as obtained from the fats of the food.

THE FOOD

Any material that an animal can take into the diges-
tive organs and from which matter can be absorbed for
the nourishment of the body may be considered as food.
The value of food depends, among other things, on its
composition and digestibility. There is a tendency to
ignore this, and a ton of one food such as oats is often
considered as valuable as a ton of another such as corn,
whereas the materials actually available to the animal
may be much larger in one case than in the other. Thus,
in feeding horses the available nutrients of the food
should be considered.

Composition of food—As in the case of the animal
body, the common foods are made up of water and dry
matter, while the dry matter consists of ash, protein, car-
bohydrates and fats. Of these the protein, carbohydrates
and fats are spoken of as the nutrients, since they fur-
nish the body with the necessary matter and energy.

Water.—All foods, even the driest, contain some water.
The amount varies widely in different foods, running as
low as 8% in some of the concentrated foods to as high as
90% in some of the more succulent foods. Even dry hay
varies in this respect, alfalfa containing only 6.5%, while
some of the clovers run as high as 20%. Water is nota
nutrient, therefore its presence is an important factor in
determining the value of a food.
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE FEEDING 325

Ash.—Mineral matter is also present in all common
foods, although it forms but a small part, corn containing
only 1.5% per cent, while alfalfa, one of the highest, con-
tains only 10%. Most foods, however, contain sufficient
ash to meet the needs of the animal, corn and some pre-
pared foods being the only exceptions. Young, growing
animals require more ash than mature ones.

Protein—Of the three nutrients, the protein is con-
sidered to be the most important. This is because pro-

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 152.—PERCHERON STALLION “HYSLOPE”

tein is essential to the animal, the only source of animal
protein being the protein of the food, and because the
percentage of protein in most foods is relatively small.
Because of the importance of protein, the value of the
food depends very largely upon the amount of this con-
stituent that it contains. While the percentage of
digestible protein in most foods is comparatively low, it
326 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF IIORSES

varies through wide limits, corn containing only 8%,
while cottonseed meal runs as high as 37%.

Carbohydrates.—Most of the common foods contain
relatively large amounts of carbohydrate material. There
are two groups of carbohydrates—nitrogen-free extract
and crude fiber. The nitrogen-free extract is composed
largely of starches and sugars. It constitutes a relatively
high percentage of the dry matter in some of our common
plants, corn, wheat and potatoes running as high as 75%
starch. Of the various nutrients, nitrogen-free extract
is the most easily digested, while fiber, which constitutes
the tough, woody part of plants, is mostly insoluble and,
hence, largely indigestible. Fiber, therefore, is the least
valuable of the nutrients. It is noteworthy that young
plants contain less fiber than plants that have matured
and formed seed. The percentage of digestible carbo-
hydrates varies widely in different foods, running as low
as 17% in flaxseed and as high as 70% in some of the
cereal grains.

Fats.—While all food contains some fat, it is present
in rather small quantities in all the natural foods. It
occurs in largest quantities in the seed, and varies widely,
running less than 2% in rye to 36% in flaxseed. Since
the oil content of the food is determined by extracting
the fat with ether, the tables of composition designate
the fat as ether extract. A given weight of fat will de-
velop from two to three times as much heat energy as an
equal weight of carbohydrates.

USES OF THE FOOD

Animals need food to maintain their existence, which is
dependent on matter and energy. While there are a
number of uses to which the energy and matter of the
food may be put, they can all be summed up in the fol-
lowing table:
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE FEEDING 327

UsEs OF THE MATTER*AND THE ENERGY OF THE Foop

 

 

[ a. To maintain body temperature
b. To repair waste tissue
1. To support life.......
c. To form new tissue
d. To supply muscular activity of the vital processes
2. To reproduce life.
a. Stored up as fat or flesh in the tissue
3. To yield some product
b. Secreted in the form of milk or wool

4. To perform labor.

 

 

Digestibility of food.—The value of a food depends, not
alone upon its composition, but upon the digestibility of
the various materials of which it is composed. To aid
in an understanding of the digestibility of food, we will
review briefly the process of digestion, in which the food
materials pass on their way from the food as such to the
flesh and energy of the animal body.

Digestion.—This is largely a process of solution, aided
by chemical changes that take place through the action
of ferments. The digestive organs form a canal through
the body and the food in its passage through this canal is
acted upon by these ferments. Each ferment has a
special work to do in the process of digestion. The food
is first taken into the mouth, where it is masticated and
reduced to fine particles, in order that the digestive juices
may better do their work. This also puts the food in
condition to be swallowed. During this mastication
there is a digestive fluid, called saliva, poured upon the
food, which moistens it and changes a part of the starch.

This material now enters the stomach, where it comes in
contact with a digestive fluid, called gastric juice, which
changes a part of the protein. It next enters the small
intestines, where it comes in contact with two digestive
fluids—the bile from the liver and the pancreatic juice
from the pancreas. The former prepares the material
for the action of the latter, which has a complex function,
acting upon the proteids, starches and fats. Digestive
juices secreted by the walls of the intestines as the ma-
328 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

terial passes along still further complete the process,
although a part of the food escapes digestion and passes
out in the feces. During its course along the digestive
tract, the digested material is absorbed and received into
the vessels, through which it is distributed to the various
parts of the body.

Digestible nutrients.—These are parts of the food ma-
terials that are digested and used by the animal. The
amount of the food thus digested depends on the kind of
food, the amount fed, the condition of the animal and
like factors. Of the various food materials, the carbo-
hydrates are the most digestible, while fiber is the least
digestible, and between these lie fat and protein. As a
rule, the fat is more digestible than the protein. In gen-
eral the digestibility of a food decreases when exceed-
ingly large amounts are fed. On the other hand, a
greater digestibility cannot be secured by limiting the
consumption below the normal amount demanded by the
animal. In general, thrifty animals digest their food
more thoroughly than those in poor health,

Since the digestible nutrients are the only food mate-
rials that the animal can appropriate to its use, it is with
them that the feeder is concerned in choosing food for a
ration. Much work has been done by the various ex-
periment stations to determine the digestibility of foods.
To show at a glance the amount of digestible nutrients
contained in the various foods, Table VIII is published
in the Appendix of this book (p. 448).

Conditions favoring digestion.—The changes that take
place in the food materials during the process of diges-
tion are very complex and proceed in accordance with
fixed laws. While these changes are largely beyond the
control of the feeder there are certain conditions that
favor the completeness of digestion, chief of which are
time of harvesting and methéd of curing hay as well as
the grinding and wetting of certain kinds of foods.

The time to harvest hay, so as to get the maximum
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE FEEDING 329

amount of digestible material, is before the nutrients
have been transferred from the stock to the seed. The
seeds are so small and hard that they are not digested
by the animal. Hence, hay that is cut when ripe is not
so digestible as that cut before the seeds ripen, and while’
the food materials are yet in the growing parts. In addi-
tion, the riper the hay the more fiber it contains, and this
further reduces the digestibility of the hay. Hay cured
under adverse conditions, such as exposure to rain, when
leaching occurs, loses in digestibility.

Grinding certain kinds of food promotes digestion by
increasing the surface exposed to the action of the diges-
. tive juices. This applies especially to small hard grains,
as when such grains are fed whole, many pass through
the digestive tract entire. Further, grinding saves the
animal the energy of crushing the grain. Wetting,
steaming, cooking, and like processes, are used with the
several foods preparatory to feeding, with the view of
rendering them more acceptable to the animal. When
increased efficiency occurs, it is due to more complete
digestion rather than to added nutritive value.

KINDS OF RATIONS

A ration may be defined as the quantity of food that
will be consumed by an animal weighing 1,000 pounds
in 24 hours. In forming a ration there are a number of
factors to be considered, chief of which are the amount
of dry matter required, the digestibility of the ration, the
nutritive ratio, the variety in the ration, the suitability of
the foods, and the cost of the ration. Rations are com-
monly divided into two general classes according to the
conditions; thus we have rations for maintenance and
rations for production.

Maintenance rations.—The food required to meet the
needs of a resting animal without loss or gain in body
substance is called a maintenance ration. This includes
330 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the amount of food required to support life, such as main-
taining body temperature, repairing waste tissue, pro-
viding for the muscular activity of vital processes, and
the like. The demands on the body for maintenance are
for the production of muscular energy and heat; there-
fore, the maintenance ration may consist largely of car-
bohydrate material. This is an important observation
in the wintering of idle horses.

Productive rations—After the body needs have been
supplied, the food that goes to the production of some
useful product, as labor in the case of the horse, is called
a productive ration. It is the food consumed in excess
of the amount required for maintenance that enables the
animal to produce a useful product. A productive ration,
therefore, may be looked upon as consisting of two parts,
the food of maintenance plus the food of production. in
forming a productive ration, we should give the animal all
of the food he will consume and make sufficient returns
for in production. This requires careful consideration,
as the amount of production is not always in proportion
to the food consumed in excess of that required for main-
tenance. In this respect the individuality of the animal
plays an important part; thus we have horses that are
hard keepers or easy keepers, as the case may be. ‘This
variation among individual horses is so great that feed-
ing standards can be used only as mere guides.

Feeding standards.—Many experiments have been
conducted to determine the relation between the amount
of muscular work performed and the food required per
day. As a result of such work we have two classes of
standards for the work horse, the Wolff-Lehmann, based
upon the digestible nutrients, and the Kellner or
Armsby, based upon the energy. Before we can use the
former it is necessary to know the digestible nutrients
in the food (p. 448), and before we can use the latter it is
necessary to know the energy value of the food (p. 447).
PRINCIPLES OF IIORSE BREEDING 331

Wo Lrr-LEHMANN STANDARD, SHOWING THE AMOUNT OF
DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENTS REQUIRED PER 1,000 Pounps Live
WeEicHtT For Horses at Licut, MepIum AND HEavy
Work

 

 

 

 

Digestible nutrients
Condition of Dry Nutritive
animal matter Carbo- ratio
Protein hydrates Fat
Light work.... 20.0 1.5 9,5 0.4 1:7.0
Medium work.. 24.0 2.0 11.0 0.6 1:62
Heavy work... 26.0 2.5 13.3 0.8 1:6.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARMSBY STANDARD, SHOWING THE AMOUNT oF DIGESTIBLE
PROTEIN AND ENERGY REQUIRED PER 1,000 Pounps Live
Weicut ror Horses at Licut, Meprtum AND HEAvy
Work

 

 

 

Condition of animal Digestible protein, pounds Energy value, therms
Light workers cies ties. 0 open 1.0 9.80
Medium work............. 1.4 12,40
Heavy work.............. 2.0 16.00

 

 

 

 

Balanced ration.—Foods vary widely in composition
and they also vary considerably from the composition of
the animal body. To meet the needs of the animal it be-
comes necessary to mix the foods in the proper propor-
tion, so that the digestible nutrients will correspond to
the demands of the body. This is called balancing a
ration. Skill in balancing a ration depends much upon
our knowledge of the digestible nutrients contained in the
more common foods. It is rather a tedious undertaking,
however, as there is no mathematical formula, and we
must add to or take from the trial ration until the desired
standard is obtained.

Nutritive ratio—Since the only source of the protein
of the body is the protein of the food, this nutrient plays
an important part in the balancing of a ration. So im-
332 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

portant is this nutrient that rations are balanced accord-
ing to the proportion of it they contain. Thus we have
the nutritive-ratio, which is defined as the ratio between
the digestible protein on the one hand, and the digestible
carbohydrates and
fats on the other
hand. The nutri-
tive-ratio is ascer-
tained by multi-
plying the diges-
tible fats by 2%,
adding the prod-
uct to the diges-
| tible carbohy-
4 aes stone drates 1 divid-
eo ing th sum by
: the digestible pro-
ABE OE ae tein. Since the
Fic. 153.—SHIRE STALLION “DAN PaTCH” fat contains more
energy than the
other nutrients, it is multiplied by 214 to reduce it a
carbohydrate equivalent.
The method of calculating the nutritive-ratio of corn,
the digestible nutrients of which are, protein 7.8, carbo-
hydrates 66.8 and fat 4.3, is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Fat Heat equivalent
4.3 x 4. = 9.675
Carbohydrates
9.675 + 66.8 = 76.475
Protein
76.475 > 7.8 = 9.8

Nutritive ratio 1 : 9.8.—This means that for each pound
of digestible protein in corn, there are 9.8 pounds of diges-
tible carbohydrate equivalent.

Computing rations.—To illustrate the method of cal-
culating a ration for a given purpose we will assume the
case of a horse weighing approximately 1,000 pounds and
at light work. In order to compare the Wolff-Lehmann
and Armsby standards we will take the same kind and
amount of food in each computation. Let us choose from
PRINCIPLES OF HORSE BREEDING 333

Table VIII of the Appendix, 12 pounds of timothy hay,
five pounds of corn and five pounds of oats. If we arrange
these in a table and compute the digestible nutrients in
each, according to the Wolff-Lehmann method, we get
the following:

 

 

 

Carbo-
Food Dry matter Protein hydrates Fats
12 pounds timothy hay.. 10.41 0.33 5.08 0.15
5 pounds corn......... 4.47 0.39 z 3.34 . 0.21
5 pounds oats......... 4.48 0.44 2.46 0.21
19.36 1.16 10.88 0.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the Wolff-Lehmann standard (p. 331),
this ration is deficient in protein and rich in carbo-
hydrat- thereby giving a nutritive-ratio of I : 10.4,
insteaa . 91 : 7.0, as called for in the standard. Accord-
ing to this standard, the ration could be improved by the
addition of one pound of linseed meal.

Let us use the same food and calculate a ration by the
Armsby standard (p. 331) for a 1,000-pound horse at light
asrk. Taking the composition from Table VII of the
Appendix and arranging the nutrients and energy in a
table, we get the following:

 

 

 

 

 

Digestible protein, Energy value,
Food Dry matter pounds therms
12 pounds timothy hay 10.416 0.246 4.027
5 pounds corn....... 4.455 0.339 4.442
5 pounds oats........ 4.450 0.418 3.313
19.321 1.003 11.782

 

 

 

 

 

According to the Armsby standard this ration, al-
though composed of the same kind and amount of food
as before, is slightly too rich in digestible protein and
considerably so in energy value. This serves to em-
phasize the statement that feeding standards should
serve as mere guides, to be modified according to atten-
dant conditions.
CHAPTER XXXIII
PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING

In seeking to improve our horses, we must not under-
estimate the importance of generous feeding. Breeding
and selection make success possible, but will fail unless
we provide a sufficient supply of the most suitable foods
to the horse at all ages and stages of development.
Horse feeding is essentially different from the feeding
of other farm animals. Because of the small size of the
digestive organs a relatively small quantity of roughage
and a correspondingly large amount of grain is de-
manded. Further, the kind of work to which horses are
put calls for the least possible load in the digestive
organs.

Regularity of feeding.—The horse should be fed regu-
larly and uniformly at all times. He anticipates the hour
of feeding and becomes nervous if it is long delayed. He
neighs and coaxes for his food with great regularity, and
his system becomes accustomed to a certain order that
must be followed. Sudden changes, even for a single
meal, may produce more or less digestive disturbance.
The working horse should be fed often, as undue fasting is
followed by taking an excessive supply of food or by eat-
ing too rapidly, either of which are likely to result in
digestive disorders.

Order of supplying grain, hay and water.—As the
stomach of the horse is not large enough to hold the
entire meal, the order of supplying grain, hay and water is
of much importance. It is stated that the stomach of the
horse must fill and empty itself two or three times for
each meal. During the fore part of the meal the material
is pushed into the small intestines almost as soon as it
enters the stomach by the food which follows. while to-

334
PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING 335

ward the end of the meal passage is slow and the diges-
tion in the stomach is more perfect. This would lead to
the conclusion that the bulky foods should be fed first
and the more nutritious foods toward the end of the meal.
This practice leads to the serious objection that the horse
is anxious, nervous and unsatisfied until fed his grain, for
which reason he is usually fed grain before hay.
Watering the horse.—A discussion of the order of sup-
plying food should include the time of watering the horse.
Many persons think that the horse should be watered
before feeding, while others are equally as certain that
feeding should precede watering. This difference of
opinion may be due to the fact that either method will
sometimes result in digestive disorders. If the horse is
watered before feeding he may drink to excess, which
may cause digestive disorders and will surely affect the
appetite, and he will not consume as much food as he
otherwise would. On the other hand, if the horse is very
thirsty and water is withheld until after feeding, he may
not eat heartily and may drink so much water as to
lessen his usefulness while at work.

The object to be attained is to water the horse so fre-
quently that he will not become thirsty and, therefore, not
drink to excess. To do this the work horse should be
watered four times each day; perhaps better results
would be obtained from watering six times. Little or no
difficulty will be experienced if the horse is watered after
breakfast, both before and after dinner, and before sup-
per. Perhaps better results would be obtained if the
horse was watered before breakfast and again after sup-
per, thus making six times daily, as is the custom in many
large stables.

Changing foods.—Sudden changes in the food are to
be avoided, as the digestive system may not be able to
accommodate itself at once to such, and digestive dis-
orders follow. Such changes sometimes result in scour-
ing, as when the horse is too suddenly transferred from
336 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

a dry to a watery diet. Sometimes a sudden change in-
duces constipation, as a change from pasture to a dry
ration. Such changes often overtax the digestive sys-
tem to such an extent that it is permanently weakened,
as when horses unaccustomed to grain are too quickly
put on full feed. If the changes are made gradually, the
system can digest without risk quantities of newly-
ingested food that would have produced serious digestive
disorders or derangements had they been given at first.

Preparation of food.—The food of farm horses and
other horses at moderate work need receive little atten-
tion. Such animals have ample time to masticate and
digest their food. On the other hand, work horses that
are taxed to the limit of their endurance should have all
grains ground and some of their hay cut or chopped.
Foods thus prepared are more thoroughly and rapidly
masticated and perhaps more thoroughly digested, es-
pecially the ground grain. Long hay should be supplied
the animal, to be consumed at leisure. As hay is always
more or less dusty, it should be fed in such a manner as
to cause the horse the least annoyance. Moistening or
sprinkling the hay with water is the simplest way of
reducing this trouble. Of course, dusty hay should be
avoided whenever possible.

+ Salting the horse.—Salt in limited quantities should be
kept before the horse at all times. It is not best to place
too much before him at a time, as some horses will eat it
to excess, thus creating an abnormal thirst, and if given
sufficient water may result in digestive disorders. Do
not put the salt in the feed, as this practice often results
in derangement of the digestive organs.

“Food required to grow a horse.—The cost of raising a
colt has been a much-discussed question, and the es-
timates vary widely. This variation in estimated cost
is due largely to the conditions. In some cases, the cost
has been estimated by considering the food at the market
value, in other cases at the value on the farm, and in still
PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING 337

other cases at the ac.ual cost on the farm, thus giving
three cost prices. The better way to state the cost of
raising a horse is to give the food required to grow him
and then each person can estimate the cost according to
the value he wishes to place on the food.

The sucking colt, fed grain as suggested (p. 291), will
consume about 180 pounds up to weaning time. As a
weanling he will consume five pounds of grain and seven
pounds of hay per day; as a yearling seven pounds of grain
and 18 pounds of hay; and as a two-year-old he will con-
sume nine pounds of grain and 20 pounds of hay daily.
These figures represent averages obtained from four
years’ work in growing colts. The heavy draft colts con-
sumed somewhat large quantities, while the light ones
ate considerably less. The grain consisted of 50 parts
corn meal, 25 parts wheat bran and 25 parts ground oats,
while the hay consisted of sweet, clean clover or alfalfa.
The total food consumed up to three years of age is as
follows:

Foop ConsuMED By Growinc CoLts

 

 

 

 

Age of colt Period Grain, Hay, pounds Pasture
pounds

Sucker June to October 180 Sues 5 months
Weanling November to May 1,050 1,470
Yearling June to October deca’ eee 5 months
Yearling November to May 1,470 3,780
Two-year-old . June to October oo iss ts 5 months
Two-year-old November to May 1,890 4,200

Total 4,590 9,450 15 months

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to this computation, a three-year-old colt
costs approximately 2% tons of grain, 434 tons of hay,
and 15 months’ pasture, on the average.

Factors in reducing cost of horse labor.—There are a
number of factors operating to affect the cost of horse
labor, chief of which are increasing the efficiency of the
338 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

horse and raising colts. Farm horses work a very small
fraction of the time. On a number of Minnesota and
New York farms, horses were found to work an average
of about three hours a day. On such farms the cost of
horse labor could be reduced by using horses more ef-
fectively. Another way to reduce the cost is to raise
colts. From the nature of farm work, it would seem that
the average farmer should raise more colts than are
necessary to keep up the horses, so that there will be an
income from the sale of surplus horse stock.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 154.—PERCHERON BROOD MARES AT WORK. WEIGHT, 3,200 POUNDS

Feeding the work horse.—The work horse should have
rich food, as the richer the food the more easily it is
digested, and the greater the proportion available for
work. He should be fed liberally and frequently. The
hard-working horse has a good appetite, a vigorous diges-
tion and responds to intelligent care. Regularity in feed-
ing, watering and working brings comfort and long years
PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING 339

of usefulness, while irregularity in these details is likely
to result in digestive disorders and other derangements.

Amount to feed.—The feeding standards serve as a
guide as to the amount of food that the work horse should
receive. In general, this will be regulated by the size of
the horse as well as by the amount and kind of work he is
required to perform. In practice the work horse is sup-
plied with approximately 2% pounds of provender daily
for each hundred pounds of weight. Of this amount
from one-third to two-thirds, the exact amount depend-
ing on the severity of the labor, should be grain and the
remainder sweet, clean hay. When the work is very
heavy, the grain in the ration should be increased and the
hay diminished, as grain contains more energy and is
more easily digested. On the other hand, when the work
is light, the grain should be diminished and the hay in-
creased. The morning and midday meals should be
light. They should not possess much bulk, as very bulky
food lessens the animal’s usefulness. The heavy feeding
should come at night, when the horse has ample time to
masticate and digest his food and is not obliged to go to
work immediately after eating.

Method of feeding and watering.—The hard-working
horse should be fed and watered so frequently that he will
neither become hungry nor thirsty. Thus, he should be
fed at least three times, watered not less than four times
and if convenient six times daily. If accessible, there-
fore, the horse should be watered in the morning before
feeding. For the morning meal feed one-fourth of the
daily allowance at least one hour before going to work.
This should be in condition to be easily and rapidly con-
sumed, so as to be well digested when the animal goes to
work. He should be watered as he goes to work, and
after five hours of exhaustive labor he should be given his
midday meal. Before being fed, however, he should
have a drink of fresh, cool water, taking care that he does
not drink too rapidly or gorge himself if very warm.
340 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Feed another quarter of the daily allowance, and if con-
venient remove the harness so he can eat in quiet and
comfort, and thus gain a few minutes of much-needed
rest. Allow one hour to consume the midday meal.
After being watered, he is ready for the second half of
his day’s labor. When worked five hours he should be
given the evening meal. As he comes to the stable in
the evening, he should, first of all, be given a drink,
exercising care as before to see that he does not drink
too rapidly. The horse is now ready for the remainder
of his day’s allowance. Unharness at once and when
the sweat has dried give him a thorough brushing.
Blanket him for the night. If convenient, he should be
given a drink in two hours after feeding, when he may
be bedded down and left for the night.

‘If, for some reason, the horse is forced to stand idle
in the stable for a few days, the grain ration should be
reduced. Otherwise, he will become stocky and his legs
become swollen and stiff. Many horsemen give a bran
mash Saturday evening and reduce the grain on Sunday.

Individuality in feeding—While we can estimate
closely the amount of food to be given a large number
of horses, yet the individual ration should be modified to
meet the needs of each animal. Possibly one horse
should have a little more than the regular allowance, and
the next a little less, because some horses are more dif-
ficult to keep in condition than others doing the same
work and under similar conditions. The object sought
is to keep each in the desired condition.

Cost of the ration——In formulating a ration for the
work horse, due consideration should be given the cost,
which will vary with the size of the animal, the nature of
the work performed and the cost of the food. Hays are
ordinarily much cheaper than grains, especially on farms,
but a hard-working horse is unable economically to dis-
pose of a large proportion of bulky food. It requires
time and energy to masticate and digest rough food, which
PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING 341

lessens the usefulness of the horse. Within proper limits
the more concentrated the food, the less time and energy
will be required to make it available. While the relative
proportion between the grain and roughage in the ration
will depend upon the amount and kind of work per-
formed, yet a hard-working horse should never be ex-
pected to consume more roughage than grain by weight.

In the choice of grains the cost is given little or no con-
sideration by the average person. Thus, we often con-
tinue to feed oats when it is the most expensive grain
upon the market, whereas equally as good results would
be obtained by feeding some other grain, in part at least,
and the cost would be lessened thereby (p. 348).

Feeding the driving horse——The periods of compara-
tive idleness, followed by long drives and hours of over-
exertion, make the feeding of the driving and carriage
horse a difficult task. The irregular work, necessitating
irregular feeding, often weakens the constitution of the
driving horse, which generally has but a brief career.
As far as possible, the same general plan as that sug-
gested for the work horse should be followed. When
the horse is not driven the grain part of the ration should
be reduced and the normal allowance should not again
be given until the work is resumed. Driving horses are
often overfed because of the desire of the owner to keep
them in the pink of condition. This overfeeding and ir-
regular exercise is the cause of most of the ills of the
driving horse.

Oats and bran easily lead among the concentrates and
timothy hay among the forages. A bran mash should
be given once a week if bran is not more regularly fed.
Care must be exercised in feeding laxative foods, such
as green grass, clover or alfalfa hay, and too much bran,
as such foods prove very draining on the system of the
horse as well as disagreeable to the driver.

Wintering the idle horse.—Since practically all of the
farm work comes during the growing season, many
342 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

horses are idle during the remainder of the year. As
they do not do sufficient work to pay for their keep, they
should be fed as economically as possible. It is more
economical, and, perhaps, advisable, that idle horses be
turned to a lot to be roughed through the winter rather
than confined too closely in the barn, particularly if they
have access to a dry, well-protected shed. Under such
conditions they grow long, heavy coats, which afford
them excellent protection. Idle horses have ample time

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 155.—PERCHERON STALLION AND MARE WORKING SIDE BY SIDE

to masticate and digest their food and can subsist largely
on forage, such as hay, corn fodder, straw, and the like.
Some grain should be fed once a day. If the shed is kept
well bedded and dry, idle horses can be comfortably win-
tered in this way at much less expense than by stabling.
Grain feeding, together with some work, should begin
three weeks before spring work starts to put the animals
into condition.

| Feeding the stallion—The object to be attained in the
management of a stallion is to so feed, groom and exer-
PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING 343

cise/him as to keep the horse up to the very highest pitch
of strength and vigor. Many persons, among them some
who should know better, endeavor to have the stallion
in fine show condition at the time the breeding season
opens. The horse is heavily fed, closely blanketed, and
denied sufficient exercise, he becomes loaded with fat, his
muscles become soft and flabby, and although he may
seem in the pink of condition, he is not nearly so well
fitted for service in the stud as he would have been had
he received plain food and an abundance of exercise each
day. To insure exercise the stallion should be worked
moderately when convenient.

During the breeding season the grain ration should con-
sist mainly of good sound oats, as nothing is better; but
this should be varied from time to time by adding corn,
barley, wheat, and the like. Wheat bran is a valuable
adjunct to the ration, and should never be dispensed with.
It is not only rich in protein, an especially important
element of nutrition for the stallion, but is the cheapest,
safest and best of all regulators of the bowels. The
roughage should consist of sweet, clean hay, timothy or
timothy and clover mixed. A few carrots occasionally
is a very valuable addition to the ration of breeding
animals.

Feeding mules.—Mules should be fed similar to horses.
There is a prevailing notion that mules eat less than
horses under similar conditions. Such is not the case, al-
though they are less likely to overfeed and gorge them-
selves than horses, and will make use of coarse foods that
horses will not eat unless forced to do so by neglect.
Mules are sometimes preferred by large business firms,
not that they consume less food for a given amount of
work than do horses, but that their management, both
feeding and working, can be trusted to less skilled hands
and with better results than can be obtained with horses.
In all important essentials, mules are very similar to
344 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

horses and should be fed, watered and worked accord-
ingly.

Fattening horses and mules for market.—In certain
parts of the country feeding horses and mules for the
market has become as much a regular business as feed-
ing cattle and swine. While excessive fatness may
lessen the future usefulness of both horses and mules,
yet the market demands such and it is the business of
the producer to supply the demand. Providing the
animals are sound, it is not possible to get them so fat
that buyers will object for that reason.

The methods practiced in various parts of the country
differ widely, as do the foods used. The animals are
purchased, their teeth are floated, and they are put in the
barn and fed gradually, as care must be taken for a few
days to avoid colic. On account of the small size of the
stomach it seems most profitable to feed grain five times
a day, while hay is placed in the racks so they may have
access to it at all times. One large firm gives three feeds
daily of mixed feed, bran, shorts and oats; and two feeds
of corn with clover hay available at all times. The
animals are kept closely blanketed and stabled, with no
exercise whatever. To keep the blood in good order,
thus preventing in part stocklegs, glauber salts are some-
times used. These salts are used once a week. The
assertion is made that the salt aids in putting on flesh,
and that it gives the skin a soft, mellow touch. In some
instances, horses fed in this manner have made gains of
as much as five pounds per day for a period of 50 to 75
days. The average feeding period, however, is from 75
to 100 days and an average gain of three pounds per day
is considered satisfactory.

Sample rations for the horse.—The following rations
are collected from various sources and furnish a guide

in determining the kind and amount of food that should
be fed under various conditions ;
 

 

 

 

PRACTICAL HORSE FEEDING 345
Horse and work Weight of
horse
Grain Roughage
Farm team, east 1,400 9 lb. oats 18 th, mixed hay
9 1b. corn
Farm team, east 1,220 8 Ib. oats 10 1b. hay
6 lb. corn
2 Ib. bran
Farm team, east 1,230 8 lb. corn 10 Ib. hay
7 Ib. bran
Farm team, west 1,230 12 Ib. oats 15 lb. alfalfa hay
Farm team, west 1,870 5 lb. bran 25 lb. alfalfa hay
5 lb. shorts
Farm team, west 1.385) (f eaddadweraeacs 20 lb. alfalfa hay
Light draft, east 1,350 4 lb. oats 15 Ib. hay
Light draft, west 1,350 10 lb. oats 7 Ib. hay
2.5 Ib. bran
Medium draft, east 1,350 12 lb. oats 12 lb. hay
Medium draft. west 1,350 8 lb. oats 16 lb. hay
Heavy draft, east 1,600 9 Ib. oats 24 Ib. timothy hay
9 lb. corn
Heavy draft, east 1,600 23 lb. oats 12 lb. hay
Moderate driving 1,000 8 Ib. oats 10 lb. timothy hay
Moderate driving 1,000 4 Ib. oats 10 lb. timothy hay
4 lb. corn
Heavy driving 1,000 14 Ib. oats 10 Ib. timothy hay
1,000 7 lb. oats 10 lb. timothy hay
7 Ib. corn

 

 

 

 

 

GRAIN MIXTURE FOR COLTS

 

 

40 parts ground oats
40 parts wheat bran
20 parts corn meal

 

 

WINTER RATION

 

 

 

Age of colts Grain Hay
Weanlings 5 lb. 7 Ib. clover hay
Yearlings 7 Ib. 18 Ib. clover hay
Two-year-old 9 Ib. 20 Ib. clover nay

 

 

 

 
CHAPTER XXXIV
GRAIN AND CONCENTRATES FOR THE HORSE

The ration of the horse usually lacks variety. If we
study the ration for horses in a locality we find it com-
posed of one or at most two kinds of grain and one kind
of forage. The owner insists that this is the most prac-
tical and economical ration he can feed with safety to
his horses. We need not travel far, however, to find the
list of foods more or less changed, sometimes entirely so,
yet with the same claim of superiority or necessity as
before. Thus in one section the most common feeds for
the horses are oats for grain and timothy hay for rough-
age; in another section corn serves as grain and clover
hay as roughage; in another, crushed barley is the com-
mon grain, while the hay comes largely from the wild-
oat and barley plants; and in still another section corn
serves mainly as the grain, with corn fodder for the
roughage. In fact, the range of foodstuffs that may be
fed the horse with safety and success is rather large.

THE CEREAL GRAINS

Most of the grain fed to the horse comes from the
cereal plants—oats, corn, barley, rye and wheat. The
cereal grains are very similar in composition. They con-
tain a fairly low water and protein content and a con-
siderable amount of nitrogen-fee extract, fiber and fat.
They are palatable and digestible. The question of a
choice of cereal grain for feeding the horse will be largely
determined by the relative cost.

Oats.—There is no other grain so safe for horse feed-
ing as oats, the animal rarely being harmed if by acci-
dent or otherwise the feeder gives an oversupply. This

3A6
GRAIN AND CONCENTRATES FOR THE HORSE 347

safety is due to the oat hull, which causes a given weight
of grain to possess considerable volume. This lessens
the liability of mistake in measuring the ration. Fur-
ther, the digestive tract cannot hold a quantity of oat
grains sufficient to produce serious disorders.

It is said that horses fed on oats show a spirit which
cannot be attained by the use of any other feeding stuff.
It has been urged by many that this is due to a peculiar
stimulating substance called “avenin,” which the oats
is said to possess. Oats may have a flavor that makes

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 156.—FATTENING HORSES FOR THE MARKET

it a favorite food for horses, but the most careful chem-
ical study has failed to reveal any substance of the nature
of “avenin.” Again, it is stated that the fats of oats are
more thoroughly digested than those of other cereals.
The weight of oats determines the quality of the grain.
If the oats is light it indicates that there is a large pro-
portion of hull to grain and the oats is worth less than if
it were heavy, which indicates a large proportion of
grain and a small amount of hull. Unless the horse is
pressed for time or has poor teeth, the oats should be fed
whole. It is generally agreed that new oats should not
be fed to horses. Musty oats should always be avoided.
Corn.—Next to oats, if, indeed, it does not exceed it,
348 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

corn is the common grain for the horse in America. It
is used largely in the corn belt and to the southward in
the cotton states. Much has been said against the use
of corn. However, it is ordinarily the cheapest of all
the cereal grains. A given weight furnishes more energy
than any other food. It furnishes the largest amount of
digestible nutrients, at the least cost, and is universally
palatable. While conceding that corn is not equal to
oats as a grain for the horse, nevertheless, because of its
low cost and high feeding value, this grain will be ex-
tensively used when large numbers of horses must be
economically maintained. Corn contains large quan-
tities of nitrogen-free extract, and when fed exclusively
is too fattening. If fed in too large quantities it pro-
duces digestive disorders. Corn also lacks a sufficient
amount of mineral matter and protein for the prop
development of young animals.

Oats and corn—Ground corn and oats, mixed half ar
half, make a very good grain ration for the horse, and
much cheaper than oats alone. In a three years’ te:
with gelding and brood mares worked on farms and a
heavy draft, this mixture gave equally as good result
as'whole oats, and reduced the cost of the ration an
proximately 10%. The bulk of the oats overcomes, i.
a large measure, the objectionable features of the cort.
while the corn, with its large amount of easily digestible
materials, supplies the ration with much energy.

Barley, rye and wheat.—Each of these grains is some-
times fed to the horse. The question of their use depends
largely upon their market price. Usually they are worth
more for other purposes. Wheat especially is worth more
for milling. Wheat has, however, been fed to the horse
with varying success, depending largely on the feeder and
the method of feeding it.

Barley is not fed to horses in the East to any great
extent because of its demand for malting, but on the
Pacific coast it is extensively used for feeding horses at
GRAIN AND CONCENTRATES FOR THE HORSE 349

all kinds of work. When the horse’s teeth are good and
the labor not severe, barley may be fed whole. Ground
barley when mixed with saliva forms a pasty mass in the
mouth, and is therefore unpleasant to the horse while eat-
ing. Crushing the grain makes it less objectionable.
Rye is often fed to horses. It is the least palatable of
all the grains and many horses will hardly eat it unless
-round and mixed with other foods. In many localities,
rye is likely to be infected with ergot, which has a bad
effect upon the horse and may be the cause of abortion in
brood mares. ‘
Leguminous grains.—Besides the cereal grains there are
a few leguminous
-eeds that are
‘red as horse
4. These le-
ninous seeds
‘er from cereals
their composi-
in, in that they
‘ntain a relative-
“large percent-
zt of protein,
“id are perhaps
wt so digestible
S$ some of the
cereal grains.
‘Horse beans,
ireld peas and
cowpeas. — These
are perhaps the
most used leg-

umes as a food
for the horse. Fic. 157.—BuLk IN GRAIN RATION

1. Shelled corn. 2. Corn meal. 3. Whole oats. 4.

are beans and Ground eats o coe ae exel pe Se nee
- whole oats. 6. One-half corn meal and one-half groun

c 2 peas ane oe oats. 7. One-third wheat bran, one-third corn meal and
tensively fed in ones tulnd ground em a i
Each lot contains the same amount of digestible

Europe and Can- nutrients. Note the larger bulk in lots 5, 6 and 7.

 

 

 

 

 
350 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

ada, while cowpeas are used in the southern states. The
horse usually takes to these grains after a time, and they
have a good effect upon the animal unless fed in too
large quantities, when they prove harmful. Five pounds
per head per day may be considered the maximum that
can be fed with safety.

BY-PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL FEEDS

Aside from the whole grain there are on the market
numerous feeds containing only parts of the various
grains and are
called — by-prod-
ucts, commercial
feeds, and the like.
These constitute
the part of the
grain left after
the manufacture
of some product.
Thus, when starch
is manufactured
from corn, the
nitrogenous part
of the grain is re-

Fic, 158.—BELGIAN STALLION “LupIA” jected and consti-
tutes gluten feed
or meal. Cottonseed cake or cottonseed meal is the ma-
terial left after the oil has been expressed from the cotton
seed. In the same way, linseed meal is the residue ob-
tained in the manufacture of linseed oil. Dried brewer's
grain is the dried barley grain after it has been brewed.
Bran, middlings and shorts are left after the manufacture
of flour.

Wheat bran.—Because of its physical effect, bran is
considered a very valuable addition to the ration of the
horse. It has a loosening effect on the bowels and a
tendency to allay feverish condition. It is entirely too

 

 

 

 

 
; |
GRAIN AND CONCENTRATES FOR THE HORSE 351

bulky to constitute any considerable part of the ration of
a hard-working animal. It is a very good food for young
and growing animals, as it is rich in mineral matter and
protein, elements that the young animal must have to
build up his body. It serves the needs of the ero horse
best when given as a “condition” food.

Linseed meal.—This food is very rich in protein, and is
often fed to the horse in limited quantities, more for the
specific effect it has on the horse than for the actual
nutrients it contains. It stimulates the skin secretions
and gives the horse a very smooth and glossy hair. It
can be used as a laxative. Linseed meal is very palatable
and easily digestible. It is fattening in its nature and
hence desirable if one wishes to fatten his horse. Lin-
seed is valuable as a food for the growing colt because
of its high amount of mineral matter and protein. It
cannot be fed, however, in very large quantities because
of its laxative effect, and some horses cannot eat it at all,
as it scours them at once.

Cottonseed meal——This meal has about the same com-
position and the same effect on the mature horse as has
linseed meal. Cottonseed meal should not, however, be
fed to young and growing animals.

Gluten meal or feed.—Gluten is sometimes fed to the
horse. It is rich in protein, but rather deficient in
mineral matter. It has the objection that when mois-
tened with saliva it has a tendency to form balls in the
mouth and is not so palatable. However, it is quite
digestible. Like linseed and cottonseed meal, it should
not be fed in very large quantities. Because of its low
mineral matter content it should not’ be given to the
young and growing colt.

Dried brewer’s grains.—These grains have been used
in the ration of the work horse with success. An experi-
ment is quoted when they were compared with oats and
the following conclusions drawn: In both rations the
nutrients furnished were sufficient to maintain the weight
352 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

of the animal under average work; taking all in all, a
pound of the dried brewer’s grains was quite as useful
as a pound of oats in the ration for work horses.

Molasses.—Numerous trials have been made of feed-
ing molasses to horses, particularly in the South. It is
rich in nitrogen-free extract and hence is quite diges-
tible. In the South, where it is fed extensively, it is
fed from a large trough, and the animals are allowed
to eat at will. In the North it is customary to dilute it
with water and sprinkle on the hay. Molasses has a
good physical effect upon the animal. It encourages
skin secretions and keeps the hair fine and glossy. There
are some disadvantages connected with the use of mo-
lasses, however, as it attracts insects, especially flies and
ants, sticks to the animal’s coat, halter, tie strap and
manger, and is difficult to mix with other foods.

Patent stock foods.—If the horse is out of condi-
tion, or if the food is not so good as it should be, the
use of condimental or patent stock foods may be of
advantage in bringing the animal up to the normal con-
dition. The price at which these patent foods are sold
makes them extremely expensive to the consumer, and
the profits that accrue from their sale are great. Yet
if one has a horse that is out of condition it may be
profitable to buy a package of this food. There is noth-
ing difficult in the making of these foods, and any one
can mix a “conditioner” himself if he has the time and
disposition to do so.
CHAPTER XXXV
HAY AND FORAGE FOR THE HORSE

The kinds of forage that are available for horse feed-
ing are even more numerous than the grains, and they
vary as widely in their composition and nutritive value.
Dry forage, on the average, contains from one-third to
one-half the energy value of grain. It differs from grain
in that it contains more water.and more fiber. Because
of the high percentage of water, succulent forage con-
tains from one-third to one-half the energy value of dry
forage. Many of the succulent foods, especially roots
and tubers, are almost entirely digestible.

HAY AND DRY FORAGE

It is better to have the digestive tract of the horse
moderately distended with coarse material rather than
contracted, as would be the case if grains possessing only
the requisite nutrients were supplied. In fact, horses
fail to thrive when fed concentrates alone; even oats with
their strawlike hulls do not provide sufficient bulk. Fur-
ther, on farms roughage is ordinarily much cheaper than
concentrates and, therefore, should be used as much as
possible, although some grain should always be fed in
addition, especially to working animals.

Timothy hay.—Although not particularly rich in
digestible nutrients, timothy is the standard hay for
horse feeding. There are many reasons for its popu-
larity. It can be grown successfully in nearly all local-
ities and is the principal market hay; it is difficult to
adulterate with other grasses or weeds without detec-
tion; it is relished by horses; it is free from dust—all of
which conditions commend good timothy hay as a horse
food.

353
354 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Clover hay.—This hay has not been held in high es-
teem as a forage for horses. The reasons are obvious.
It is generally loaded with dust, and this is often hard
to prevent. The clover stem is not stiff enough to hold
the plant upright and it falls to the ground, and more or
less dirt is splashed upon it by rain. Then the leaves
and stems are very brittle and crumble into dust in the
curing of the hay. Further, the hay often goes into
the mow so moist that fermentation takes place. Dur-
ing this oxidation or slow-burning process, particles of
blackened, partially carbonized leaves are produced,

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 159-—-MODERN METHOD OF MAKING HAY

which finely divided matter rises in the air in clouds of
dust when the hay is moved. Some of it enters the nos-
trils of the horse and is drawn into the lungs, there setting
up serious irritation. This can be prevented in large
measure by moistening the hay before feeding. When
bright and clean, clover is a very valuable food for the
horse, especially for the young and growing colt, as it is
rich in protein and mineral matter; in fact, it makes a
better ration than timothy when fed in limited quanti-
ties.

Alfalfa hay.—This hay belongs to the same natural
HAY AND FORAGE FOR THE HORSE 355

family as clover hay, and meets with similar objections.
It is likely to be dusty, especially when grown in regions
of considerable rainfall. It seems certain that alfalfa
fed in limited quantities will prove as efficient as timothy
to the slow-going draft horse. Horses are very fond
of alfalfa, and it is necessary to guard against feeding an
oversupply. Like clover, there is no better forage for
the young and growing colt.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 160.—ARABIAN STALLION “NIMR”

Cereal hay.—Cereal plants, such as oats, barley and
wheat, are often harvested before the grain matures and
the forage used as hay. Such hay is extensively used
on the Pacific Coast, especially in California, where it is
held in high esteem as a forage for race horses. Cereal
hay may often be advantageously employed for horse
feeding in the eastern United States. When timothy
commands a very high price, many successful farmers
sell their timothy and raise oat hay for their work horses.
350 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Millet hay.—Hay from Japanese millet, Hungarian
grass, and like forages, may often be advantageously fed
to horses, provided the allowance is limited (p. 358).
When such hay is properly cured, and fed in moderation, | |
or in connection with some other hay, it makes a very
good forage for the horse and produces no unfavorable
effects. Perhaps some grain should always be fed when
millet forms a part of the ration.

Corn forage—Thickly grown corn, when properly
cured, makes one of the best dry forages for the horse.
Corn thus seeded bears small palatable ears which are
easily masticated. The leaves are free from dust, as well
as palatable and full of nutrients. When the yield of
such forage and its feeding value are compared with that
of timothy hay from the same area, the usefulness and
economy of the corn plant becomes apparent.

Corn stalks.—Dry corn stalks that have been cured in
the shock are sometimes fed as a substitute for hay. Ex-
periments and experience have shown that in the fall
before the leaves are leached it is as valuable as timothy
hay, pound for pound consumed. The stalks cost only
one-third as much as the timothy and therefore they prove
much more economical. The question is often raised
whether cutting or shredding improves their digestibility.
It will not improve the digestibility, but cutting or
shredding has other advantages: The cut or shredded
stalks can be much more conveniently stored; they are
more easily handled; they will retain their nutrients
longer than if left to leach in the shock. If the stalks are
to be fed in this manner, emphasis must be put upon the
necessity of cutting the corn as the ear hardens and be-
fore the blades and stalks become dead or are bitten by
frost.

Straw.—The straw of the various cereal grains is some-
times fed to the horse as a part of his roughage. While
the straw has some value, the horse requires much more
grain when hay is replaced by straw. Idle work horses
HAY AND FORAGE FOR THE HORSE 457

in wit ter can utilize some straw, but they should not be
compelled to subsist wholly on it, as it contains much
fibrous material and is largely indigestible. It should
never be fed to hard-working animals. In relative value
for horse feeding the straws rank in the following order:
Oats, barley, wheat and rye, the latter being of little use
as a horse food.

SUCCULENT FOODS

In addition to the dry hays, the horse can make good
use of many of the succulent foods and will be much
benefited thereby. These succulent foods are all char-
acterized by their very high water content and by their
low energy values, the latter about one-half that of dry
hay. ‘

Green forage.—Sometimes it happens that the feeder
runs short of hay before the new crop comes on, and he
either cuts the grass and feeds it green, which we call
soiling, or turns the horses out to pasture. When the
grass is cut and fed green, it is well to bear in mind that
it contains very much water and very much more of it by
weight must be fed. The leguminous forages, such as
alfalfa and clover, are richer in protein, and may cause
a larger excretion of urine. Either of these methods is
practicable when the animals are at moderate work, but
neither should be employed when the work is severe,
as it takes the animal too long to get sufficient nutrition.

Silage—This succulent food has been fed to the horse
from time to time with varying success. If the silage is
good and is fed in moderate quantities, it may be given
to idle horses, to idle brood mares and to growing colts
with safety. It should not be fed to the hard-working
animal, as he must consume too much to get sufficient
nutrients to avail him much energy, because of the high
percentage of water.

Roots and tubers.—Carrots, rutabagas, potatoes and
358 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

other roots and tubers are occasionally fed to the horse.
These foods contain a high percentage of water and small
amounts of nutrients. The use of such materials for
horses has been attempted at different times with vary-
ing success, but they are not used to any great extent
in this country, although very common in Europe.
Carrots are often fed as-“conditioners.” For this pur-
pose their value is high, but for actual nutrition very low.

Fruits.—Apples, dates and prunes have been fed in the
regions where they thrive, when the price was sufficiently
low. Such foods are of little or no use, with the possible
exception of apples.

Injurious feeding stuffs.—In feeding the horse precau-
tions should always be taken to avoid materials harmful
in themselves, or those which may become harmful. Dirt,
sticks, small stones, and the like, should be removed from
the grain before feeding. All feeding stuffs should be
cleaned.

Millet.—This hay, when fed in large quantities, is con-
sidered injurious to the horse. It is reported that it pro-
duces increased action of the kidneys, causes lameness
and swelling of the joints, destroys texture of the bone,
and the ligaments and muscles are torn from their places
when the animal attempts to move.

Ergot.—Plants which are ordinarily wholesome may
become harmful if infested with ergot. Some investiga-
tors say that it causes rheumatism in the horse and that
it may catise pregnant mares to abort.

Feeds that are ordinarily wholesome may, under cer-
tain conditions, be harmful. There is a widespread
prejudice against moldy or decomposed feeding stuffs.
It has been shown that the continued feeding of moldy
corn induces intestinal and nervous disorders of a serious
nature.

Foods that influence digestion——Some foods, in addi-
tion to the nutrients they furnish, exercise an influence
on the digestion so favorable as to place their value
HAY AND FORAGE FOR THE HORSE 359

far above what is represented by the nutrients which
they contain. The influence thus exerted tends to correct
the harmful results that grow out of constipation or
undue laxity of the bowels. Because of this, when used
mainly to give proper tone to the digestion, the real value
of such foods is usually far above their market value.
When fed for such use, small and moderate, rather than
Yarge quantities should be supplied. This list of foods
includes all kinds of field roots, as carrots, turnips, ruta-
bagas, parsnips, and the like; such by-products as bran,
oil meal of various kinds, and condiments; such hays as
alfalfa and clover, and green grass.
CHAPTER XXXVI

CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE

The efficiency of the work horse depends largely upon
his general care and management. This fact is often
overlooked and in an attempt to make up for the de-
ficiency the horse is given too much food, which usually
shortens his career. The successful horseman must be
a man of industrious habits. His work is, in a sense,
never done owing to the ever-present necessity of furnish-
ing the horse substance and protection. In some lines of
work the neglect of one day may largely be made up the
next, but in caring for the horse this is not possible.
Injury resulting from neglect is always attended with
loss and cannot be atoned for even by extra care sub-
sequently. The caretaker must be devoted to his work.
lf he does not take to it kindly he does it in a perfunctory
manner. Food is given by rule, regardless of the in-
dividual needs of the animal. Such a person is likely to
be impatient, and perhaps positively cruel. On the other
hand, the person who loves his work has a more careful
regard for the individual needs of the animals intrusted
to his care. If anyone is to wait for a meal beyond the
usual time it will be himself rather than his horse.

Gentleness in handling the horse.—The horse is a very
sensitive animal. We should handle him quietly and
gently at all times. Striking or shouting commands at
a horse is an inconsiderate practice. It not. only causes
the animal to lose confidence in his master, which ren-
ders him less teachable, but it destroys nervous energy,
thereby making the horse a less economical producer
than if he was protected at all times from such nervous
shocks. Possibly it is a reflection upon our humanity,
but the statement is made that here in America more

360
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 301

horses are made short-lived by ill-treatment and exces-
sive work than by poor feeding.

Grooming the horse.—The work horse should be thor-
oughly groomed each evening after the day’s work is
done as well as in the morning before the work begins.
In some respects this is almost as essential as feeding and
watering. The cleaning and rubbing of the skin stim-
ulates the secretions and improves the tone of the entire
system. More important than this, however, is the good
effect upon the feet and legs. Cleaning and rubbing the
feet and legs are very important factors in preserving
soundness.

 

FIG. 161.—GROOMING TOOLS

1. Common currycomb. 2. Body brush. 3. Reform currycomb. 4. Mane and
tail comb.

In grooming the horse, the principal tools needed are
a currycomb, body brush,-flannel cloth, mane and tail
comb, a hoof hook and a half-worn broom for use on the
legs. The currycomb is used to loosen the hair which
has become matted with sweat and dirt, and to remove
splashes of mud, thus preparing the way for the body
362 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

brush, which it also serves to keep clean. In currying
and brushing the horse with a sensitive skin, great care
should be exercised, as carelessness often provokes kick-
ing, striking, biting, and the like. After currying and
brushing, rub the hair free from dandruff with the cloth.
Straighten out the snarls and tangles in the mane and
the tail with the comb. The hoof hook, which is some:
what similar to a hay hook, is used to clean foreign ma-
terials from the sole of the foot. The half-worn broom
is a very convenient tool for removing loose mud from
the horse’s legs when he first arrives at the stable.

When the horses are worked in the mud, their legs
shouldbe clipped as far up as the knees and hocks, for
by so doing the limbs may be kept clean with much less
difficulty. Much difficulty is often experienced in keep-
ing the legs of horses that possess “feather” free from
disease, especially when the footing is muddy and the
weather cold. In case the legs are clipped, it is all the
more important that they should be thoroughly cleaned
and rubbed each evening after work.

Clipping the horse—There is much discussion as to the
wisdom of clipping horses. Those persons that favor
clipping state that it improves the general appearance;
renders the coat more easily kept clean, and that a
clipped horse is less liable to take cold than a long-
coated one, because the evaporation is more rapid and
the animal does not get so warm. On the other hand,
those that oppose clipping state that it is not possible
to make a clipped coat show the luster of an unclipped
one; by the proper use of blankets it is possible to keep
the coat rather short; and that by judicious grooming
it is easily possible to keep the coat from becoming too
thick, thus avoiding the necessity of clipping. When
this is the practice warm boiled food given one or two
evenings each week materially adds to the luster. Horses
thus managed will shed very early in the spring.

Under average conditions the horse that has a long,
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 363

thick coat will be greatly benefited by being clipped.
The same is true of the horse that does not shed readily
in the spring. The long coat causes the horse to sweat
profusely, which drains heavily upon his system. Thus
such an animal is difficult to keep in condition until clipped.

When the horse is to be clipped twice each year the
first clipping should be soon after the hair has grown
out in the fall. This gives time to become used to the
change before cold weather, and there is some growth
of hair before winter. The second clipping should be
in the early spring as soon as the weather begins to get
warm and before shedding the winter coat. The horse
thus treated will be much more easily kept in presentable
condition, and if protected by blanket and well groomed,
will pay many times for such extra care.

When the’ horse cannot be properly blanketed either
in the stable or out of it, he should not be clipped in the
fall or winter. Animals exposed to the weather grow
long coats for their own protection, and it is cruel to
remove it when artificial protection cannot be supplied.

Mane and foretop.—When properly cared for the mane
and foretop add to the attractiveness of the horse. On
the hard-working horse, however, these may become very
annoying, the foretop getting into the eyes and obstruct-
ing the vision, while the mane, in addition to being very
warm, often becomes matted under the collar and pro-
duces a sore neck or sore shoulder. Under such circum-
stances it seems advisable to keep both mane and fore-
top closely cropped.

Blanketing the horse.—The efficiency of the horse can
be increased, and his appearance improved by the proper
use of the blanket. Sudden changes in the temperature,
as well as cold rains and heavy winds, are very exhaus-
tive on the work horse unless protective measures be
taken. The blanket is also very useful in improving the
general appearance of the coat of hair and in preserving
its color.
364 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Use of the stable blanket—When stable blankets are
used, two should be provided during the summer as well
as during the winter. One, to be employed as a sweat
blanket and used immediately after the horse returns
from work and while he cools off, then to be removed
and in a few minutes to be replaced by the night blanket,
to remain on the animal overnight. In case the first
blanket is left on the horse during the night, little oppor-
tunity is given him to dry off, the blanket soon becomes
damp and remains so all night. This proves very ex-
haustive on the horse’s system. In case the sweat blanket
is replaced by a night blanket after the animal has ceased
to steam and is somewhat cooled, which will be in a
quarter of an hour, the hair will be dry and smooth thes
following morning. The evening grooming should be
done after the sweat blanket is removed. Both blankets’
should be kept scrupulously clean at all times.

Stable blankets may be dispensed with in the hot sum-
mer months if the flies are excluded by screens or by
some other means. If blankets are used at this time they
should be of some light material and kept clean, other-
wise they will do more harm than good. As soon as the
nights begin to get cool, however, the use of the blankets
should be continued, as an early use will arrest, to a
marked degree, the growth of hair and may obviate the
necessity of clipping.

Use of the outdoor blanket.—During the cold weather,
when the horse is allowed to stand outdoors, he should
be well protected with a blanket, otherwise he may chill.
This precaution should always be taken even if we are
going to stop but a short time, as the horse cools rapidly
and may take cold. During very inclement weather it is
a good plan to secure the blanket about the abdomen
with safety pins. As warm weather approaches the

‘heavy blanket should be substituted for a light one.

Use of the fly blanket and fly net—The proper use of

fly nets brings much comfort to the horse. Whether to
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 365

'use nets or blankets will depend on the circumstances.

“he blanket, being much warmer and not so presentable
-as the net, is not advised by many persons; but there are
conditions in which it proves very desirable, particularly
on horses whose color is such as to fade on being exposed
to the direct rays of the sun. Nets are more presentable
and, therefore, more desired by horsemen generally. Both
nets and blankets are rather annoying to the teamster,
warm to the horses, and more or less expensive, for
which reasons they are often discarded entirely. How-

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 162—FRENCH COACH GRADES, WELL HITCHED AND WELL GROOMED

ever, when the botflies are present, the work horse should
always be provided with a throat latch cloth, as these
flies are very annoying, and the animal in fighting them
often becomes excited, with a consequent lessening of his
usefulness.

Temperature of the stable—-The temperature in the
horse stable may vary according to circumstances, The
horse is thought to be a native of the north, and can en-
dure almost any temperature so long as the stable is dry
and free from drafts of air. Above all things, however,
we must avoid changes, as taking a horse from a stable
provided with artificial heat and compelling him to stand
366 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

in acold one. This may prove fatal. To take him from
a cold stable and compel him to stand in an artificially
heated one may be almost as bad. If the horse is prop-
erly groomed and provided with a dry, clean bed the tem-
perature of the stable may vary in accordance with that
of the climate.

Bedding the horse.—The horse should be provided with
a dry, soft bed. The hard-working horse needs rest at
night, and he can rest much more comfortably if given a
good bed. The bedding should be kept fresh and clean. To
this end it is very important that the stalls be cleaned
each morning. The unsoiled bedding may be placed in
front of the horse under the manger, but the soiled
bedding and the manure should be removed. The
manure should also be removed in the evening before the
bedding is shook out and arranged for the night. Never
allow the stall to become foul, as this not only lessens the
comfort of the horse but promotes disease as well.
Wheat straw makes the best bed. Old straw is pre-
ferred, as it is drier and more elastic, thus making a soft
bed and acting as a good absorbent. When straw cannot
be obtained, or when it is high in price, shavings from
the planing mill make a sweet, clean bed. Many persons
prefer this material, as it leaves an agreeable odor in the
barn. Other materials that are sometimes used are re-
jected portions of corn stalks, tan bark, peat moss, leaves,
and the like.

Care of the horse’s teeth—The teeth of the horse are
subject to many irregularities which prevent him from
thoroughly masticating his food. The upper jaw is some-
what wider than the lower, so that the teeth are not ex-
actly opposite; thus the wear is not equally distributed,
and as a result sharp edges are often left unworn on the
inside of the lower molars and on the outside of the
upper, which may cut or lacerate the tongue or cheeks,
which become sore. When the horse attempts to eat,
the food materials irritate the sores and he will not feed

4

4

’
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 307

well. These sharp edges should be rasped down with a
guarded rasp.

The teeth of the growing colt should be watched closely
to see that they appear regularly and uniformly. This is
very important when the milk teeth are being replaced

‘by the permanent teeth (p. 51), as the former often per-
sist, thereby causing the latter to grow in crooked or

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 163.—SADDLERS, WELL GROOMED AND WELL TRAINED

irregular. To avoid this, the persistent milk teeth should
be removed with forceps.

In all cases when a horse quids his food, slobbers or
otherwise evinces pain in mastication, as shown by hold-
ing his head to one side while chewing, the teeth should
be carefully examined. In addition to not feeding well,
a horse with a sore mouth is likely to drive badly, to pull
to one side, not to bear on the bit, or to bear on too hard,
to toss the head, to start suddenly when a tender spot is
touched, and the like. °
368 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Care of the horse’s feet——Formerly much of the litera-
ture on the horse pertained to the anatomy and care of
the feet. The early writers recognized the very great
importance of the feet. At present more attention 1s
given to the general conformation and the general ap-
pearance, and the feet are being neglected, with the re-
sult that many of our breeds of horses have notably poor
feet. Because of the importance of the feet, they should
be carefully cared for throughout the active career of the
horse. Each evening after returning from work, as well
as in the morning before being sent out, the soles of the
feet should be carefully examined and all foreign ma-
terials removed. Frequently nails, stones and other
foreign materials are found driven into the sole, or col-
lected in the cleft along the frog. It is very essential
that all such materials be removed if the hoof is to remain
in a healthy condition.

Some hoofs have a tendency to dry out, thus becoming
hard and brittle. Such hoofs should be packed with clay
mud and left on overnight. This will soften the wall of
the hoof and make it less likely to crack or break. For
this purpose some ‘persons prefer oil or hoof ointment,
but the mud leaves the hoof in a better physical condi-
tion. Should the hoof become broken or worn in such
a way as to throw the foot out of line, it should be leveled
at once, otherwise the weight of the body will strain the
joints and cause deformity and disease. Further, when
the horse is closely confined to the stable the hoofs grow
out long and if not trimmed may deform the limb and
make traveling difficult. It is very important that such
feet receive proper attention and be trimmed with a rasp.

Growth of the hoof.—We are often interested to know
the rate of growth of the hoof so that we may estimate
how long it will take an injury, such as a cleft, calk or
crack, to grow out. While the rate of growth is influ-
enced to some extent by the work, exercise, grooming,
moisture and food, yet the time required for the hoof to
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 309

grow from the coronet to the ground is in approximate
proportion to the distance of the coronet to the ground.
On the average, the hoof grows one-third of an inch a
month, although hind hoofs grow faster than fore hoofs,
and unshod ones faster than shod ones. The toe, there-
fore, grows down in nine to twelve months, depending
on its length, the quarters in six to eight months and the
heel in three to four months.

The hoof often grows out irregular, sometimes show-
ing rings of growth. This is frequently noticed on horses
that are confined to soft lots and foul stables, where it is
due to the soft footing.» This irregular growth can be
avoided by leveling the hoof so the weight bears equally
on all parts, and by placing the horse in a paddock with
solid footing, thus providing the foot with the proper
condition to function normally.

SHOEING THE HORSE

The horse should be shod as frequently as is necessary
to meet the demands, which will vary according to the
condition under which he is worked. In some parts of
the country horses at moderate work are seldom shod;
in other parts only the fore feet are shod; but the con-
ditions in most of our country are such that the horse can
perform his work more efficiently if kept properly shod.

Why the horse should be shod—wWhile there are
a number of reasons for applying the shoes, the
more important are to prevent excessive wear on
the hoof, to prevent slipping on ice or mud, and to
modify the action. The hoof of the work horse wears off
faster than it grows out and soon becomes sore. To pre-
vent this the shoe is attached. For this purpose the
light shoe is preferred. It is difficult for the unshod
horse to travel on the ice and through the mud; his
efficiency is not only lessened, but he is liable to
fall and injure himself and his driver as well. To pre-
370 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

vent this the horse is shod with shoes possessing sharp
calks. There are several makes of shoes with removable
calks. A smooth-shod horse is liable to slip more on the
ice than a barefooted one. Many horses possess notably
poor action, some overreaching, forging and clicking;
others interfering, striking, cutting and brushing. In
many cases this faulty action can be improved by proper
shoeing. In such cases the shoes must be made and set
to suit each individual animal.

Fitting the shoe.—In fitting the shoe to the hoof care
must be exercised not to rob the hoof or leave too much
horn,.as either mistake may
lead to injury. Of the many
factors to be considered in pre-
paring the hoof, perhaps the
most important is to keep the
foot perfectly level, thus pre-
venting undue weight being
thrown on any part, with all
the attending injuries. The
frog should not be touched fur-
ther than to remove tags or
layers that are so loose as to
form no protection. The object
“eur sought is to make the foot nor-

Fic. 164—Wewt-Fitten SHoz Mal, and then make the shoe fit

' the foot. In leveling the hoof,
carefully note the wear of the old shoe. It gives evidence
of the manner in which the hoof has been set to the
ground since the shoe was nailed to it. The shoe should
be fitted cold. Never place a hot shoe against a freshly
pared sole, as it not only causes the animal pain but may
lead to injury.

Nailing and clinching the shoe.—In nailing the shoe to
the foot the nails should not be driven too near the edge
of the sole, for in such cases it is necessary to drive the
nails too far up into the wall to make them hold. If

   
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 371

driven high, when the shoes are reset or the horse reshod,
the former nail holes are near the edge and serve to
weaken the hoof and interfere with driving the new nails.
On the other hand, if the nails are small in size and set

well back, they can be
driven so as to come
out well down on the
hoof, say an inch and
one-half above the
shoe. Nails thus driven
destroy the least possi-
ble amount of horn and
have a wide, strong
clinch, thus giving the
strongest possible hold
on the wall, because the
clinch holds more
nearly at right angles
to the grain of the wall,
than if driven high.
After driving the nails
they are clinched in a
small groove fitted for
the purpose. Smooth
with a rasp, but never
rasp the outside of the
hoof, as it will remove
the natural protective
covering. It is of the
utmost importance that
this natural covering
be not removed, as the

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 165.—METHODS OF SHOEING

1, Normal position; 2, hasten the action;
- 3, retard the action.

hoof will absorb water in the wet season and dry out
much more rapidly during the dry season.

_ Resetting the shoes.—It is important that the shoes be
reset frequently, as the hoof grows out over the shoe,
thereby causing the shoe to bear on the sole instead of
372 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

on the wall of the hoof. As to the frequency of resetting,
all depends on the conditions, such as the severity of the
work, the nature of the footing, whether icy or dirt, and
the individuality of the animal. Some horses at very
severe work may require the shoes to be reset every
week, while others at light work may suffer no incon-
venience if left on eight weeks or until the shoes wear out.

Shoes for unsound feet——There are a great variety of
horse shoes upon the market, many of which have been
designed from time to time to save and perfect unsound
feet. Such shoes may allay the pain and prolong the use-
fulness of the horse, but most of them allow dirt and
filth to gather under the protecting pad. Because of the
wet, dirty and filthy condition of the frog and sole of the
foot, due to the dirt being retained by the pad and to the
partial exclusion of the air, the foot tends to become soft,
tender and diseased. Various forms of rubber pads,
rubber shoes, rope shoes, fiber shoes and other contriv-
ances to diminish the shock and prevent slipping on the
hard slippery pavements of our large cities are in use.
They are usually expensive, but many of them are rather
efficient in deadening the sound and preventing slipping
on paved and cement streets, though not so effective
on ice.
CHAPTER. XXXVII
PRACTICAL HORSE TRAINING

The usefulness and value of a horse depend on his
training and on his being readily subservient to his mas-
ter’s will. The horse is man’s principal beast of burden,
and is constantly associated with him in the perform-
ance of his work. This association establishes a close
relationship. Since the effectiveness with which the
work is performed depends on their mutual understand-
ing, it seems well worth while to give the methods of
establishing agreeable relationships between horse and
master careful consideration.

In common usage, the term “breaking” is employed to
designate the preparation of the horse for his life work.
This usage is unfortunate. Only too often the horse is
broken in spirit and obeys, or, more accurately, does not
resist his master because he is worked down and worn
out and does not have the energy to resist. Through-
out this book the term “training” is employed to signify
the educating of the horse, as it conveys the proper mean-
ing, the object being to train the horse so as to increase
his efficiency, and not to break that high and superb
spirit that makes him the most desired of all farm
animals.

Training the foal—The foal should be handled and
taught a few simple lessons while young. It is so much
easier to train the foal at this time, as he has fewer ideas
of his own and fewer fixed habits. If the youngster is
thrifty and strong, the very first day of his life is none too
soon to begin the training, as we can show, rather than
force him to do that which he does not understand.

Catching the foal—The first time the young foal is
caught he should be held in such a manner as not to

373
374 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

cause him fright. In order to do this we should make a
careful study of the factors that govern the movements
of the animal. If we touch the hindquarters, he moves
forward, and if we touch the forequarters he moves back-
ward. Ifa horse gets his fore foot over an obstruction of
any kind and feels the pressure on the foot or leg, he
moves backward until he frees himself, even though he
injures himself in doing so,
whereas he could very
easily step over the ob-
struction by a forward
movement. If the hind
foot is fast he moves for-
ward in a similar manner.
Thus it is that pressure in
front stimulates a back-
ward movement, while
pressure behind stimulates
a forward movement. This
is an important observa-
tion and perhaps the gov-
erning principle in all horse
training, and should always

Fic. 166.—CATCHING THE FOAL be kept in mind when

handling horses.

In catching a foal, gently place one arm under the neck
and the other under the hams. If he attempts to go for-
ward, apply pressure at the neck, or if he attempts to go
backward, apply the pressure at the hams. If it is de-
sired to have him step forward, relieve the pressure at
the neck and apply it at the hams, or if it is desired to
have the foal step backward, relieve the pressure at the
hams and apply it at the neck. The young foal that is
caught in this manner will soon become quiet, when he
should be caressed. (Fig. 166.)

Secure the foal’s confidence.—Y oung foals are naturally
very timid and when caught should be handled very

 

“=~

 

 

 
PRACTICAL HORSE TRAINING 375

gently. Itis important to secure his complete confidence
before he is set free. To do this feed him sweets from
the palm of the hand; as sugar is sweeter than the dam’s
milk, it seems to give him the idea that we are his friend,
and instead of fleeing as we enter the stall he will come
to meet us, placing as much confidence in us as in his
mother. In handling the foal, we should be careful to
avoid confusing or exciting him. Extra care should be
taken when handling the ears, the back of the fore legs,
the flanks and the front of the hind legs, as these parts
are extremely sensitive to the touch. The foal should be
handled from both sides so as to become familiar with
strange objects from every quarter. Teach the young
foal useful things only. It is important to make the first
lessons short and simple, and of such a nature that they
can be understood very easily and even more easily
accomplished.

Teach the foal to lead—When the foal is about ten
days to two weeks old he should be taught to lead.
A web halter is preferable to a leather one, as it is much
lighter and softer on the head. Never usea rope halter on
a young foal. Adjust the web halter to the head, fastening
up any loose straps that may be hanging down, as these
annoy the foal. Do not be in a hurry, but let him get
acquainted with everything as you proceed. When ready,
coax the youngster along behind his mother on some ac-
customed route, as to the water trough and back. If
sweets are available, let him taste them occasionally and
he will soon follow promptly. If he resents, however, do
not pull on his head, but take advantage of his natural
instinct and apply pressure at the rear as we wish him
to move forward.

Difficult to lead.—Secure a small rope, or sash cord,
and tie a large ioop in one end. This loop should be of
sufficient size so that when placed in position on the foal
it will surround his quarters, leaving the knot well for-
ward on the back, Pass the free end along the back and
376 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

through the ring on the halter. This is called the quar-
ter hitch. Now take the halter strap in one hand, the
quarter hitch rope in the other. Pull gently on the
halter strap and as the foal begins to shake his head give
the quarter hitch rope a strong pull and he will immedi-
ately move forward. Do not hurry, but give him time

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 167.—DIFFICULT TO LEAD

to get used to the lesson. Caress him and feed sweets.
Soon he will follow wherever you lead. (Fig. 167.)
Teach the foal to drive with lines.—After the foal
understands the use of the halter, he should be taught to
drive with lines. To do this adjust a surcingle around
the foal’s body. The surcingle should be provided with
a loop on each side, placed well below the center of the
body. Pass the lines through the loops and fasten to the
rings on the sides of the halter. Never use any kind of bit
in the mouth of a young animal. Now the lines will pass
the quarters low down and thus prevent the foal from
turning his head toward us, which he will do occasion-
PRACTICAL Hukst TRAINING 377

ally if the surcingle is not used. Keep the lines low in
turning to make the guiding process easy. At first, walk
close up to the foal so as to encourage him to go forward
by occasionally touching the rump with the hand. Do
not hurry the foal. The first day teach him to guide to
the right and left, the second day of driving teach the
command “whoa,” the third day “get up,” and the fourth
day teach the command “back” (p. 379).

Training the work horse—In training horses, young or
old, there are a few general considerations that should be
kept constantly in mind. A horse should never be trusted
more than is necessary. Children, women or incom-
petent persons should never be left in charge of a horse
unless the animal is thoroughly acquainted with them.
In handling a horse, the safest way is to remain close to
the animal’s left shoulder, grasping the bridle close to
the mouth with the right hand. In tieing to a post or
hitching rack, the horse should be secured by a strong
rope or strap placed about the neck, then passed through
the ring of the bit and on to the post. In bridling, har-
nessing and saddling a horse the work should be done
from the left side. In hitching, the lines should be at-
tached into the bit and then placed where they can be
reached easily before hitching the horse to the vehicle.
In unhitching, the lines should be the last disengaged,
and care should be taken that the animal is free from the
vehicle before he is led away.

Age to train the horse for work.—There are many fac-
tors influencing the most profitable age at which to train
horses for work, chief of which are the breed, the in-
dividuality and the work to be performed. Asa rule, the
draft breeds mature younger than the lighter breeds, and,
therefore, may be put to moderate work younger. Some
individuals develop more rapidly than others, and as they
mature earlier, they may be put to work younger. The
work performed likewise has a bearing upon the age of
training. Draft horses and saddle horses, because of the
378 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

force applied at the collar and the weight borne on the
back, should be reasonably mature; whereas among
horses intended for fast driving on the race track, where
the weight borne is light, many good horsemen feel that
the training cannot begin too soon, and such horses are
often put into training at a very early age.

Some persons find it profitable to put colts to moderate
work as early.as two and one-half years of age, and even
before, while others delay training until coming four years

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 168.—BITTING HARNESS

old. These ages represent the extremes. In general, the
horse should not be put to work until two and one-half
years of age, and even then the work must be moderate
and the working hours short. On the other hand, if the
animal is thrifty it is poor economy to keep him in idle-
ness after he is four years of age.

Bitting the horse-—Perhaps no factor in the training of
horses, whether for work or pleasure, is of greater im-
portance than that of educating them to the uses of the
bit. The thoroughness with which this is done will go
PRACTICAL HORSE TRAINING 379

far toward determining their usefulness. Before bitting
the horse, the mouth should be examined for sores, as it
is not possible to train a horse to the uses of the bit while
suffering from sore mouth. While the proper bit to use
will depend somewhat on the object sought, yet in most
cases a straight or slightly curved bar bit cannot be im-
proved upon. In case the horse’s mouth is tender the
bar bit should be covered with rubber or leather.

The horse can usually be made familiar with the uses
of the bit by the application of the bitting harness. This
harness consists of an open bridle with check rein, a
surcingle and crupper, and two side lines running from
the bit to rings on either side of the surcingle. (Fig. 168.)
With this harness properly adjusted, turn the horse loose
into a paddock to familiarize himself with the bit. The side
and check reins should be slack at first, but gradually
tightened from day to day. The first lessons should not
continue more than-half an hour at a time, but two may
be given each day. Subsequently the lessons may be
longer. The number of lessons necessary to teach the
uses of the bit will vary according to the individual.
Some horses will drive after one or two, while others will
require a week or more before they will fully understand
its uses.

Teaching the commands.—As soon as the horse be-
comes familiar with the bit, the side reins may be sub-
stituted for lines, and he may be driven about the
paddock. After driving the horse until he is going
smoothly, give the command “whoa,” followed by a
strong swinging pull on both lines, and the moment the
horse stops slacken the lines. If necessary to stop the
horse, repeat the word and action. The next day teach
the command “get up.” When ready to start, give the
command “get up,” pausing a moment, then striking him
a light tap with the whip. When going smoothly, stop
at the command “whoa.” Repeat until he obeys both
commands promptly. Next teach the command “back.”
380 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

The work horse should be taught few words, and each
should stand for a definite action. Six words will answer
all practical purposes, and it is important that the horse
be thoroughly trained to obey each. “Whoa” means to
stop and stand still; “get up,” to go forward; “back,” to
move backward; “steady,” to give attention; “haw,” to
go to the left; and “gee” means to go to the right.

Hitching and driving.—As soon as the horse obeys the
commands he should be harnessed and hitched. To
familiarize him with the pressure of the shafts he should
first be poled. To do this, procure a light pole five or six
feet long, and let the horse smell and feel it with his nose.
Then gently rub the pole over the nose, face, neck and
the entire body, especially along the inside and outside of
the fore and hind legs.

Tf at all convenient, the first time the horse is hitched,
a training cart—one with long shafts, substantially con-
structed, and the seat so arranged that the driver can get
off and on quickly—should be employed. Before attach-
ing to the vehicle, the horse should be made thoroughly
familiar with it. To do this, lead the horse up to the rig
and allow him to smell and feel the shafts. Rub them
along his head, neck, shoulders, body and legs. Now the
horse may be attached with perfect safety, although a
kick strap should be employed at first.

Training the horse to objects of fear—After the horse
drives smoothly he should be made familiar with the
various sounds and objects he is likely to meet, particu-
larly along the busy thoroughfares of cities. To famil-
iarize the horse with a street car, choose a road or street
where the car line crosses, drive the horse up to within
1oo yards of the track and stop until the car passes. If
he seems nervous, caress him. Drive over the track an
equal distance and stop while another car passes. This
time the noise is in the rear. Repeat this process, work-
ing the horse closer as each car passes. Ina similar manner
familiarize him with other objects that cause him fright.
PRACTICAL HORSE TRAINING 381

Train the horse to walk fast—There is no gait so valu-
able or so much appreciated and so practically useful in
a horse as a fast, square walk. It is not difficult to train
the average horse to walk fast, providing the proper
methods are employed in the early training. From the
very beginning keep the horse walking up to his limit.
We should never allow him to mope along at this time,
or the habit will become so strongly fixed that it will
be difficult to overcome. During the entire training

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 169.—GUY LINE

process, therefore, urge him to his limit and he will get
into the habit of walking fast.

Training the wild horse——The training of stubborn, re-
fractory and wild horses calls for more strenuous methods
than have hitherto been suggested. Perhaps the greater
number of such animals owe their faults to inequalities
of temper. It is, therefore, of much importance that the
temperaments be studied carefully. Horses may be
divided into four general classes according to their tem-
382 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

per: Teachable, nervous, stubborn and treacherous (p.
19). The methods to be employed in training such
horses will vary according to the individual, but the ap-
plication of appliances somewhat similar to the following
may be necessary to bring them under subjection:

The guy line-—This is a lead line or rope for controlling
wild, refractory and stubborn horses. To make it, pro-
cure a soft, three-cighths-inch rope about 20 feet long.
Make a small stationary loop in one end. Place this loop
under the Jeft jaw, carrying the free end over the neck

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 170.—RAREY’S DOUBLE-SAFETY HARNESS AND GUY LINE

from right to left, then down through the loop and to the
mouth, passing it through the mouth, back under the
lower jaw and between the jaw and the rope coming from
the neck, thus forming a loop around the neck and a half-
hitch around the jaw. This makes a very efficient lead
line, though it should never be used in prolonged pulls,
but in short, quick jerks. (Fig. 169.)

Rarey's safety harness——This harness was devised by
Rarey for use in training wild and vicious horses. There
are two forms, the single and double safety. In the
former one front leg only is under control, while in the
PRACTICAL HORSE TRAINING 383

latter both front legs are under restraint. This harness
consists of two straps fitted with D-shaped rings, which
are buckled about the pasterns; a surcingle fitted with
two rings on the belly, three on either side and one over
the saddle; and a long rope. To arrange the double
safety, pass one end of the rope through the left ring at
the belly, then down and through the ring at the left

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 171.—RAREY’S THROWING HARNESS

pastern, then up and through the other ring at the belly,
then down and through the ring at the right pastern,
then up and tie off at one of the rings on the right side.
Now, by taking hold of the free end of the rope, we have
the harness completed. In case the horse is difficult to
manage, pull on the safety rope and restrain his fore legs.
If he continues to act up, pull his fore legs up by a jerk
on the rope and he will come to his knees. As this is a
very humiliating position it serves to bring the horse
under subjection. (Fig. 170.)
384 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Rarey’s throwing harness—In the case of some wild
horses it is necessary to lay them on the ground to teach
them subjection. Rarey also devised a harness to ac-
complish this. It is practically the same as the safety
harness, with the addition of a heavy strap, which is
attached to the surcingle on the left side. One end of the
rope is tied to the ring at the belly, the free end is passed .
through the ring at the right pastern, then the rope is
passed up through one of the rings on the right side, and
then on up over the back and the harness is completed.
(Fig. 171.)

When ready to lay the horse down, first strap up the
left fore leg. Take a position near the left shoulder and
pull the horse’s head to the left, then, as he lifts his right
fore foot draw it up against the breast by pulling on the

rope over the back. Pull steady on the rope, as the horse ° °

may rear. Soon he will settle down on his front knees,
when to lay him down is simply a matter of pushing him
over. Keep pulling on the rope, however, otherwise he
may surprise you by quickly jumping to his feet. A few
lessons of this kind will bring the wildest of horses under
subjection, when they should be trained as suggested for
the work horse, although it may be necessary to use the
single safety for a time.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE

There are very few horses to be found in any vicinity
but that have some faults which detract from their use-
fulness. These faults vary widely in their effect upon
the horse; some are scarcely noticeable and affect the
horse but little, while others are very serious and not
only render the animal useless, but often make him posi-
tively dangerous. These bad habits may be divided into
two general classes according to their seriousness: Vice
and whims; the former comprising the more important
moral defects, such as balking, kicking, running away,
and the like, and the latter imperfections of less im-
portance, such as tongue lolling, tearing blankets, gorging
grain and the like.

Causes of whims and vices.—The chief cause of all bad
habits of the horse is poor management at some stage of
his career. Such habits may have been formed when the
colt was small and when he is only too often made to do
things that seem “cute.” In later life these very things
may serve to lessen his usefulness. They may have been
formed while the horse was in training. Often the
horse’s mouth is spoiled by the use of a severe bridle-bit
or an improperly fitting one. Often his shoulders, back
and tail are made exceedingly sensitive to pressure by im-
properly fitting harness.

Many a young horse has been spoiled the first day he
spent in the stable by the treatment he received. Many
persons think a green horse should stand much the same
asa work horse. Thus, if he appears indifferent and fails to
stand over when commanded, or if he will not permit his sen-
sitive abdomen and legs to be curried, or if he objects to hav-
ing heavy harness with flopping bands thrown over his back,
he is punished with the first thing the excited attendant

385
386 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

can lay hands on, with the result that a habit is established
which may be exceedingly difficult to overcome. All
such excitement and resulting bad habits easily can be
avoided by a little patient effort in properly training the
horse. It is seldom if ever that a horse is really born
vicious. While it may be true that tempers are trans-
mitted, and that certain tempers are more predisposed
than others to develop vice, yet vice itself is not a
hereditary character.

Overcoming whims and vices.—In overcoming bad
habits in horses we should make a careful study of each
case in order to ascertain the cause, and, if possible, re-
move it. Then we must establish a new habit that will
have a stronger influence on the horse’s mind than the
old one which impairs his usefulness. To do this we
must impress upon his mind that we are superior and our
commands must be obeyed. From the beginning, there-
fore, we must use such appliances as will give us the
advantage. This can readily be accomplished in either
of two ways: First, by the application of such appli-
ances as will use the horse’s strength in overcoming him;
and, second, by the use of self-punishing harness, which
will inflict punishment at the instant’he violates our wish.

The horse must be given to understand that he must
obey us or suffer accordingly. Next, he must be im-
pressed with the fact that we are his friend. This can be
accomplished by caressing him and feeding sweets when
he obeys our commands. To aid in securing his con-
fidence we should abstain from all forms of punishment
likely to cause him pain. Thus we should not use the
whip or spur in overcoming bad habits, as the pain in-
flicted may provoke further rebellion.

The most efficient means of punishing the horse in
overcoming faults is to humiliate him. This seems to
have a greater effect upon the stubborn horse than any
form of punishment whereby he is caused physical pain.
There are two common methods of humiliating the proud
WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE 387

and vicious horse: First, by pulling him to his knees and
holding him there until he becomes calm, which can be
easily accomplished by means of the Rarey double safety;
and, second, by laying him on the ground and holding
him down until he gives in, which can be accomplished
with the Rarey throwing harness. The great advantage
of each of these methods is that they do not cause the
horse physical pain.

Outdoor whims and vices, and how to overcome them.
—There are a number of outdoor faults to which the horse
is subject, some of which are easily overcome, while
others are practically impossible, especially after the
horse becomes confirmed in his habits.

Balking.—This is largely a nervous trouble, and it is
useless to punish the horse, if indeed it does not increase
the difficulty. We must divert the horse’s attention from
his fixed determination not to obey. In young horses this
can usually be done by quietly arranging the collar or
bridle; by giving a dainty, as a bite of grass; and by
picking up one front foot and gently tapping the shoe
as if there was something wrong. ‘This serves to attract
the horse’s attention, and he will move on without fur-
ther trouble. ,

In older horses and where the habit is fixed, more
strenuous methods must be employed. First of all, teach
the commands so that they are obeyed with promptness. If
necessary use the double safety until the horse understands
that “whoa” means to stop and stand still. Next attach
the guy line, which should be managed by an assistant
while you drive and tend the safety. If the horse shows
any tendency to balk give the command “whoa” at once,
and before he has time to stop of his own accord. This
serves to puzzle him. When ready to start the assistant
should quickly take a position in front of the horse and
smartly jerk him forward with the guy line at the same
time you give the command “get up.” As a signal, you
should snap the whip to the right, but without touching
388 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the horse, as the command is given. Repeat the process
of stopping, starting and snapping the whip several times.
TJse the guy line, and use it severely, on the slightest
intimation that the horse does not want to go when com-
manded. After a few such lessons there should be no
further trouble.

Kicking.—To overcome the habit of kicking, give the
horse a thorough course in poling (p. 380). If he resists
attach the guy line and double safety, pull him to his knees
and continue the poling process. At first refrain from
touching the hind legs, gradually working the pole back
along the body. When he becomes submissive while down,
let him up and continue the poling as before. Now place
the harness over the double safety, arranging the breast
band and breeching rather loosely, and placing the traces
through the rings on the breeching, so that the ends will
flap about the hind legs and quarters. If he resents the
pressure on the harness and attempts to kick, give the
command “steady” and pull him to his knees rather
severely. Hold him in this position until he becomes
calm. Continue the process until he submits.

Procure two long poles, secure one end of each on
either side at the shaft tug, and allow the other end to
drag on the ground behind the horse. Drive him about,
and if he attempts to kick, command “steady” and pull
him to his knees as before. After he becomes submissive
to the poles dragging on either side, place them between
his hind Iegs and continue as before. At this time care
should be exercised, for the horse may injure himself.
Do not continue this part of the lesson long, as the poles
will rub the legs sore. If he resents this, however, pull
him to his knees. Repeat until he submits.

Running away.—To overcome the habit of running
away first make the horse thoroughly obedient to the com-
mands and uses of the bit, much as suggested in the case
of a balking horse. With the guy line and the double
safety still attached familiarize him with strange objects,
WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE 380

such as papers, umbrellas, robes, and the like; and to
sound, as sleigh bells and steam cars. Now pad the
knees and hitch the horse to a vehicle. After driving
him about for a time give him an opportunity to run
away, choosing a straight, wide road. When he gets well
under way command “steady” and begin to restrain his
front feet with the safety rope. Slacken him gradually
until slow enough to permit a sudden stop, then give the
command “whoa” and bring him to his knees. Repeat
this a few times. Now try him again and just before
applying the safety rope give him a severe pull on the
lines in order to impress him that we have the same
power with the lines that we have with the safety rope.
Continue this work, driving the horse past objects that
formerly excited him to run. After a few rather hard
falls he will usually become submissive.

Tossing and shaking the head.—Many otherwise good
driving horses have the very aggravating habit of tossing
the head up and down, or throwing it from side to side.
Such nervousness not only detracts from the general
appearance of the horse, but makes him difficult to drive
properly, as he pulls the lines through the hands and
may throw the lines over the end of the shaft and an
accident result. Such habits are often difficult to over-
come.. First examine the mouth to see that it is free
from sores and that the bit and bridle are properly ad-
justed. Procure a short strap about six inches long
provided with a snap on either end and a loose ring in
the center. Snap the leather to the bit rings so the loose
ring on the leather will remain under the lower jaw.
Now secure a strap to this loose ring, pass it down be-
tween the front legs and attach to the belly band, similar
to a standard martingale. When the horse is properly
reined this is a very effective appliance, as he is unable
to move the head out of position.

Tongue-lolling—Many good driving horses have the
disagreeable habit of protruding the tongue from the
390 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

mouth. This is very unsightly and lessens the sensitive-
ness of the mouth, besides exposing the tongue to injury.
The habit is usually due to improper bitting and is often
difficult to overcome. The tongue-lolling bit was de-
vised to overcome the habit and is perhaps the most
effective measure that we have at present. (Fig. 174; 15.)

Halter-pulling—There are three hitches in common use
in overcoming the habit of halter-pulling, the loin-hitch,
the tail-hitch, and the foot-hitch. To arrange the loin-
hitch secure a three-quarter-inch rope about 15 feet long,
and tie a small stationary loop in one end. Place the rope
around the horse’s body just in front of the hips with the
loop under the abdomen, and run the free end through the
loop, pass it forward between the fore legs, up through
the ring at the halter, then around a solid post, and back
and tie into the ring at the halter. Now excite the horse
to pull back. The moment he feels the pressure around
the body he bounds forward. To avoid any further
trouble, force him back into the rope severely by tapping
him across the nose with the whip. This causes him to
go back into the rope with much force, which, coupled
with the fright caused by the whip at the nose, never fails
to bring him forward. Caress him while he stands by the
post. After a few such struggles it will be difficult to
get him to pull back.

In overcoming halter pulling some persons prefer the
tail-hitch, although it is rather severe. To arrange the
tail-hitch, tie a stationary loop in one end of the rope
sufficiently large to go about the tail similar to a crupper,
passing the free end forward through the turret at the
saddle, on through the ring at the halter, then around
the post, and back and tie into the halter ring as before.
With this appliance the pressure is brought to bear at
the tail, a very sensitive part, and he bounds forward.
This hitch is likely to abrade the tail. To arrange the
foot-hitch, secure one end of the rope about a pastern,
pass the free end up through the ring at the halter and
WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE 391

on to the post, then back to the halter and tie as before.
Now when the horse pulls he jerks one leg out from under
him, which puzzles him so greatly that he soon ceases to
pull back.

Stable whims and vices, and how to overcome them.—
Horses are even more likely to develop bad habits in the
stable than outdoors, particularly if ill-treated or denied
sufficient exercise. These habits are often very danger-
ous and usually lessen the usefulness of the horse pos-
sessing them.

Difficult to harness.—Some rather nervous horses have
very sensitive skins and, if not properly trained, may be
difficult to groom and harness.
Many horses are especially
sensitive along the abdomen,
the back of the fore legs and
the front of the hind legs, and
care should be exercised in
handling these parts. To
overcome horses difficult to
groom, harness or crupper,
first pole them thoroughly as ©
suggested for a horse that
kicks. After becoming sub-
missive to the pole, arrange
a noose twitch or a war bridle
on the horse.

To make a noose twitch
procure a small rope, such as a sash cord, and at one end
tie a small stationary loop. Hold this loop on the right
side of the horse’s head, placing the free end of the rope
over the head just back of the ears, down the right side
and in the mouth just under the upper lip and on top of
the teeth, and then up and through the loop at the right
side of the head and the twitch is completed. (Fig. 172.)

To make a war bridle take a small rope, as a sash cord,
and tie a small stationary loop in one end just large

 

 

 

 

 

Fic. 172,—Noos—E TWITCH
392 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

enough to go in the horse’s mouth and around the lower
jaw. Place this in the horse’s mouth with the knot and
free end on the right side. Bring the free end up over
the head, down the left side and through the loop at the
mouth. Now pass the rope back over the head, this
time from left to right, and just back of the ears, then
down the right side through the mouth under the upper
lip and on top of the teeth, and then pass the rope
through the part
which passes over the
head and the bridle is
completed. (Fig. 173.)

With either the
noose twitch or war
bridle attached, we
are in a position to
punish the horse by
jerking on the rope
should he attempt to
resist as we harness or
groom him. Continue
with the appliance un-

Fic. 173,—WAR-BRIDLE til he becomes per-

fectly submissive to

being groomed or harnessed. To complete the work, ina

similar manner, educate him to stand while being har-
nessed from the right side.

Biting.—When the horse is troubled but mildly, biting
can be overcome by the use of the war bridle. Place this
on him, and when he attempts to nip, punish him severely
with the bridle. Now tempt him to bite, and then punish
him if he does. Soon he will associate the punishing with
the nipping, and will cease. If he still persists, apply the
wooden gag. This gag is made from a block of hard
wood, about five inches long and 114 inches square. A
hole is bored through the center, longways, for a chain
which is attached to a headstall. The gag is then put in

 

 

 

 

 
WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE 303

the mouth the same as a bridle bit. Now should the
horse attempt to bite the corners on the gag cut his gums.
A few lessons, one each day, will serve to overcome most
biters.

Tearing blankets——When standing in the stable many
horses have the habit of biting and tearing their blankets.
To overcome this, attach one end of a bar‘to the halter
and the other end to a surcingle. As this prevents the
horse from turning the head to either side, he cannot
reach the blanket. with his teeth. Another device is
made by using a noseband and suspending small, short
chains from the front, back and side in such a form, that
when the horse turns to get hold of the blanket with his
teeth, the chain appliance prevents him from doing so.
This has the advantage of the muzzle in that the animal
can eat with it attached.

Gorging grain.—There are many methods of overcom-
ing the horse that eats greedily, often swallowing his grain
without mastication. A very good plan is to feed the
grain in a large, flat-bottomed grain box, as this prevents
the horse from getting much grain at a mouthful. Some
persons feed the grain on hay, and others recommend
placing round stones in the grain box, but the confirmed
grain gorger is usually an adept at throwing stones out
before eating the grain.

Rolling.—To overcome the habit of rolling in the stall,
secure a small ring and sew it in the top of the halter.
Suspend a small rope from the ceiling so that it will hang
directly over the horse’s neck when standing at the man-
ger. Attach a snap to the lower end of the rope, and snap
into the ring at the top of the halter. This rope should
be long enough to allow the horse to get his nose to the
ground. This will permit him to lie down, but as he
cannot place the top of his head on the ground he is un-
able to roll.

Difficult to shoe.—Because of improper training many
horses are difficult to shoe. To overcome this habit,
394 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

first pole the legs thoroughly as suggested for the kicker.
Next attach the war bridle and gently run the hand down
the left shoulder toward the leg. If the horse resists
punish him with the bridle. Continue working the hand
down the leg and punish with the bridle, until he sub-
mits. Lift the foot, and if he resists strap it up as in
throwing with the throwing harness. Now lead him
about on three feet for a few minutes to teach him to
balance himself. If he attempts to settle down on one
knee punish with the war bridle. Change the leg strap
to the other side and gentle the right front foot in a
similar manner.

To gentle the left hind foot, rub the hand along the
body and down the hind leg to the hoof, punishing with
the war bridle if he resists. Attach the rope to the left
hind pastern. If he attempts to kick, strap up the left
fore foot. Should he attempt to kick in this position he
will throw himself out of balance and fall. As soon as
the rope is secured to the hind pastern, unstrap the front
one. Now have an assistant take this rope and attempt
to lift the foot with it, first standing well in front and out
of the horse’s reach should he attempt to kick. If the
horse refuses to lift the foot, give several sharp jerks on
the war bridle, when he will usually raise it. Next have
the assistant take a position in the rear, and try to lift
the foot as before, standing well back behind the horse.
If the horse refuses, punish with the bridle, when he will
usually lift it. Gentle the other hind foot similarly.
CHAPTER XXXIX

HARNESSING THE HORSE

The various parts of the harness should be properly
adjusted, as a perfectly fitted harness adds much to the
horse's comfort and increases his usefulness. The horse
not only accomplishes his work by means of the harness,
but receives much of his information concerning our
wishes by it as well. Thus unequal pressure due to
poorly fitting harness is likely to abrade the parts and
leave the impression with the horse that we are punishing
him, which may provoke vicious habits. This is em-
phasized by the fact that a sore mouth produced by a
poorly fitted bit or bridle often excites the horse to
running away; a sore neck or shoulders, the result of an
ill-fitting collar, often induces the horse to balking; and
a sore tail, produced by an improperly adjusted crupper,
often provokes the horse to kicking. Since not only the
usefulness of the horse, but his safety as well, depends
so largely upon the adjustment of the harness, much
careful consideration should be given to the harnessing
of the horse.

Bridle and check rein.—Since the bridle and bit is our
main reliance for conveying orders to the horse’s mind
for execution, it is important that it be properly adjusted
so as to retain the natural sensitiveness of the mouth. A
responsive mouth contributes to the efficiency and safety
of the horse. A good mouth—one with sensitive bars—
is natural to the horse. “Tender,” “hard,” and all kinds
of “spoiled” mouths result from improper training and
handling. When we recall the extreme tenderness of the
horse’s mouth, the cruel manner in which it is often fitted
and the pain resulting from the sores thus produced, we
can appreciate why a horse may lag behind until the parts

305
3096 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

become numbed, then begin pulling on the bit, going with
mouth open, holding the head to one side, lolling the

 

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FIG. 174.—TYPES OF BRIDLE BITS
1, bar bit; 2, jointed bit; 3, chain center soft rubber bit; 4, bar bit, half chee:
5, jointed bit, half cheek; 6, triumph bit; 7, Victor bit; 8, Norton bit; 9, Success bi
10, Sanborn bit; 11, regulation bit; 12, J. S. C. bit; 13, W. wire bit; 14, lumane
bit; 15, tongue-lolling bit; 16, Perfection bit; 17, Lecompt bit; 18, riding bit.

tongue, slobbering, rearing, mixing the gaits, and in
many other ways showing the discomfort he is suffering.
The bridle bit—As a rule, in the control of the horse,
HARNESSING THE HORSE 397

‘too much is expected from the bit alone. Some persons
seem to think that by using a severe bit they should be
able to control the horse, even though he has not been
properly trained. Because of this feeling many types of
bits have been devised to meet the various and peculiar
habits of the horse, most of which have been designated
to punish him and to irritate the sensitive parts, thus
defeating the object they were devised to accomplish.
In the control of the horse it must be remembered that
if the bit is to be effective, it is essential that the bars of
the mouth retain their natural sensitiveness, which can
be attained by the use of an easy and light bit handled
with care. .

Bridle bits may be classified in two ways: First, ac-
cording to their form, such as straight bar, jointed and
curb; and, second, according to their function, as mild,
medium and severe. The straight bar bit consists of a
solid mouthpiece without lever action. It is the mildest
form of bit, as there is a minimum amount of
pressure on the bars of the horse’s mouth. The
jointed or snaffle bit consists of a jointed mouthpiece,
also without lever action. This is a mild bit, although
considerable pressure may be brought to bear upon the
bars of the horse’s mouth. Curb bits are made in a num-
ber of styles, but each consists primarily of a solid mouth-
piece, which may be straight or slightly curved. This bit
is used with a curb chain or strap attached and a lever
action is obtained, the efficiency of which depends on the
manner in which the bit and chain are arranged. There
are also a number of styles of severe bits upon the mar-
ket, each having for its main object that of punishment,
which is always to be avoided, as it destroys the natural
sensitiveness of the mouth. These bits usually consist
of double bars so arranged that when drawn tightly by
the lines they have a tendency to pinch the jaws and may
cause the horse much pain. (Fig. 174.)

The straight bar bit is useful for horses with tender
398 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

mouths. To make the bit still more mild, it is often cov-
ered with leather or rubber. Not only are bits of this
type used on animals with very tender mouths, but they
are very efficient in overcoming bad habits where severe
bits utterly fail. The jointed bit is a very useful type,
and many horses work more agreeably with it than with
the bar bit, as it gives more room for the tongue. The
severe bit should never be used unless it is absolutely
necessary, as it is likely to result in more harm than good.
While the mild bit is the one to use as a general rule,
there may be times when a severe one is needed. Be-
cause of this, several attempts have been made to con-
struct a bit that can be variously applied, so as to form
either a mild or severe one as desired.

The curb bit is used to improve the action of driving
and high-acting horses. Thus the horse properly fitted
with a curb bit gets his head up and nose in and shows
himself to much better advantage than with any other
kind of bit. However, the curb bit should be used only
by those who are familiar with it, as it may become a
very cruel instrument in the hands of the inexperienced.

Head stall and blinds.—The comfort and usefulness of
the bit depends largely upon the adjustment of the cheek
straps. The bridle should be so adjusted as to keep the
bit in its proper place—right across the bars of the mouth
just above the tushes. This is very important, for if the
cheek straps are too long, then the bit drops and is
loosely applied, with the result that the horse becomes
careless and unmindful of our wishes. On the other
hand, if the cheek straps are too short, then the bit is
drawn upward into the angles of the mouth and becomes
a constant source of annoyance to the horse and may
produce a sore mouth.

The advisability of using blinds on the bridle depends
largely on the conditions. During the training period
blinds should not be used. No horse can be said to be
trained until he is familiar with objects at all angles, and
HARNESSING THE HORSE 399

this can be accomplished only by the use of an open
bridle. After training, however, there is no important
objection to the use of blinds, although even then they
add weight, are warm in summer and very annoying to
the horse. When blinds are used they should be of the
same height on the horse’s head and firmly attached to
the bridle so they cannot swing back and forth.

The check rein.—The efficiency of the horse depends
much upon the manner in which the head is held. If the
horse is given the freedom of his head he is likely to be-
come careless in his habits and shambling in his gait.
On the other hand, if the head is checked too high the
animal’s usefulness is lessened thereby, as he cannot apply
himself. There are two common methods of checking
the horse’s head: First, by the means of the side rein,
and, second, by the overdraw check rein. The former is
used largely on work horses and the latter on driving
horses. While the side rein is not so effective in hold-
ing the head up, it is more comfortable and enables the
horse to perform his work more effectively. He is not
so likely to stumble, and will pull a much heavier load.
This is because he has more liberty with his head, thereby
enabling him to see the ground immediately in front, and
to lower the head, thus throwing more power into the
collar.

While the overdraw check rein holds the head higher,
yet there are many objections to its use. This rein was
devised for trotting horses, to be used for short periods
of time only, and where the surface was as smooth as the
floor. At present, however, it is used almost exclusively
on driving horses, on all kinds of roads, and for indefinite
periods of time. When so used there are many strong
objections to the overdraw check, chief of which are that
it holds the head in such a position that the animal is
unable to see the ground immediately in front of him,
and he has not the freedom to apply himself so as to
pull effectively, particularly in ascending a grade, He is
400 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

unable to lower his head, and hence can put little power
into the collar. Further, when reined too tight it holds
the head and neck in such an unnatural position that they
soon become numbed and the horse is. seen to toss his
head from side to side and to take other characteristic
attitudes in search of relief.

Collars—The service of the horse is very largely ac-
complished by means of the collar, and it is of the utmost
importance that it fit the neck and shoulders perfectly.
The unequal pressure due to a poorly fitted collar causes

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 175.—TYPES OF COLLARS
1, Humane; 2, pneumatic; 3, steel; 4, leather.

the horse much pain and often results in a sore neck or
sore shoulders. Such sores are a rather common cause
of vicious habits among horses, particularly balking,
striking and kicking.

Kinds of collars.—Because of the difficulty in keeping
the neck and shoulders in a thrifty condition, many types
of collars have been devised to meet the needs of the
horse. Chief among these types are the various styles
of the common leather; the pneumatic, the metal, and the
humane. The adherents of each of these types assert
superiority over the other. The humane collar differs in
shape from any of the others. It consists of a metal
frame and two broad leather pads, one for either shoul-
HARNESSING THE HORSE 401

der. The pneumatic cbllar consists of a metal frame
lined with rubber, which is inflated similarly to an auto-
mobile tire. The bearing surface of a metal collar is
shaped somewhat like that of a leather collar, and all the
parts are of metal. (Fig. 175.)

While all kinds of claims are made by the adherents of
these patent collars, the leather collar still holds first
place among horsemen generally. To meet the various
needs of the horse, leather collars are made in many
shapes, chief of which are full sweeny, half sweeny, kan-
garoo leather face, Irish or cloth face, common leather
face, and the like.

Fitting the collar—To avoid sore neck and sore shoul-
ders the collar should be properly adjusted. Leather
collars are so firm and stiff that it is difficult to adjust
them to the neck and shoulders. To overcome this dif-
ficulty take the poorly fitting collar, new or old, wrap it
round and round again with thoroughly wet sacking and
let it remain overnight. In the morning place it on the
horse, and with the hame straps adjust it snugly to the
shoulders and neck, then work the horse moderately
through the day. Soaking the collar in this way serves
to soften it and then it will adjust itself to every inequal-
ity of the shoulders and neck, so that the horse will sel-
dom be troubled with soreness. The shoulders of no
two horses are exactly alike, and each should have his
own collar.

Sweat pads and housings.—A collar that will fit in the
early spring when the horse is fat may be too large later,
when he is worked down, so that it may be necessary to
use pads or get another collar. Sweat pads,. however,
are rather objectionable, as they are very warm and the
neck and shoulders can be kept in a more healthy condi-
tion without them. When the pads are used they should
be kept clean.

Horses that work in the winter, or during the rainy
season, should have their necks protected by housings,
402 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

as these serve to keep out the water. While these hous-
ings are rather expensive, they will prove economical for
the working horse during the winter season because of
the protection given the neck and shoulders.

Breast harness.—Flor light driving, the breast harness
is preferred to the collar. It is lighter and cooler and
when properly adjusted does not interfere with the action
so much as collar harness. In fitting breast harness care

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 176.—HEAVY WORK HARNESS

must be exercised in adjusting the neck strap, for if too
long, the harness will drop and interfere with the action
of the fore legs, or if too short, the harness will be drawn
up and choke the animal, particularly in ascending a
grade.

Crupper and back strap.——To mect the needs of the
horse a. variety of types of cruppers have been devised,
some of which are very large, for preventing a horse from
dropping his tail down on the lines and for improving
the general appearance. The medium-sized crupper, free
from folds, is recommended. In fitting the crupper extra
care must be exercised in adjusting the check rein and
back strap, for if either are too short the crupper will be
HARNESSING THE HORSE 403

drawn tightly against the tail. The under part of the
tail being very tender, this is likely to cause soreness and
thus lessen the reliability of the horse, as the horse with
a sore tail is often difficult to control, particularly when
he gets his tail over the line. On the other hand, if the
back strap is too long and the crupper too loose it may
result in the harness sliding to one side.

Saddle and back band.—The importance of the saddle
and back band depends on the arrangement of the breech-
ing and holdbacks. If the holdbacks are so arranged that
in backing pressure is brought upon the saddle, it is im-
portant that it be properly fitted. Often this is neglected
and a sore back results. With the saddle in its proper
place on the back there is little or no danger that the
horse’s back will become sore or abraded, particularly if
the parts are kept smooth and clean. If there is extra
pressure on the saddle, as is often the case when hitched
to single rigs, saddle pads should be used.

Breeching and holdbacks.— Where there is much back-
ing to be done, or in sections of the country that are hilly
or mountainous, the breeching and holdbacks assume
much importance. While there are a variety of types of
holdbacks on the market, they can be divided into four
general classes: Breeching and shaft holdbacks, yoke
and collar holdbacks, breeching and belly martingale
holdbacks, and Boston holdbacks. These holdbacks may
be attached in a variety of ways. The breeching is com-
monly employed with each except the yoke and collar
holdback. The saddle may be discarded in the breech-
ing and belly martingale holdback as well as in the Bos-
ton, in which case crotch back straps and hip straps are
usually employed.

The breeching and shaft holdback is used only with
single rigs and the breeching is attached directly to the
shaft by means of holdback straps. The holdback straps
must be properly adjusted. If too short, they draw the
horse forward, and interfere with his action, whereas if
404. MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

too long the breeching hangs loose and the rig will have
a jerky motion.

The yoke and collar holdback is intended only for light
rigs. The backing is accomplished very largely with the
neck by means of the yoke and collars. Sometimes a
martingale is used, and a part of the backing is accom-
plished by pulling down on the saddle. With the breech-
ing and belly martingale holdback, much of the backing
is accomplished by
means of breeching,
though extra pres-
sure is often
brought to bear on
the top of the neck.
While this. is a
more efficient
backer than the
yoke and_ collar,
both are open to
the same general
criticisms in respect
to producing sore

 

 

 

 

 

necks.
In case the loads
Fic. 177.—LicHT Drivinc HARNESS are heavy and

there is consider-
able backing to be accomplished, the Boston holdback is
recommended. The backing is accomplished with the
breeching by means of tugs extending from the breech-
ing to the jockey yoke. The draft, therefore, is in a
straight line from the end of the tongue to the quarters,
thus giving the horse his maximum efficiency in backing.
This is by far the easiest on the horse, as there is but little
pressure on the neck and none on the back.
Care of harness.—Harness should receive good care, as
this will increase the length of its usefulness and lessen
the liability of its injuring the horse. When not in use,
HARNESSING THE HORSE 405

it should be covered with a sheet and hung in a room con-
structed especially for it, as dust, dampness and vermin
tend to injure the leather and tarnish the fixtures. It is
very important that the bearing parts be kept scrupu-
lously clean at all times. This applies especially to the
parts in constant contact, with the horse, as the collar,

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 178.—HARNESS REPAIR KIT

saddle, crupper, and the like. It is not possible to pre-
vent sores if these parts are permitted to become dirty,
which they will, because of the sweat and dandruff. The
collar, saddle and crupper should be thoroughly cleaned
each morning before harnessing.

The entire harness should be oiled frequently. The
simplest way to do this, especially with work harness, is
to take it apart and soak the parts for fifteen minutes in
a tub of lukewarm water containing a handful of wash-
406 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES
ing soda. Then scrub the parts with a scrub brush, and
when dry oil with neatsfoot oil to which a small amount
of kerosene and a little lampblack have been added. Now
hang up to dry, exercising care not to dry in the sun or
by the fire. When thoroughly dry sponge with castile
soap and buckle the parts together. Common harness
treated in this way will neither turn red nor become
gummy, and if often sponged with white castile soap, can
be kept looking like new.

Repairing harness.—Where many work horsés are kept
a harness repair kit should be available. It is convenient
as well as economical to be prepared to mend harness
whenever needed, as it often saves delay in sending to the
shop. To make simple repairs is not difficult, and a
repair kit is inexpensive. We should provide a wood
clamp for holding the leather while stitching, gauge knife
to cut new straps, four-tube punch, a paper of needles,
ball of thread, ball of wax, three different size awls,
collar awl, rivet set, box of assorted rivets, and a pair
of pliers. Such a kit can be obtained for approximately
five dollars, and with it one can keep his harness in the
best of repair at a very small cost. (Fig. 178.)
CHAPTER XL
THE PRACTICAL HORSE BARN

The planning and construction of all buildings on the
farm should receive careful consideration. They should
be adapted to the environment. Features of the natural
landscape give character to the homestead. It is a com-
mon error to give little thought to the placing of build-
ings, either in relation to each other or to the surround-
ing conditions. There are many fine homes that owe
their beauty and much of their value to the arrangement
of the buildings, lawns, gardens and fields.

The horse barn, in common with the other buildings,
should be planned to meet the attendant conditions. No
one type of building is of universal suitability. The farm
barn must fit the farm and the needs of the farmer, while
the city barn must be planned to meet the individual con-
ditions. On the average farm there is but one barn, which
must house all the animals, with the possible exception of
swine and poultry. Because of the variety of conditions
under which horse barns are planned no attempt is made
to suggest a type, and only a few of the more important
essentials, which apply in the construction of all build-
ings where horses are housed, are considered.

Essentials in location and construction.—The horse
barn should occupy a subordinate location in relation to
the house. It should occupy a position so that the pre-
vailing winds will not carry the stable odors toward the
house. The exact position and arrangement of the out-
buildings and inclosures will vary according to use, and
to be convenient should be few and compact, rather than
scattered over a large area.

Drainage—In choosing a location for the horse barn
consideration should be given the natural drainage. This

497
WHOM YOA ACVAN SWVAL GNY LYNOD GYAVd ONIMOHS ‘NUYVE ASYOH—'6LI ‘OIA

 

 

 

 

 

408
THE PRACTICAL HORSE BARN 409

is often overlooked and many barns are so situated that
it is practically impossible to drain the soil sufficiently to
prevent muddy lots with all attendant disadvantages.
Choose a slightly elevated location if possible, so that the
water naturally will drain away in all directions. Dryish,
sandy soil is preferred, as the water drains out readily and
there is no trouble from mud about the barn. Through-
out much of the country, however, the best that can be
done is to locate the barn on slightly sloping land, which
should be well underdrained before the barn is con-
structed. Any protection against prevailing north and
west winds in the winter season, such as hills, trees or
any other natural objects in the track of the regular
storm, should be made use of, but cool and refreshing
winds should not be hindered in their direction during the
summer.

Ventilation—In the construction of the horse barn one
of the most important considerations is thorough ventila-
tion. It is essential that the hard-working horse be sup-
plied with an abundance of fresh air while he is resting.
Not only does a damp and poorly ventilated stable lessen
his efficiency, but it also increases the liability to disease.
It is comparatively easy to ventilate the horse stable, as
the horse does not suffer from the cold so much as some
other farm animals. If the introduction of an abundance
of fresh air should lower the temperature to the freezing
point no harm will be done, providing the air is admitted
at many small openings. Large and few openings, how-
ever, tend to produce strong and dangerous drafts. There
are a number of methods by which the horse barn may be
ventilated, chief of which are the -windows, grates and
ventilating shafts.

In ventilating tightly ceiled barns, shafts are preferred.
While there are many methods of arranging these ven-
tilating shafts, they consist essentially of two parts, the
inlets and the outlets. The inlets should be numerous,
of small size, and placed on all four sides of the stable in
410 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

order to take advantage of the wind, regardless of the
direction from which it blows. In this way a large quan-
tity of air is admitted and evenly distributed throughout
the stable. A convenient size for these inlets is 4 x 12
inches, as this permits them to be built between two four-
inch studding. They should begin near the ground on
the outside and end near the ceiling on the inside.

The outlets must be so constructed as to, meet three
conditions: First, they should remove the stable air from
near the stable floor. The refuse gases are heavier than
the other air of the stable and remain near the floor, as
does the colder air. Second, they should be provided with
openings near the ceiling, which can be closed at will, for
the removal of the warm air when the stable becomes too
warm, particularly inthe summer. Third, it is important
that these ventilators be so arranged as to afford as little
inconvenience as possible, particularly when they extend
through the hay loft, where they are sometimes in the
way of the hay fork. These outlets should be as large
as convenient. The essentials of a good ventilating flue
are similar to a good chimney.

Ventilating shafts are expensive, particularly if con-
structed so as to work properly, for which reason
windows are more commonly used for ventilating the
horse barn. The windows can be so arranged as to form
a good system of ventilation. When so used they should
be hinged near the center, allowing the top to open in-
ward. This is important, for if the bottoms open into
the stable, the windows are likely to be broken by the
animals running against them. By opening windows so
arranged a good circulation of air is provided. (Fig. 180.)

Light.—Sunlight is nature’s disinfectant. With suf-
ficient light and proper ventilation, germ disease is not
likely to occur. Window glass is inexpensive and should
be abundantly supplied in the construction of the barn.
Best results are obtained by cutting the windows long
from top to bottom and by having them extend low, as
THE PRACTICAL HORSE BARN 4II

more direct sunlight will fall on the floor. This is the
chief objection to underground or bank barns for horses.
Bank barns are usually dark and damp, and, therefore,
objectionable as horse stables. True, windows increase
the temperature in the daytime and serve to radiate heat
at night, but this is not so important as an abundance of
light, particularly for horses. Further, light shows dirt

 

q.

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 180.—CROSS SECTION THROUGH HORSE BARN

Showing partition, manger, concrete floor, covered with plank, and the arrangement
of windows.

and makes it easy to keep the barn clean. Dark stables
are likely to be dusty, dirty and damp, thus providing con-
ditions for germ growth. In addition to cleanliness, free-
dom from germ disease, and the like, a barn into which
the sun shines freely furnishes a cheerful place in which
to work.

Cleanliness.—In the planning of a horse barn, it should
be so arranged as to facilitate ease of cleaning. Horse
manure being damp and warm decomposes rapidly and
the gases thus formed contaminate the stable. In sum-
mer this decomposing manure is a favorite breeding place
412 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

for flies. Therefore, the stables should be cleaned fre-
quently and a liberal supply of absorbent bedding should
be provided to take up the liquids voided. The mangers
should be kept clean at all times. They must receive
special attention in case corn on the cob is fed, otherwise
the cobs will accumulate in the bottom of the mangers,
where they form a fertile media for the propagation of
germs of all kinds. The ceiling and walls should be
cleaned frequently with a cobweb broom to prevent ex-
cessive dust and filth accumulation. It is a good plan to
have the stable fixtures, walls and ceiling of a light color.
as this facilitates both cleaning and lighting.

Convenience.—In the planning and construction of
horse barn due regard should be had for convenience, m
only in respect to cleaning the stable and in feeding, bt
for all other farm work as well. As a rule, the barn i
more convenient to the farm when centrally located, but
more convenient to the market when located near the
highway. In this respect, therefore, the location would
depend on the type of farming. Thus if most of the
produce was to be sold it would be more convenient near
the highway, whereas if the major part of the crops were
to be fed it would be more convenient near the center of
the farm, as both the crops produced and the resulting
manure are nearer the place where needed, thus lessening
team work.

As a rule, the horse barn should be planned to hold
sufficient food for the animals housed therein. An
abundance of loft space can be secured at little additional
expense. The barn should be arranged so as to feed the
horses with the minimum amount of labor. This can be
accomplished more satisfactorily by arranging two rows
of stalls, standing the animals with their heads toward the
center. A six to eight-foot feeding alley should be ar-
ranged through the center and a four to seven-foot lead
alley behind the horses along the wall. Such alleys will
give ample room for the feed and litter carriers and pro-
THE PRACTICAL HORSE BARN 413

vide sufficient space for the harness closets, behind the
horses along the wall. Immense barns, however, in
which large quantities of grain and hay are stored, and
many animals housed may have other objections which
offset the advantages of concentration and ease of feed-
ing. The risk of total destruction by fire is great, as are
dangers from contagious disease, and the like. Under
such conditions perhaps a number of medium-sized, well-
regulated barns, located some distance from each other,
would prove more economical in the long run.

Box and straight stalls—There are two types of stalls
‘n common use, the box stall and the straight stall. In
ilanning and constructing horse stalls there are a number
f factors to be taken into consideration, chief of which
jare the comfort and safety of the horse; the economy of
barn space: the economy of labor in feeding, cleaning,
and the like; the economy of material in the construction
of the stall; and facilities for lighting and ventilation.
The comfort and safety of the animal is promoted by the
use of the box stall. He has more freedom and can as-
sume any position, lying down and getting up with ease.
The economy of barn space is favored by the straight
stall. The box stall must be at least Io x 12 feet square,
while the straight stall need not be over five feet wide and
nine feet long.

The economy of labor is promoted by the straight stall.
Not only is the box stall more difficult to keep clean, but
the animal requires more grooming to keep him in pre-
sentable condition. The feeding and bedding can be
more easily accomplished in the straight stall. The
straight stall also favors economy in material, as the par-
titions need not be so high as in the box stall. While
box stalls are very comfortable for the horse, yet they
are rather difficult to ventilate properly and hinder the
general lighting of the barn, particularly in case they are
boarded up solid to the ceiling. All things considered,
the straight stall is preferable for working horses, al-
414 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

though every horse barn should be provided with a few
well-lighted and well-ventilated box stalls, as they are
indispensable for brood mares, colts and sick animals.
At present it seems to be fashionable to construct low,
open stall partitions. This is.a serious mistake, as the
animals frequently injure themselves by kicking, which
the open partition encourages. Occasionally, an animal
kicks over the top of the low partition and injures him-
self permanently, as he is unable to free himself. Stall

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 181—TROTTING-HORSE. BARN WITH TRACK IN THE FOREGROUND

partitions between straight stalls should be boarded up
solid for at least five feet.

Mangers and grain boxes.—The hay should be fed from
a manger. The hay rack is objectionable, as the horse
pulls the hay out and drops much of it under his feet.
The seed and dirt get into his mane, which is difficult to
keep clean. The top of the manger should be about three
feet high. ‘The bottom should be slightly raised from the
floor and should be so constructed that the dirt may sift
through, thus preventing its collecting in the bottom of
the manger. The manger should slope inward, to pre-
vent the horse from injuring his knees when stamping
flies. The hay should neither be thrown from the mow
THE PRACTICAL HORSE BARN 415

into the manger nor directly in front of the horse, but into
a small room separated by a door from the stable. Neither
should the bedding be thrown down in such a manner as
to cover the horses and harness with dust.

The grain should be fed from a grain box with a level,
broad bottom. Some horses eat their grain too rapidly
and a large flat-bottomed box tends to make them eat
slowly, and hence to insalivate their food. Metal boxes
are preferred to wood, but are too expensive for common
use,

The stable fittings, mangers, grain boxes and stall par-
titions should be constructed of hard wood. Horses love
to gnaw pine, and once they get into the habit, no matter
what the original cause, they are hard to stop. Further,
if the partitions and posts are of soft wood, the horses will
splinter them by kicking so-that they are very unsightly.
as well as lacking in endurance. Even if the fixtures are
of hard wood it may be necessary to cover them with
strap iron to prevent the horse from gnawing and splin-
tering them by kicking, when feeling good, as in the
winter. (Fig. 180.)

Harness room or closets.—In constructing a horse barn
special provision should be made for the care of harness.
Usually the harness is hung just back of the horse in the
stable. This is very objectionable, as gases escaping
from the manure are very destructive to harness, and it
frequently happens that the harness is knocked down
under the animal’s feet and becomes soiled with manure.
To avoid this a harness room convenient to the horses
should be provided. If there are a great number of
horses housed in the barn it is perhaps more convenient
to arrange harness closets just back of the horse along the
wall and between the windows. A well-kept harness
room or closets is a source of comfort to the owner and
increases the usefulness of the harness.

Flooring materials—The stable floor should be dur-
able, waterproof and cheap. It should be so constructed
that the horse will not slip and injure himself in getting
416 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

up. Many materials are used in the construction of stable
floor, such as clay, brick, cobblestone and cement, al-
though the latter are rather hard on the feet. For box |
stalls perhaps no other material excels clay, as it is good
for the feet. For straight stalls perhaps no other ma-
terial excels cement, covered with plank in the stall where
the horse stands. The cement floor is durable, sanitary
and inexpensive. If given a rough finish the horse will
not slip, although if heavy loads are to be drawn over the
floor, the cement should be creased before it sets. The
cement in the wagon room and lead alleys should be six
inches thick, although in the stalls, where it is covered
with plank, a depth of four inches is sufficient. The floor
of the straight stall should slope to the rear at least one
inch in eight feet, so that the liquid excrement will drain
off quickly. It is a good plan to leave a very shallow but
broad gutter just to the rear, along the ends of the plank,
to catch this liquid. A very shallow gutter one-half inch
deep and six inches broad gives good results. From this
shallow gutter the liquid can be absorbed by straw,
shavings or any bedding material. It is a good plan to
sprinkle daily a little dry earth or gypsum on the floor
of the stable where it is damp. (Fig. 180.)

Construction of the walls.—Since the horse does not
suffer from a moderately low temperature, it is a com-
paratively simple matter to construct a horse barn, es-
pecially when compared with that of the dairy cow. The
walls should not be airtight, as the moisture condenses
rapidly and the stable becomes damp and cold. For sid-
ing the horse barn, unmatched boards planed on one side
are preferred. The boards should be placed vertically
and the cracks properly battened. If harness closets are
constructed along the wall and between the windows as
suggested, it will be necessary only to ceil under and
above the windows. This inside covering should consist
also of unmatched boards. The outside covering should
be given a thorough painting every three years, while the
THE PRACTICAL HORSE BARN 417

inside should be whitewashed once every year, as this
serves to promote lighting and sanitation.

Roofing materials——There are a great variety of roof-
ing materials on the market, many of which are scarcely.
worth the time required to put them on, notwithstanding
the fact that they are easily laid. While there is no roof-
ing more durable or
satisfactory than
slate and tile, yet
they are heavy and
require strong raft-
ers. All things con-
sidered, perhaps a
good shingle roof is
best. Soaking
wooden shingles for
a moment in boiling
linseed oil adds to
their durability. A
trifle of red color
added to the oil, just
enough to stain, im-
proves the appear-
ance of the roof. Dip
the shingles in large _ ~~ 8
handfuls to the tips, ~ - =

 

 

 

 

 

lay them on a piece — —
of sheet iron and let Fic, 182.—LiTTER CARRIER IN USE

them drain back into

the kettle. For shingles the roof should be fairly steep.
Dipped shingles on a steep roof will last a lifetime. Metal,
rubber and paper are often used for roofing barns, but, as
a rule, give poor satisfaction.

Labor-saving appliances.—In constructing a barn it is
important to install all of the adaptable labor-saving ap-
pliances available. The framework and the rafters should
be of sufficient strength to carry a hay fork to facilitate
mowing the hay. In large barns the alley ways should be
418 M.ANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

of sufficient width to permit the use of both feed and
litter carriers. While these carriers may be of little ad-
vantage in small barns, they are practically indispensable
in large ones. Grain, hay and straw chutes should be
arranged wherever they can be used to advantage. To
facilitate watering the horse there are several watering
devices upon the market, some of which are so arranged
that there is a constant supply of water before the animal
at all times. When these vessels can be kept clean and
free from odor the practice seems a good one. In many
instances, however, these watering: devices are traps of
filth and foul-smelling water. Perhaps a better plan is
to use large troughs that can be cleaned frequently.

Care of manures.—The voidings, including the neces-
sary bedding, will reach six to eight tons per horse per
year. On the basis of the fertilizing ingredients this
manure is worth from $10 to $20 a year. It is, therefore,
of importance that the manure from the horse stable be
carefully husbanded. If convenient, a separate small
building should be constructed for temporary storage.
If horse manure is unmixed with that of cows, it should
be thoroughly wet from time to time. Some salt may be
used on the manure, a quart to a load. This will retard
heating and discourage the flies from breeding in the
manure. If convenient, swine may be allowed to roam
over the manure, as this aids in solidifying it and the
swine will find some food in the voidings.

Paddocks for breeding stock.—In planning the horse
barn a few paddocks, or still better, small fields should be
provided for near the barn. These lots should be of
sufficient size to allow some pasturage. As a rule, these
paddocks are so small that the grass is destroyed by the
tramping of the animals. A few small grassy paddocks
near the barn are very convenient in separating pregnant
mares or foals and dams from other horse stock. Such
paddocks afford ideal runs for young foals while the dams
are at work,
CHAPTER XLI
COMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE

When properly cared for the horse is the most health-
ful of our farm animals. He is thought to be a native of
the north and can endure adverse conditions so long as
given his freedom. His troubles begin, however, when
he is closely confined, improperly fed or watered, and
overworked. Under such conditions the horse is subject
to a very large number of ailments, some of which are
simple and easily cared for, more of which are compli-
cated and require skilled treatment. This chapter simply
directs attention to the more common ones and how to
avoid them rather than to suggest treatment. Everyone
who owns a horse should know how to care for the
simpler difficulties, and when to call for the advice of a
veterinarian.

Nursing a sick horse.—-The sick horse should receive
careful attention. In many of the lesser ailments good
care is preferred to the use of medicine, while in many
others rest is preferred to both. Thus, in the case of the
horse that is run down in flesh, appetite gone, and other-
wise out of condition, comparative idleness is essential.
Under such conditions there is nothing better than a good
blue grass pasture, well watered and well shaded, es-
pecially in the early summer, before the flies become
troublesome. The aim is to hasten recovery from the ill.
effects of the ailments. To do this we must understand
the horse thoroughly and be able to supply his every
need. This calls for careful, painstaking and patient
effort. First of all look for the cause of the trouble, and,
if possible, remove it. If the disease is contagious, the
sick horse should be separated from the others and placed
in well-ventilated and comfortable quarters.

419
420 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Feeding the sick horse.—As the appetite is usually poor
and sometimes lacking, much care should be exercised in
feeding the sick horse. The food should be attractive,
nutritious and readily digestible. It should not contain
much bulk and should be rather laxative. Natural foods,
such as fresh grass, carrots and warm bran mash, are to
be preferred to prepared foods, though the use of patent
stock food may prove beneficial when a tonic is valuable.

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 183.—HACKNEY BROOD MARES

In case the animal refuses the food it should be removed
from sight, and under no condition left in the feed box
until the next meal. Do not place medicine in either the
food or water if it can possibly be prevented, as the horse
is likely to refuse the food just at a time when it is im-
portant that he should have it.

Giving medicine.—Medicine should be given only for a
definite purpose, otherwise more ill will result than good.
As a rule, too much medicine is given the sick horse.
Nature should be given a chance. Medicine of itself is
worth little except as it gives the system tone, thereby
enabling it to overcome the disease. If a horse is out of
condition the remedies administered should be those of
known value and proven worth. While there are many
COMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE 421

methods of giving medicine, the more common and sim-
ple are by drenching, external application, enemas or
si a into the rectum, blistering and firing.

Drenching.—Dissolve the medicine in water, using just
enough water to thoroughly dissolve the medicine, as
more makes thedrench bulky. Shake the drench immedi-
ately before administering. Slightly elevate the horse’s
head and gradually pour the drench into the corner of his
mouth. To prevent him from strangling give him the
freedom of his head a few times while administering the
drench, and do not elevate the head too high.

External applications.—Medicine is frequently given
by applying it to the skin in the form of baths, liniments,
ointments, salves, poultices, and the like. Bathing the
parts in hot or cold water often proves very beneficial.
It is much used and with good results in lessening pain,
inflammation and swelling in recent injuries. Liniment
is a thin, liquid solution of a medicinal substance, and is
used to relieve pain and inflammation as well as to pro-
duce local stimulation. It should never be applied to
fresh wounds or sores. Ointment is a waxy material
consisting of medicines mixed with fats, and is used to
soften, soothe and heal inflamed parts. A poultice is a
soft, moist substance used to soften, soothe and relieve
severe inflammation. It should be changed frequently.
There are many substances used in making poultices,
chief of which are flaxseed meal, bran, bread and milk,
and mashed boiled turnips. Whatever the substance, it
should be clean, soft and capable of retaining heat and
moisture. To keep it clean and sweet, add a teaspoonful
of carbolic acid to a quart of poultice.

Blisters —These are counter-irritants to be used in
chronic or long-continued ailments. There are two kinds
in common use, the “fly blister,” made from cantharides,
and the “red blister,’ made from biniodide of mercury.
Both are poisonous, and their application requires skill
and experience. They are made by mixing one part by
422 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

weight of the drug to eight parts of lard or vaseline. For
most uses the fly is preferred, but in removing bunches
the red is most used. First clip the hair from the area,
then rub on blister from three to ten minutes, depending
on severeness of irritation and the thickness of the skin.
A light blister repeated is preferred to a severe one. Care
should be taken to see that the horse does not scratch
the blister. After 24 to 36 hours, or when a watery,
gummy fluid exudes from the skin, the area should be
thoroughly washed with warm water and soap, then
wiped dry and greased with fresh lard or vaseline. When
large areas are to be blistered, as in pleurisy, inflamma-
tion of the lungs, and the like, a mustard plaster should
be used, as fly blisters irritate the kidneys.

Firing—This is also a counter-irritant, useful in re-
moving bunches, ringbones, spavins, and the like. The
application requires skill and experience. The hair is
clipped from the area, the horse blinded, a twitch applied
to the nose, and the opposite foot lifted, and then the hot
irons are applied to the area. At first the skin is barely
touched and the lines marked and then the lines are
burned to a good russet brown. A fly blister is then
rubbed on the fired area and the case treated as for blis-
tering. The horse should be given plenty of time to
recover.

Enemas or injections-—Medicine is often given by in-
jections into the rectum when it cannot be given by the
mouth, and when it is desired to stimulate the bowels to
action. Food may also be given in this way. Injections
are best given by means of a rubber hose about four feet
long, to which a funnel is attached. Oil the hose and
gently insert it into the rectum about two feet, then pour
the liquid into the funnel and by raising it above the
horse the liquid will force itself into the bowels. Six to
eight quarts of warm water is sufficient for the
adult horse, and if to this is added a half teacupful
of pure glycerine, much better results will be obtained.
COMMON AIUMENTS OF THE HORSE 423

Indigestion —This/ one of the most common ailments
of the horse. It is br ught about by feeding indigestible
food, improper feeding, hard work immediately after feed-
ing or watering, and any cause that profoundly disturbs
the system. It may occur in either mild or acute form.
In mild attacks the animal refuses his food, lies down and

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 184.—SHIRE MARE “WYDERLANDS SUNSHINE”

immediately gets up, looks toward his flanks, and often
paws the ground. In such cases but little treatment is
necessary. Feed a light laxative diet such as bran mash
and fresh grass, and allow the digestive system to rest
afew days. Two-ounce dose of Jamaica ginger in a pint
of moderately hot water, given as a drench three times
daily, is excellent.

In acute cases the causes and symptoms are similar,
but the pain more severe. The horse may stand
stretched out and strain, as if trying to pass urine, then
lie down and get up, look at the flanks and paw as before.
The care and treatment is the same as in mild cases,
424 MANAGEMENT AND BREED"NG OF HORSES

except that the ginger drench n y be repeated every
three hours.

Colic.—This term is loosely applied to almost all diges-
tive troubles that are accompanied by pain. ‘There are
two forms, spasmodic or cramp colic, and flatulent or
wind colic. Cramp colic is a violent and painful con-
traction of the muscular coats of the bowels. It is caused
by some irritant in the intestines, such as undigested food,
large amounts of cold water when the horse is tired or
warm, sudden changes in the food, and like causes. The
pain is severe and often comes on suddenly, the animal
sweats and the respiration and pulse increase rapidly.
He looks toward his flanks, stretches and strains, paws,
kicks his belly, throws himself down, and rolls. Soon the

_pain passes, only to return in a few minutes.

Get the horse into a comfortable place where he can roll
without injury. Inject into the rectum eight quarts of
warm water, containing half a teacupful of glycerine. This
should be done slowly, so as to allow the horse to retain
it as long as possible. Drench with two-ounce doses of
Jamaica ginger. Sweet spirits of niter in ounce doses is
good, as is a tablespoonful of common baking soda.
Blankets wrung out of hot water and applied to the belly
relieve the pain, as does also rubbing the belly vigorously.
In wind colic the causes and symptoms are the same,
except that the pain comes on more gradually and is con-
tinuous. There is an accumulation of gas, resulting from
the fermenting food. The treatment is much the same
as suggested in cramp colic.

In all bowel trouble the cause is usually due to an irri-
tant, which should be located and removed. It is usually
a good plan to give a physic. For this purpose a quart
of raw linseed oil is best, but should be given with great
care, as there is danger in choking the horse. The giving
of oil requires skill and experience.

Worms.—Horses of all ages are more or less subject to
troubles caused by intestinal worms, especially when thin
COMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE 425

in flesh and otherwise out of condition. Thus the horse
that is liable to attack should be kept in a vigorous and
thrifty condition. In many cases affected horses that
are given a good variety and an abundance of nutritious,
laxative food, with some tonic, recover their normal con-
dition. Turpentine in two-ounce doses, is an excellent
remedy. The turpentine should always be well diluted,
either with milk, olive oil or raw linseed, so that it will
not blister the mouth or throat. These doses should be
given once daily for two or three days, and followed by a
good physic, as a quart of linseed oil, which should be
given with care.

Azoturia.—This is an ailment resulting from high feed-
ing and lack of exercise. It is known by a variety of
names, as lumbago, black water and holiday disease, so
called because of its occurrence after the horse has stood
idle a day or longer without usual work or exercise. It
often comes on quickly, attacking the horse after travel-
ing only a short distance. He becomes stiff, particularly
in the hindquarters, and sweats profusely. The muscles
tremble, the hind parts become difficult to control and the
animal goes down and is often unable to rise again. The
treatment in mild cases is a laxative and daily exercise.
In sudden attacks friction of the limbs is good. Blankets
wrung from hot water and placed over the loins and hips
assist the circulation. Rubbing the affected muscles with
iodine often relieves the tension. Purgatives are also of
value. The horse should have free access to water.

Distemper.—This ailment is known by a variety of
names, chief of which are strangles, colt ill, catarrhal fever
and shipping fever. It appears as a fever lasting a few
days, with formation of matter or pus in the air tubes,
and often the formation of abscesses under the jaw. At
the end of a couple of days a cough is heard and the dis-
charge comes from the nastrils. The disease passes from
one animal to another, and there are few that escape it
when once exposed. Light cases require little treatment
426 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

beyond proper protection from damp and cold, and the
feeding of nutritious, easily digested food, such as bran
mash and fresh grass. If more serious a simple way of
reducing the temperature is to inject cold water into the
rectum. To ease the cough and allay the inflammation
of the mucous membrane, place a blanket over the head,
and steam with the vapor of warm water poured over a
bucket of bran and hay in which belladonna, camphor
gum or tar has been placed. If the bowels are con-
stipated give an injection of warm water and glycerine.
If an abscess forms, poultice with warm linseed, changing
daily, and after the abscess breaks wash with three per
cent solution of carbolic acid.

Influenza.—This disease is known by a variety of names,
such as pink eye, bilious fever, grippe, and the like. It
appears as a rapidly developing fever, which becomes in-
tense within a very short period. The horse seems
greatly depressed, standing with his head down, but not
back on the halter, as in lung disease. There is sneezing
and a troublesome cough. The mucous membranes of the
eyes are very frequently enlarged and inflamed, giving rise
to the name pink eye. The disease passes rapidly from one
horse to another, although one attack often protects the
animal from another, but not always.

The treatment is to give rest, provide well-ventilated,
well-lighted and comfortable quarters and feed easily
digested and nutritious foods, such as bran mash, good
oats, clean hay, roots and fresh grass in season. The
horse must have protection and warmth or complications
will develop. To reduce the fever inject cold water as
suggested in distemper. To ease the cough and allay
the inflammation of the mucous membrane, steam the
head, as suggested in distemper, using a piece of camphor
gum about the size of a walnut, and holding the horse’s
head over the pail for fifteen minutes at least three times
daily. If the bowels are constipated give an injection of
warm water and glycerine. If the throat is sore, rub on
COMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE 427

a little mustard once a day for a few days. Care must
be taken to avoid complications.

Sweeney shoulder.—This is a rapid wasting away of
the muscles on the outside of the shoulder blade. While
occasionally seen in horses of any age, it is more common
in young animals. It is caused by straining, severe pull-
ing and jerking movements, such as in plowing stony
land. Idle horses when put to work are most subject to
the ailment. The nerves or blood vessels of the affected
part seem to be injured by the pressure of the collar.
The treatment is to remove the cause and give the horse
rest. The skin over the affected muscles should be
loosened from the tissue beneath by manipulation. Rub
the skin and muscles. Later, apply a mild liniment and
failing in this try a mild blister. At least two months
should be allowed for a complete recovery. In case there
is a wasting of the muscles of the shoulder, with severe
lameness, the cause should be sought in the foot. When
the cause of the lameness is located and removed the
muscles will resume their normal condition.

Sore shoulder and neck.—Hard-working horses are fre-
quently troubled with sore shoulders and neck. This is
largely due to poorly fitting collars and certain kinds of
work especially when the load borne by the neck is great.
The treatment is to remove the cause. If nothing else
is at hand wash the parts with cold salt water and when
dry dust with finely pulverized, air-slaked lime. Oxide
of zinc ointment is good. This is made by mixing one
ounce of oxide of zinc with four ounces of benzoated lard.
If the parts become callused, apply a dull red blister,
which will absorb the callus. It will be necessary to rest
the horse while applying the blister.

Foul sheath in geldings.—This is an accumulation of
material from the glands of the sheath which often hin-
ders the free passage of urine. The sheath may become
stopped up and the retained urine increase the trouble.
In such cases the sheath should be well cleaned with
428 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

warm water and soap and then greased with fresh lard
or vaseline.

Mud fever.—This is an inflammation of the skin of the
legs. It is caused by the irritation of mud and water in

 

FIG. 185.—NATURAL PRESENTATION OF YOUNG

the spring of the year. In geldings it is often caused by
spattering urine against the fore legs. The treatment is
to keep the parts clean. Clip the hair, cleanse the parts
COMMON AILMENTS OF THE HORSE 429

by washing with warm water and tar soap, wipe dry, and
then rub with vaseline.

Scratches.—This is an inflammation of the skin in the
region of the heel, and is commonly called “grease heel.”
It is due to mud and filth, and is more common on the
hind legs because of the exposure to the manure. The
treatment is to cleanse the parts by clipping the hair and
bathing in warm water and tar soap. Then apply a warm
poultice of scalded bran or linseed meal, changing
twice in 24 hours. After the scabs are removed, thor-
oughly cleanse the parts, wipe dry, and apply an antisep-
tic, as boric acid, dusting into the sores and then cover
with some oily dressing, as vaseline.

Cracked hoofs.—These are of common occurrence in
the horse. They may be due to severe work, to dry weak
hoofs, and to injuries at the hoof head. When the cracks
extend from the top of the hoof they may cause severe
lameness. The treatment is to cleanse the crack, wash-
ing with a five per cent solution of carbolic acid. The
crack should be drawn together with shoe nails or clips
made especially for the purpose. Keep the hoof clean
and well oiled.

Difficult parturition—Occasionally the mare experi-
ences difficulty at parturition time. If presentation is
abnormal the fetal membranes may be disconnected and
result in injury to the young. If the mare is in trouble
and examination shows the young to be in any other
position than natural at once call for the advice of a
veterinarian. (Fig. 185,)
CHAPTER XLII
STALLION LAWS AND REGULATIONS

While the American horse breeders have produced the
fastest trotting and pacing horses in the world, little
progress has been made in the draft horse breeding in-
dustry. This lack of progress is due, in part at least, to
the indifference of breeders in choosing stallions for
service, preferring to take their mares to a grade stallion,
rather than pay a little higher service fee, or go a
greater distance in order to secure the service of a pure-
bred stallion of merit. The necessity of some move that
will bring about an improvement in the quality of the
horses raised on our farms has been realized for some
time. Without doubt, France and Belgium, the leading
draft horse producing countries of Europe, owe their
reputation to the government regulation of stallions
offered for public service. This served as a stimulation,
and in recent years many of our own states have enacted
laws regulating the public service of stallions and jacks,
with the hope of raising the general standard of the horse
and mule-breeding industry.

State stallion laws.—The first state law to regulate the
standing of stallions and jacks for public service was that
of Wisconsin, which went into effect January, 1906.
Since then many other states have enacted similar laws.
Although each of these laws varies more or less in detail,
they have for their chief aims, first, the barring of all
stallions and jacks from standing for public service which
are affected with any unsoundness or infectious disease;
and, second, the providing of a means whereby the public
may be able to know for a certainty whether the animals
are pure bred or grades. It is claimed that such regula-
tions serve as a protection to many, as the average

430
STALLION LAWS AND REGULATIONS 431

breeder is unable to recognize all the unsoundnesses and
infectious diseases, or to obtain accurate information con-
cerning the breeding of a stallion or jack, unless he has
had considerable experience in horse and mule breeding.

The chief points of difference in these laws as enacted
are, first, the methods of inspecting stallions or jacks
before being accepted for public service; and, second,
the manner in which they are disqualified from standing
for public service. In some states, as Wisconsin, the owner
must make oath before a notary public or other author-
ized officer that the stallion or jack is, to the best of his
knowledge, free from hereditary, contagious or trans-
missible unsoundness and disease; while in other states,
as New Jersey, the stallion or jack must be examined by
a qualified veterinarian appointed by the stallion regis-
tration board in charge of the work. In some states, as
Wisconsin, stallions or jacks affected with certain un-
soundnesses and diseases are disqualified from public
service; while in other states, as Kansas, no stallion or
jack is barred from public service, but they must be ad-
vertised for just what they are, whether pure bred, grade
or cross bred, and whether sound or otherwise. In some
states, as Nebraska, stallions and jacks are divided into
three classes, pure bred, cross bred and grade; while in
other states, as Wisconsin, they are divided into a num-
ber of classes, as pure bred, cross bred, grade, non-
standard bred, and mongrel or scrub.

Soundness as a qualification.—There is a rather strong
feeling among stallion registration board officials that
stallions and jacks should not be disqualified from public
service because of unsoundness alone, particularly when
the animal in question is known to be a good sire. Per-
haps conformation is as important as soundness. In
many states any kind of a sound stallion or jack is quali-
fied for public service, even though of notably poor con-
formation and of unknown breeding. It is difficult to
convince the average farmer that a stallion possessed of
432 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

the best breeding, and a sire of good colts, is unfit for
service, due to the presence of a slight unsoundness, as
defined by law, while a nearby stallion, being free from
any of the unsoundnesses mentioned by law, possessing
notable defects, as well as of unknown breeding and the
sire of many undesirable colts, is worthy of public patron-
age. Nevertheless, in many states stallions and jacks are
disqualified from public service for certain unsoundnesses

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 186.—BELGIAN STALLION “FRANK BRISER”

irrespective of the breeding and reputation as breeders.

While the unsoundnesses that disqualify a stallion or
jack from public service vary somewhat in the different
states, yet many of them are similar to the Wisconsin law,
which is as follows:

Diseases that disqualify a stallion or jack from public
service:

“Cataract; amaurosis (glass eye) ; periodic ophthalmia
(moon blindness).
STALLION LAWS AND REGULATIONS 433

“Laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring or whistling).

“Pulmonary emphysema (heaves, broken wind).

“Chorea (St. Vitus dance, crampiness, shivering,
string halt).

“Bone spavin; ringbone; sidebone; navicular disease.

“Bog spavin; curb, with curby formation of hock. .

“Glanders, farcy; maladie du coit; urethral gleet;
mange; melanosis.”

It is interesting to note the relative frequency of the
various classes of unsoundness in draft and light horses.
In Minnesota the common causes of disqualification for
draft horses are sidebones, which are by far the more
common, bone spavin, roaring, ringbone and cataract in
the order named, while in light horses bone spavin, ring-
bone and sidebone occurs in the order named. This is
illustrated in the following table, which shows the cause
for which stallions were disqualified from standing for
public service in Minnesota :*

 

 

 

 

  

Draft horses Light horses
4135 examined 930 examined
Disqualification 115 disqualified 13 disqualified
Pure- Grade | Total Pure- | Grade | Total
bred bred
Sidebone. 31 32 63 0 2} 2
Bone spavi! 2 15 17 2 3 5
Roaring... 7 7 14 1 0 1
Ringbone sets 0 4 4 2 2 4
Cataract......eececeeeee 2 1 3
Ophthalmia............. 2 1 3
MILD s-tsigays etuaneaee hese ee 0 1 1
Spavin and roaring....... 0 2 2
Sidebone and roaring .... 3 1 4
Sidebone and ring-bone .. 1 0 1
Sidebone and spavin..... 1 0 1
Spavin, ring-bone and curb 0 1 1
Sidebone and Amaurosis.. 1 0 1
Roaring and stringhalt... 0 1 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to this table over 50% of the stallions dis-
qualified from standing for public service in Minnesota

are troubled with sidebones.
* Bulletin No. 3. A Report of the Horse-Breeding Industry in Minnesota.
434 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Breeding of stallions that qualify—The number of
horses of each breed that qualify for public service gives
an idea of the relative importance of the various breeds.
By choosing a few states at random the Percheron is seen
to be the favorite draft horse. In the four states selected,
namely, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and North
Dakota, there were two and one-half times as many
Percherons qualified for public service as all other draft
breeds combined. There are approximately the same
number of Belgians and Clydesdales as well as of Shires
and French Draft horses. After the Percherons the next
most popular breed is seen to be the Standardbred, which
includes the American trotters and pacers.

Number or Pure-Brep Horses THAT QUALIFIED FOR Pus-
LIC SERVICE THE First YEAR THE REGULATIONS WENT
Into EFFECT IN THE States MENTIONED,

 

 

 

 

     
 

 

Breed. Wisconsin Minnesota | Pennsylvania }North Dakota
Percherottsi:<sexcaies 3 455 568 231 614
French Draft......... 37 63 24 61
Belgian, prise stesso 50 110 34 62
Clydesdale..... id is 66 65 DY 93
English Shire... 39 41 30 53
Suffolk Punch........ 3 2 0 3
Hackne yee. spect sed 10 5 23 3
French Coach........ 54 18 19 5
German Coach....... 39 25 23 7
Cleveland Bay........ 4 5 3 i)
Yorkshire...... : 0 0 1 0
Standardbred... 275 135 211 96
American Saddl 3 0 5 1
Thoroughbred : 2 0 5 0
Morgan...... 3 11 10 is 2.
Orloff... . 0 0 1 0
Shetland. é 2 2 2 1
Jack’ seuss eae 9088 doeace 5 0 0 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Association of Stallion Registration Boards.—
As has been stated, there is more or less difference be-
tween the stallion laws of the various states. The neces-
sity of some move that would harmonize these laws has
been realized almost from the beginning. Thus, in
August, 1910, to meet this apparent necessity, an associa-
STALLION LAWS AND REGULATIONS 435

tion was formed, to be known as the National Association of
Stallion Registration Boards. The chief purpose of this
association is to harmonize the efforts of the various
state boards and to encourage the passing of similar laws
in other states in order that the legislation may be more
widespread. This association has adopted recommenda-
tions embodying the essential principles to be observed
in the adoption or amendment of state stallion laws, and
the list of stud books to be recognized in determining a
pure-bred animal (Table I of the Appendix).

The result of state stallion laws.—‘“As a result of the
public advertising of licensed stallions, required by the
law, which has been in force in Wisconsin since January
I, 1906, it may be safely asserted that owners of mares are
more than ever before patronizing pure-bred stallions,
while grade and mongrel or scrub stallions are becoming
less popular. Progress in the improvement of our horses
is, however, greatly retarded by the indifference of many
owners of mares who persist in using grade and scrub
sires for the insufficient reason that the service fees of
such horses are comparatively cheap. Such practice is
poor business policy. The cheap sire means cheap
progeny and loss of profits at selling time. The higher
fee of the pure-bred sire is returned tenfold or more
when the colt is sold; or if retained for work, the colt
proves of greater practical value than his base begot
mongrel rival. It is deplorable, too, that year after year
men persist in licensing grade and scrub stallions. It is
noticeable, however, that most of the new licenses go to
new owners. Presumably, these are not aware of the
state-wide effort being made toward the improvement of
our horses. They have still to be educated to under-
stand that by offering a grade or scrub stallion for public
service they are working against the best interests of
their neighbors and retarding the progress of state horse
breeding. Their work also invites criticism from inter-
ested people throughout the country who are looking to
436 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

Wisconsin to quickly rid herself by education of the large
number of undesirable stallions now patronized by many
unthinking farmers.’”*

The effect of the laws has been to increase the number’
of pure-bred stallions and jacks offered for public service.
Few people realized that so large a proportion of the stal-
lions and jacks standing for public service in this country
were grades until figures were obtained as the result of
the enforcement of the state stallion laws. Since it is dif-
ficult for a grade to compete with a pure bred, when the
fact is published, the grade sire is rapidly disappearing in
those states where stallion laws are effective. This is
clearly illustrated in the following table:

TaBLE SHOWING THE PER Cent INCREASE OF PURE AND
THE PER CENT DECREASE OF GRADES FOR WISCONSIN
AND PENNSYLVANIA SINCE THE STALLION
Laws BECOME OPERATIVE

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin Pennsylvania

Year Pure-bred Grade Pure-bred Grade

40% 60%

35% 65%

40% 60% 33% 67%

42% 58% 37% 63%

47% 53% 38% 62%

52% 48% 39% 61%

46% 54% 41% 59%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspection and quarantine for horses, mules and asses.
—"All horses imported into the United States from any
part of the world except North America shall be required
to pass a veterinary inspection at the port of entry by an
inspector of the Bureau of Animal Industry. Such in-
spector shall not allow the landing of any hay, straw, or
forage which accompanies shipments of harses from any

*Circular No, 28. The University of Wisconsin, Agricultural Experiment Station.
United States Department of Agriculture. Bureau of Animal Industry. Order 18Q
STALLION LAWS AND REGULATIONS 437

country on the continent of Europe until it has been disin-
fectedas the inspector may prescribe. In case the inspector
finds horses affected with any contagious disease he shall
isolate them and immediately report the fact to the chief
of the Bureau of Animal Industry, who may refuse to
allow the landing of horses so diseased. When horses

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 187—ARABIAN STALLION “KHALED”

imported from a country of Continental Europe from
which hay is permitted, arrive in a healthy condition and
no diseased condition is discoverable, the hay, straw and
other forage from such country may remain on board
the steamer and be returned. This forage may be used
without disinfection in the feeding of animals exported
on the same ship, provided it is accompanied by a certifi-
cate issued by the proper government officer of such coun-
try, as required by the regulations of this department for
the importation of hay and straw from Continental
Europe, and that there are no indications that it is in-
438 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES

fected; but if the forage is found to be infected the fact
must be reported to the chief of the Bureau of Animal
Industry, who will direct the disposition to be made
thereof.”

Canada.—“Horses for breeding, racing, show and sale
purposes, for grazing or for work, shall be inspected at
the port of entry, and when so ordered by the chief of the
Bureau of Animal Industry must be accompanied. by a
satisfactory certificate of mallein test signed by an official
Canadian veterinarian or by an inspector of the Bureau
of Animal Industry. Those belonging to Indian tribes
and settlers or immigrants, and those used in connection
with stock raising (cow ponies) or mining, and those for
temporary stay at points along the frontier not exceeding
two weeks, whether for pleasure, driving, or teaming,
shall be required to pass a veterinary inspection at the
port of entry by an inspector of the Bureau of Animal
Industry; or they may be admitted without inspection
upon written permission from the secretary of agriculture
first had and obtained. Provided, however, that neither
inspection by an inspector of the Bureau of Animal In-
dustry nor written permission from the secretary of
agriculture shall be required for Canadian horses for
pleasure, driving, or teaming, whether driven or ridden
into the United States for a temporary stay not to exceed
three days. The same rule will apply to American horses
returning to the United States from Canada after a stay
in Canada not to exceed three days. Horses admitted in
bond for export from the United States shall be subject to
inspection at any point at which this department has
inspectors stationed.”

Mexico.— ‘All horses infested with ticks are prohibited
from entering the United States from the Republic of
Mexico, when destined to an area in the United States
from which cattle are excluded by the federal, state, or
territorial authorities on account of ticks, unless and until
such tick-infested horses are first dipped or otherwise
STALLION LAWS AND REGULATIONS 439

treated as hereafter specified in this regulation.
However, if horses intended for importation into the
United States are held for six months immediately pre-
ceding the date they are offered for importation, on
premises known to be free from ticks, they may be ad-
mitted for any destination without dipping,” etc.

Disposal of diseased animals.—‘‘Whenever any animal
on arriving at the port of entry or in the quarantine sta-
tion (healthy horses are not quarantined) is found to be
affected with a contagious disease or to have been ex-
posed to such disease, said animal and all animals that
have been in contact with or exposed to said animal shall
either be refused landing or placed in special quarantine.
All such animals found to be so diseased or exposed,
either on arrival at port of entry or after being placed in
quarantine, shall be at once reported to the inspector to
the Chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry, who will
direct whether or not said anima! or animals shall be
landed and quarantined, and as to whether or not said
animal or animals shall be appraised and slaughtered, as
provided by section 8 of the act approved August 30,
1890.”
APPENDIX
APPENDIX

TABLE I

HORSE BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

TABULATION SHOWING THE NAMES OF THE VARIOUS BREEDS
or Horses, THE NAME OF THE SOCIETY PROMOTING
THE BREED AND THE NAME AND ADDRESS

OF THE SECRETARY IN CHARGE.

 

 

Breed

Registered by

Secretary

Address

 

Percheron........

Percheron Society
of America

W. Dinsmore

Union Stock Yards,
Chicago, IIl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

French Draft..... National French C. E. Stubbs Fairfield, Iowa
Draft Horse
Association

Clydesdale....... American Clydes- R. B. Ogilvie Union Stock Yards,
dale Association Chicago, IIL.

SHIne aise ewiete cans American Shire Charles Burgess Winona, Ill.
Horse Association

Belgian.......... American Associa- J. D. Connor, Jr. Wabash, Ind.
ciation of Importers
and Breeders of
Belgian Draft
Horses

Suffolityasccanaees American Suffolk A. Galbraith Janesville, Wis.
Horse Association

Hackney......... American Hackney }| Gurney C. Gwe 308 West 97th St.

Horse Society

New York

 

French Coach....

 

French Coach
Horse Society of
America

 

Duncan E. Willett

 

Oak Park, Ill.

 

 
APPENDIX

TABLE 1—Continued

443

 

 

Breed

Registered by

Secretary

Address

 

German Coach...

German Hanoverian
and Oldenburg
Coach Horse
Association of
America

J. Crouch

Lafayette, Ind.

 

Cleveland Bay....

Cleveland Bay
Society of America

R. P. Stericker

Oconomowoc, Wis.

 

 

 

 

 

American American Trotting | W. H. Knight 355 Dearborn St.,

Standardbred.... | Register Association| Chicago, IIl.

Morgan*,........ American Morgan T. E. Boyce Middlebury, Vt.
Register Association

Thoroughbred.... | The Jockey Club W. H. Rowe Fifth Ave. and 64th

St., New York

Arabian sea Sareleseets Arabian Horse Club] Henry W. Bush- Newburgh, N. Y.
of America Brown

American Saddler American Saddle J. N. Ball Louisville, Ky.

Horse Breeder
Association

 

Shetland Pony ...

American Shetland
Pony Clu

Miss Julia M. Wade

Lafayette, Ind.

 

Welsh Pony hie o7

 

Welsh Pony and
Cob Society of
Tica,

J. Alexander ,

 

 

Aurora, Ill.

 

 

* Sometimes considered merely as a family of the American Standardbred.

TABLE II
STATISTICS OF HORSES AND MULES*

Number oF Horses, Mutes AND Asses ON Farms AND Not
ON FarRMS FOR THE UNITED STATES; ALSO
APPROXIMATE NUMBER BY CONTINENTS

 

 

Country

 

United States:
On farms....
Not on farms

 

 

 

Horses Mules Asses
20,509,000 4,362,000 105,698
3,182,789 270,371 16,502

 

 

 

* Agricultural Yearbook 1911.
444. APPENDIX

TABLE 11—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country Horses } Mules Asses
Total North America............00. 27,873,248 5,076,513 436,122
Total South America............0005 9,155,425 893,019 608,397
Total. Europe sis 5 cscic << wires cane wads 43,502,876 1,810,365 3,011,349
Total Asia.... 15,082,239 113,643 4,162,310
Total Ati tierra.) waver 6 asja e ages ce wGAE 1,035,964 318,368 666,180
Total Oceania, including Australia.... 2,577,203 416 1,858
Grand Totaly: buces a akvou'e dawtss ess 99,226,955 8,212,324 8,886,216
TABLE III

NuMBER AND FARM VALUE OF Horses AND MULES ON
FARMS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1870-1912, BY
FIvE-YEAR PERIODS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horses Mules
Jan. 1 Price per} Farm value Price per| Farm value
Number head Jan. 1 Number head Jan. 1
; Jan. 1 Jan. 1
1870.. 8,249,000 | $ 67.43 $556,251,000 {$1,180,000 | $ 90.42 | $106,654,000
1875... 9,504,Q00 61.10 580,708,000 1,394,000 71.89 100,197,000
1880.. 11,202,000 54.75 613,297,000 1,730,000 61.26 105,948,000
1885... 11,565,000 73.70 852,283,000 1,973,000 82.38 162,497,000
1890.. 14,214,000 68.64 978,517,000 2,331,000 78.25 182,394,000
1895.. 15,893,000 36.29 576,731,000 2,333,000 47.55 110,928,000
1900.. 13,538,000 44.61 603,969,000 2,086,000 53.55 111,717,000
1905.. 17,058,000 70.37 | 1,200,310,000 2,889,000 87.18 251,840,000
1910.. | 21,040,000 108.19 | 2,276,363,000 4,123,000 119.84 494,095,000
1912.. | 20,509,000 105.94 | 2,172,694,000 4,362,000 120.51 525,657,000
TABLE IV

Imports, Exports AND AVERAGE Prices oF Horses AND
Mutes, 1892-1911, BY FIvE-YEAR: PERIODS

 

 

Imports of horses

Exports of horses

Exports of mules

 

 

Year
end-
ing Aver- Aver- Aver-
June ;Num-} Value age | Num- Value age |Num-| Value age
30 | ber import | ber export | ber export
price price price
1892 |14,074]$2,455,868]$174.50] 3,226] $ 611,188/$189.46] 1,965] $ 238,5911$121.42
1897 | 6,998 464,808} 66.42) 39,532] 4,769,265] 120.64] 7,473 545,331] 72.97
1902 } 4,832! 1,577,234] 326,41]103,020] 10,048,046] 97.53/27,586| 2,692,298] 97.60
1907 | 6,080} 1,978,105] 325.35} 33,882] 4,359,957! 131.99/ 6,781 850,901] 125.48
1911 | 9,593) 2,692,074] 280.63} 25,145} 3,845,253] 152.92] 6,585] 1,070,051] 162.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
APPENDIX

TABLE V
Numeer, AVERAGE PricE AND FARM VALUE oF HorsES
AND MULEs ON FarMs IN THE UNITED STATES
JANUARY I, IQ12.

445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 
 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horses Mules
Aver- Aver-
age age
State Number | price Farm Number | price Farm
Jan. 1 per value Jan. 1 per value
head Jan. 1 head Jan.1
Jan. 1 Jan. 1
109,000/$127.00 $13,843,000
46,000} 126.00) 5,796,000)
84,000] 121.00) 10,164,000
Massachusetts. 64,000] 144.00! 9,216,000
Rhode Island.. 10,000} 150.00) 1,500,000
Connecticut... 47,000} 131.00) 6,157,000)
New York.. 609,000} 133.00) 80,997,000 4,000/$150.00 $660.000
New Jersey. . 91,000} 143.00 13,013,000) 4,000] 160.00 640,000
Pennsylvania. . 572,000} 130.00 74,360.000 44,000] 147.00 6,468,000
Delaware 34,000} 108.00) 3,672,000) 6,000} 133.00 98,000
Maryland. . 163,000} 112.00 18,256,000) 23,000} 136.00) 3,220,000
Virginia...... = 340,000} 109.00) 37,060,000 61,000} 126.00) 7,686,000
West Virginia..... 182,000] 113.00 20,566,000 12 ;000 122.00) 1,464,000
North Carolina.... 173,000] 126.00 21,798,000] 182,000} 146.00} 25,988,000
South ee 82,000] 135.00) 11,070,000} 166,000] 165.00] 27,390,000
Georgia...... ‘ 124,000) 132.01 16,368,000} 310,000] 158.00] 48,980,000
Blond as eis ccesiineve 8 5 52,000] 106.00 5,512,000 25,000) 154.00 3,850,000
Ohio: 2 aieseaeew 3 901,000} 126.00) 113.526.000) 24,000} 127.00) 3,048,000
InGianalessis wesc as 838,000] 118.00 98,884,000 84,000] 124.00] 10,416,000
Illinois... 1,497,000] 115.00) 172,155,000] 151,000) 123.00} 18,573,000
Michigan. . 634,000] 131.00; 83,054,000 ,000] 135.00 540,000
Wisconsin. , 652,000] 124.00) 80,848,000 3,000] 125.00 375,000
Minnesota. 806,000} 116.00; 93,496,000 6,000] 119.00 714,000
OWA... 6. 1,558,000} 113.00 177,184,000 57,000] 119.00; 6,783,000
Missouri.......... 1,095,000} 102.00 111,690,000} 333,000] 115.00] 38,295,000
North Dakota..... 91,000] 114.00 78,774,000 ,000] 127.00 1,016,000
South Dakota..... 675,000} 92.00) 62,100,000; 13,000] 108.00 1,404,000
Nebraska......... 1,059,000] 91.00) 96,369,000; 85,000]. 106.00 9,010,000
Kansas 1,169,000} 96.00 112,224,000] 218,000] 108.00] 23,544,000
Kentucky 443,000] 107.00 47,401,000 234.000 118.00] 27,612,000
Tennessee 354,000) 114.00 40,356,000} 279,000} 123.00] 34,317,000
Alabama... 143,000] 99.00 14,157,000] 265,000] 127.00] 33,655,000
Mississippi. 2% 234,000] 89.00 20,826,000] 277,000} 113.00) 31,301,000
Louisiana......... 187,000] 79.00 14,773,000] 134,000) 116.00] 15,544,000
Texas. sass shh e$ 3 1,158,000] 74.00 85.692,000] 703,000) 104.00} 73,112,000
Oklahoma...... .. 750,000] 76.00) 57,000 000} 272,000) 98.00] 26,656,000
Arkansas.... be. 265,000] 86.00 22,790,000} 228,000] 110.00] 25,080,000
Montana.... 347,000 87.00) 30,189,000 4,000] 107.00] . 4,000
Wyoming .... 159,000] 69.00 10,971,000) 2,000} 99.00 198,000
Colorado...... 321,000) 80.00 25.680,000 17,000} 100.00 1,700,000
New iene 185,000} 50.00 9,250,000) 15,000] 86.00) 1,290,000
Arizona... 104,000] 69.00 7,176,000 4/000) 118.00) 472,000
Utah.. 131,000] 93.00 12,183,000 2,000) 85.00 170,000
Nevada 72,000] 77.00) 5,544,000 3,000} 82.00 246,000
Idaho........ F 2: 14,000 96.00 20,544,000 4,000] 112.00 448,000
Washington....... 393,000| 107.00} 31,351,000] 14,000] 112.00] 1,568,000
Oregon.......-.+. 289'000| 102.00} 29,478,000] 10,000] 112.00; 1,110,000
California......... 493,000| 117.00! 57,681,000 72,000] 136.00] 9,792,000
United States..... 20,509,000]$105.94 $2,172,694 ,00014,362,000|$120.51 $525,657 ,000

 

 

 
446 APPENDIX

TABLE VI
AVERAGE WEIGHTS OF FEEDING STUFFS

As a rule it is not practicable to weigh each ration, nor
is it necessary in practice, as measuring is sufficiently ac-
curate. To aid in approximating the weights of the
various foods, the following table of weights and meas-
ures is made up from Farmer’s Bulletin, No. 222:

 

 

One quart One pound
weighs measures

Feeding stuffs

 

Pounds Quarts

 

Corn WHO le ics stirerce ses desyeceisreds ddaationuaces eee eee
Gorn meal sexs. Secswses nae ers des vacecanelus Uta bane ax aOea rey dia rdden ds oe
Corn bra Mes; os sce eh atsonss ease wi ate roe emreK tee ae
Corn and cob meal...........00005

Gluten meal....
Gluten feed
Germ meal...
Hominy meal.......
Distiller’s dried grain:
Wheat, whole...... i
‘Wheat, grove iio ecccsaced sccn ig seein aes HEIRS Se
Wheat. Drain sec desc Gseccaja c eercya sds Fai ceus accede Rea aS
Wheat middlings (standard)................00005
wheat middlings (flour)... ...... eee ee eee eee
Buckwheat middlings.......... 2c. cece eee eee
Oats, whole 2).s5c.005 cadatnusiacwer Seaae tide eave
Oats, Broun d acisscc cece snaceradvesise weusterdiae tates nse laess Gob
Ae; WHOM G 8.58 «sear eos asa tecatouenie insadieee i sr tibia ear beeen

 
 
 
 
   
 
 

RY Cy DIAN scars asc goes oe Ae eae kg Rens Teg x Os
Barley: whole x2 seeing erseie ya dn A mwas LS
Barley:meals.. s: ce. ¢ seine ede 8S Stee boa

Brewer’s dried grains.....
Malt sprouts.............
Linseed meal, old process.
Linseed meal, new process
Cottonseed meal.........

  

Olt © ORE OE Oe OO RDS Oe bibs Oro
MORFAAENAUNANTOWNOMNNOA POPS
SRPOPPOSPrOSOPErOORNS SP SSSSONSS
NEON NVONDOUAROWDHMHAWOUUANONIDANOUA

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE VII

ENERGY VALUE AND DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENTS
IN FEEDING STUFFS

In choosing foods and computing rations for farm
animals by the use of the energy values, it is necessary
APPENDIX 447

to know the digestible protein and energy value of the
feeds used. The following table is from Farmers’ Bul-
letin No. 346, and contains the dry matter as well as the
digestible protein and energy values of each of the more
common feeding stuffs.

Dry Matter, DicestinLE PRoTEIN, AND ENERGY VALUES
PER 100 Pounps

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
  
 
  

 

 

Feeding stuff Total dry Digestible Energy
matter protein value
Green fodder and silage: Pounds Pounds Therms
DMB he spose ai a a eos janecns Spuuers eg enatineys Ses 28.2 2.50 12.45
Clover—crimson.. 19.1 2.19 11.30
Clover—ted............ age.ibyassvone ese 29.2 2.21 16.17
Corn fodder—green hc orets Wavaieste-su 20.7 0.41 12.44
Corti: Silage oe-cc's Hes é4 eee se tesibiatier ae 25.6 127 16.56
Hungarian grass... 28.9 1.33 14.76
ADE cesses useigne eave We ialavere Seepet ees 14.3 2.16 11.43
ViGiod scakiaoe sayers. a wentane we aactare eaves Oa 23.4 1.44 11.63
DAMOth Vere. ciscees ec atpahe ewig e aviees: a6 38.4 1.04 19.08
Hay and dry coarse fodders:
PMB at Hay ccs ecs: 2 cyesciose sevice ve Seas eees 8c 91.6 6.93 34.41
Clover hay—red.. eee 84.7 5.41 34.74
Corn forage, field cure 57.8 2.13 30.53
Corn stover.........- 59.5 1.80 26.53
Cowpea hay 89.3 8.57 42.76
Hungarian hay 92.3 3.00 44.03
Oat hay..... {84.0 2.59 36.97
Soy bean hay.. 2 . 88.7 7.68 38.65
Timothy hay ise. ics oe ois tes saa 86.8 2.05 33.56
Straws:
Oat Straws iis gucie iii eaiiope aaneaes “ 90.8 1.09 21.21
IRey CXS CLAW vcs rois aves a Gece ainda ne oeteane ene 92.9 0.63 20.87
Wheati straws sniss.cesies gay iene stress 90.4 0.37 16.56
Roots and tubers:
GarrObSiarnieits svpans cote eae Pe B18 IL4 0.37 7.82
Mangel-wurzels.......... 00000005 91 0.14 4.62
Potatoesieis..ccessvre vetoes cuss peepee 21.1 0.45 18.05
RRuUtaba@ asin. sade v teense eters Baise 11.4 0.88 8.00
Tn ps i iseks. siqyape stecesesd VER eae erchare 9.4 0.22 5.74
Grains:
Barley 89.1 8.37 80.75
Corn. 89.1 6.79 88.84
Corn-: 84.9 4.53 72.05
Oa 89.0 8.36 66.27
Pea meal 89.5 16.77 71.75
Rye.. 88.4 8.12 81.72
Wheat. 89.5 8.90 82.63
By-product: :
Brewer’s grains—dried............ 92.0 19.04 60.01
Brewer’s grains—wet........-...- 24.3 3.81 14.82
Buckwheat middlings............- 88.2 22.34 75.92
Cottonseed meal.........-....--- 91.8 35.15 84.20

 

 

 

 

 
448

APPENDIX

TABLE vil—Continued

 

 

 

  

  
  

 

 

 

 

 

Total dry Digestible Energy
Feeding stuff matter; protein value
By-products—Continued
Distiller's grains—dried—
Principally corn............4. 93.0 21.93 79,23
Principally rye............... 93.2 10.38 60.93
Gluten feed—dry................. 91.9 19.95 79.32
Gluten meal—Buffalo............. 91.8 21.56 88.80
Gluten meal—Chicago............ 90.5 33.09 78.49
Linseed meal—old process......... 90.8 27.54 78.92
Linseed meal—new process........ 90.1 29.26 74.67
Malltssprouts inc x6, cat -acacceancuufsios tees 89.8 12.36 46.33
Ry en ra mt iirdinca cecgays-cice yanenre seas tae 88.2 11.35 56.65
Sugar-beet pulp—fresh............ 10.1 0.63 7.77
Sugar-beet pulp—dried........... 93.6 6.80 60.10
Wheat: bramiscs ¢ s cine aqett wate 3 88.1 10.21 48.23
Wheat middlings................. 84.0 12.79 77.65
TABLE VIII

DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENTS AND FERTILIZING

CONSTITUENTS IN FEEDING STUFFS

In choosing foods for a ration, the digestible nutrients
should be known, as it is the digestible part only that is
The following table is adapted
from Henry’s “Feeds and Feeding,” eleventh edition, and
gives a very complete list of American feeding stuffs, their
digestible nutrients and fertilizing constituents:

of use to the animal.

AVERAGE DIGESTIBLE NUTRIENTS AND FErRTILIZING Con-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STITUENTS
Digestible nutrients Fertilizing constituents
Total in 100 pounds in 1,000 pounds
Ty
Name of feed matter
in 100 Carbo- Phos-
pounds | Crude hy- Fat Nitro- | phoric | Potash
protein | drates gen acid
CONCENTRATES
Grains, seeds and their | Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs.
parts
DentsCOm. ic) 6 a cacdyedeeeus 89.4 7.8 66.8 4.3 16.5 TA. See
Flint COrm: sis, nates oes 88.7 8.0 66.2 43 16.8 TA 5.7
Sweet corn............. 91,2 8.8 63.7 7.0 18.6 TA 5.7-
Con meals aires aces up ease 85.0 6.4 64.3 3.5 14.7 6.3 4.7
COrniCO Dinas sem mamsacien cies, 89.3 0.5 44.8 deh onth 3.9 0.6 6.0
Corn-and-cob meal... 84.9 4.4 60.0 2.9 13.6 5.7 4.7

 
APPENDIX

TABLE vili—Condinued

449

 

 

Digestible nutrients

Fertilizing constituents

 

 

   
 
 
 

 

 

    

 

  
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total in 100 pounds in 1,000 pounds
dry
Name of feed matter
in 100 Carbo-| Phos-
pounds | Crude hy- Fat | Nitro- | phoric | Potash
protein | drates gen acid

Concentrates—Continued | Lbs Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs Lbs.
Gluten meal............ 90.5 29.7 42.5 6.1 54.8 3.3 0.5
Gluten Feeds suiccceiedsecsetls 90.8 21.3 52.8 2.9 40.0 3.7 0.4
Hominy feed (chop)..... 90.4 6.8 60.5 7.4 16.8 9.8 4.9
Germ oil meal.......... 91.4 15.8 38.8 10.8 34.7 3.9 2.1
Cort DraMisycin sac es Hae < 90.6 6.0 52.5 4.8 17.9 10.1 6.2
Wheat: ccsas onic seats 89.5 8.8 67.5 1.5 19.0 5:5 8.7
High grade flour........ 87.6 10.6 65.1 1.0 19,2 5.7 5.4
Red dog flours ci acs35 90.1 16.2 57.0 3.4 29.4 tstegs sane
Flour wheat mde: we 90.0 16.9 53.6 41 30.7 12.2 9.6

Standard wheat middlings
(SHOTS). csc: ses's ye txevers.ce 88.8 13.0 45.7 4.5 27.0 26.3 15.3
Wheat bran, all analyses 88.1 11.9 42.0 25 24.6 26.9 15,2
Winter wheat bran..... 88.5 12.1 37.1 2.8 25.1 Pinks Si
Spring wheat bran. a 88.0 11.9 43.1 3.1 25.1 ee nates
Wheat feed...... 89.1 12.7 47.1 4.0 26.1 20.4 5.4
Wheat screeni 88.4 9.6 48.2 1.9 20.0 11.7 8.4
Rye..... 91.3 9.5 69.4 1.2 18.1 8.6 5.8
Rye flour...... 86.9 5.6 72.2 0.5 10.7 8.2 6.5
Rye middlings. 88.2 11.0 52.9 2.6 22.9 12.3 9.6
Rye’bran...... re 88.4 11.2 46.8 1.8 23.3 22.8 14.0
Rye feed............... 87.6 12.6 56.6 2.8 25.1 Tak 4.7
Bar le yes sates c sunscaenscinenieth 89.2 8.4 65.3 1.6 19.2 7.9 4.8
Barley screenings ....... 87.8 9.5 49.9 25 19.7 tae Gs
Barley feed ............. 91.1 11.5 60.3 2.9 22.1 6.6 3.4
Emmer (speltz)......... 92.0 10.0 70.3 2.0 18.4 7.6 5.7
AUS iceiess asia is aareds Gereraes bs 89.6 8.8 49.2 4.3 18.2 7.8 4.8
Ground oats............ 88.0 10.1 52.5 3.7 19.7 7.6 5.0
Oat meal....,.. 92.1 11.9 65.1 6.7 23.5 oe es
Oat middlings.... 91.2 13.1 Sed 6.5 25.9 22.5 15.3
Oat feed........ aa 93.0 5.2 30.1 2.6 12.8 6.1 7.2
Oat Gusti aesceie esos es 93.5 5.1 32.8 2.3 21.6 bates aes
Oat hullsi:s csciarete ssiues « 92.6 1.3 38.5 0.6 5.3 1.6 4.9
Buckwheat............. 86.6 8.1 48.2 2.4 17.3 6.9 3.0
Buckwheat flour........ 85.4 5.9 63.0 1.2 11.0 6.8 3.4
Buckwheat middlings.... 87.2 22 vd. 37.5 6.1 42.7 12.3 11.4
Buckwheat bran........ 91.8 5.9 34.0 2.0 20.2 4.2 12.7
Buckwheat feed......... 88.4 15.6 38.2 4.4 29.3 15.8 10.5
Buckwheat hulls........ 86.8 1.2 28.6 0.5 7.3 4.3 14.7
Ric yoy cten vats 8 eee 87.6 6.4 79.2 0.4 11.8 1.8 0.9
Rice meals: ees oie ¢ 89.8 7.4 48.3 11.9 19.2 oe
‘Rice polish..........+.. 89.2 7.9 58.6 5.3 19.0 26.7 7A
Rice bran......-...... : 90.3 7.6 38.8 7.3 19.0 2.9 24
Rice hulls...........006 91.2 0.3 19.9 0.7 5.1 1.7 14
Canada field pea........ 85.0 19.7 49.3 0.4 37.9 8.4 10.1
Canada field pea meal... 89.5 16.8 51.7 0.7 32.3 8.2 9.9
Canada field pea bran... 89.0 V7 41.6 0.6 16.0 3.1 10.3
Table bean meal... as 89.1 20.2 42.3 1.3 37.1 12.0 12.9
Cowpea.. 85.4 16.8 54.9 1.1 32.8 10.1 12.0
Soy bean.....e.. eee ee 88,3 29.1 23.3 14.6 53.6 10.4 12.6
450

TABLE vu

APPENDIX

Continued

 

Disestible nutrients

Bertitiving constituents
in L.Q00 pitied

 

 

 

  

  

  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risieat i 100 pounds
dev
Name of feed matter
in 100 Carbo- Phose
pounds | Crude ty - Fat Nitvas } phovic | Potash
protein | drates wen netd
Conventrates—Continned Lbs. Uhs. Lbs. Vas Lbs, Lh, Lhs,
Vtorse bean... 6. 88.7 1o8 OR 1a fo 1)
Kafir corm. .... on t Mi Ld
Ground katie corn head: so. [eal a
Syygham seou, a7.) oll a
Milo maize seed : OL ths 13
Ground tuilo maize heads 90.3 1 +5.0 tl
Broom-corn seed si? lo 12.2 ts
Millet sec x29 i 18,5 2S
Thangarian pre ws seed, 90.5 od IS.8 S8
Tax seed. oc... 90.8 20.0 17.4 290
Linseed meal, ald process 90.2 ait) 2 8250) O29
Linseed meal, new process 91.0 4E.S 35.7 Zt
Cottonseed : SO 7 12 3000 V3
Cottonseed, toastort 93,90 7.9 US8 {a,0
Cottonseed meal. O40 Bo belt 20
Cottonseed hulls ....... 88.9 0,3 33.2 Vea
Paltnut cake oo... SOO too S46 o0
Cocoanut cake. . ROG 15.1 {ue lay
Suratlawer seed. wis od 14.8 LOTT T&.2
Sunflower-seed cake, NOL? 2055 a4 8.0
Peanut kernels, without
Patti Se ae cae cce tease ase OES. J81 137 35.6 lho rt 1
Powe! Gali: ~gstes dbs BOS pes 201 to 10? “0.0 {8.0
Rape secd mithe 90,0 2 od 247 7.0 a0 20.0 1a
Sesame oil cake... O26 43.0 1a 1 S87 417 145
Factory by-products
Dried Drewee's prains... Os a0 $22 0.0 10.0 lod oO
Wel brewer's grains P40 wo Od ers Loe bh os
Mal! sprouts sae 90.5 3 1o.0 lad 1h] Vet oo
Dried clistiller's jain. oy A 8 JO 7 (lo oo ou 1.7
Apple pomace £4 Oa 1a Os 1.6 Ot
Cassava starch refuse al Tho Qo te Oo
Starch refuie. . 24 | 70.0 tt Zo ro
Wel staceh feed... ad 12.d Do 8.0 OS
Potuto pomarce oo. Od Os Of ao Ot
Bakery refuse, 7.0 SS.5 1.8 fogs tA es
Wet heet pulp. 0,5 as td O83 itt
Dried heel pulp it O19 pu i) A
Supe Lael Molasses es Stal V5 Os Sot
Porto Rico muatisses : tal 49.2 ‘ Ad 1,2 AOS
Dried molasses beet pulp YO ol O87 2 1.4 1,5 Ist
Mohiises prains . is 80 10s ASLO 22 yd 45 HLA
Alfalow . 90,9 O8 AOS 0,9 200 4
Cow" somilk a ALS vy 5.8 1a Vist
Cow's milk, Cotes. trum, li.o tt 3.0 sO? 04 4
Shinr mith a 5.3 Os VO ast oO
Bulleormilke oe... ce. 3.8 3.0 1.0 ol 1,7 Lo

 
APPENDIX

TABLE VIU—Cond/inucd

451

 

 

Digestible nutrients

Fertilizing constituents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total in 100 pounds in 1,000 pounds
dry
Name of feed matter
in 100 Carbo- Phos-
pounds | Crude} hy- Fat Nitro- | phoric | Potash
protein | drates gen acid
Concentrates—Continued | Lbs. Lbs, Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. | Lbs. Lbs.
Whey. i scoiens ones ante 6.2 0.6 5.0 0.2 1.0 1.1 2.0
Meat scrap...... 0.00008 89.3 66.2 eRe 13.4 | 114.0 81.1 hs
Meat and bone meal..... 94.0 36.7 5.5 10.6 63.2 | 146.8 es
Dried blood............ 91.5 70.9 2.5 | 135.0 13.5 Tt
Tanka; seach aPeNE Vaca ts eh 93.0 50.1 Ris 11.6 86.2 | 139.0 3.0
Dried fish.............. 89.2 45.0 oe b%e 11.4 77.4 | 140.0 3.0
DRIED ROUGHAGE
Field-cured corn forage
Fodder corn, ears, if any
remaining.......... 57.8 2.5 34.6 1.2 7.2 5.4 8.9
Corn stover, ears removed | 59.5 1.4 31.2 0,7 6.1 3.8 10.9
Corn husks............. 49.1 0.8 33.8 0.2 4.0 os aa
Corn leaves............. 70.0 2.8 37.8 0.8 9.8 i -
Sweet corn forage....... 60.0 3.4 36.2 11 9.8 4.0 ‘
ewe Se from the grasses,
English hay 86.0 4.5 44.0 1.2 12.6 3.2 16.1
Hay from mixed grasses 84.7 4.2 42.0 1.3 11.9 2.7 15:5
Timothy, all analyses.. 86.8 2.8 42.4 1.3 9.4 3.3 14.2
Timothy, cut in full bloom | 85.0 3.4 43.3 1.4 9.6 5.0 14.1
Timothy, cut soon after
OOM i aioe Modarets-s 85.8 2.5 39.2 1.5 9.1 2
Timothy, cut nearly ripe 85.9 24 40.1 11 8.0 Y
Meadow foxtail......... 93.4 53 41.0 1.3 14.9 hs peter
Orchard grass........... 90.1 4.9 42.4 1.4 12.9 3.7 16.9
Red top....... 91.1 4.8 46.9 1.0 12.6 3.6 10.2
White top..... 86.0 6.8 40.6 1.5 17.9 sees aa cd
Meadow fescue 80.0 4.2 36.9 1.5 11,3 4.0 21.0
Kentucky blue grass..... | 86.0 44 40.2 0.7 12.5 4.0 15.7
Tall Oates eee ncag 4 sea 86.0 3.3 41.4 1A 10.3 eens eee
Italian rye grass..... we | OLS 4.5 43.4 0.9 12.0 7.6 24.6
Perennial rye grass...... 86.0 6.1 37.8 1.2 16.2 7.4 24.1
Rowen hay...........-5 86.0 7.9 42.2 1.4 18.2 4.3 14.9
Bermuda grass.......... 92.9 6.4 44.9 1.6 17.1
ohnson grass..........- 89.8 2.9 45.6 0.8 11.5
Macaroni wheat...... ek 93.0 4.4 48.7 0.8 10.9 earety
aoe SSsaiets tu sob dfecahaa Sacnseu. 85.0 Dad: 43.6 1.0 14.1 sfeeslia en
i Crataiata Weis ttedoiedatere, wyatt 86.0 4.7 36.7 1.7 14.2 6.7 25.4
Pramec (speltz).......05 93.4 7.0 43.9 0.6 17.1 tees eae
¥
Barnyard millet......... 86.0 ‘532 38.6 0.8 16.9 4.3 28.8
Cat-tail millet.......... 89.0 7.2 41.6 1.0 18.5 aegugs a dee
Hungarian grass........- 86.0 5.0 46.9 1.1 12.1 4.3 15.4
Wild oat grass.......... 85.7 2.9 48.7 1.7 8.0 ost ‘ere
Prairie grasS........e00 90.8 3.0 42.9 1.6 9.9 ease reece
APPENDIX

TABLE vili—Continued

 

 

 

 

 
  
  

 

 

 

  
  

 
 
 
  

 

 

 

 

 

Digestible nutrients Fertilizing constituents
Total in 100 pounds in 1,000 pounds
dry
Name of feed matter
in 100 Carbo- Phos-
pounds | Crude} _hy- Fat | Nitro-| phoric | Potash
protein | drates gen acid
Dried Roughage— Lbs, | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.
Continued
Buffalo grass............ 85.0 3.0 42.0 1.6 7A
Gama grass. 85.7 4.2 39.9 0.9 11.8
Texas blue grass 85.7 5.1 36.3 1.4 14.6
Guinea grass. 3 sishsets 3.3 47.2 0.5 8.8
Para, iOrass ios ici stscd sashes © 5.5 45.6 0.6 14.6
Swamp grass........-4+- 88.4 4.0 38.9 0.7 11.5 aioe Bes
Salt marsh grass. . 89.6 3.4 39.7 0.9 8.8 D5) 7.2
Buttercups....... 90.7 4.8 40.7 1.8 15.9 weed oe
Ox-eye daisy......... 2 89.7 3.7 41.0 1.7 12.3 4.4 12.5
Australian salt bush..... 93.0 3.8 28.8 0.7 18.6 5.9 21.3
Cured hay from legumes and
mixed legumes and grasses
Red clover............. 84.7 7A 37.8 1.8 19.7 5.5 18.7
Red clover in bloom 79.2 TT 34.0 2.8 19.9 ren
Mammoth red clove 78.8 6.2 34.7 2s 47.1 5.2 ‘11.6
Alsike clover... " 90.3 8.4 39.7 1.1 20.5 5.0 13.9
White clover............ 90.3 11.5 42.2 1.5 25.1 7.8 13.2
Crimson clover.......... 90.4 10.5 1.2 24.3 4.0 13.1
Japan clover.. é 89.0 OL 1.4 22.1 Measles on
Sweet clover. 92.1 11.9 0.5 28.8 5.6 18.3
Soy bean.. 88.2 10.6 1.2 23.8 oe sheds
Cowpea... 3 89.5 9.2 1.3 14.3 5.2 14.7
Albalf atscecctiace 295 ‘ 91.9 10.5 0.9 23.4 6.1 17.9
Alfalfa leaves........... 95.1 16.8 Les, 37.3 oe eased
Bur clover ices sca varies 91.0 8.2 2.1 21.8 ok ee
Hairy (winter) vetch.... 88.7 11.9 1.6 27.2 9.7 24.4
Serradella. 90.8 11.4 1.7 24.3 7.4 26.3
Peanut pine.... 92.4 6.7 3.0 Tet 3.2 11.6
Velvet bean...... 5 90.0 9.6 1.4 22.4 a
Beggar weed............ 90.8 6.8 1.6 18.9
DATLOUM gcd. 4, cited aes 85.0 10.4 2.0 23.7 5.0 14.7
Wheat and vetch. 85.0 10.6 1.2 23.2 mdse need
Oat and pea...... 2 89.5 7.6 1.5 16.5 6.1 18.1
Oat and vetch.......... 85.0 8.3 1.3 20.5 6.0 12.7
Mixed grasses and clover 87.1 5.8 1.3 16.2 aa nas
Mixed rowen........... 83.4 8.0 1.5 18.6
90.4 0.8 35,2 0.4 5.0 2.2 6.3
92.9 0.7 39.6 0.4 5.0 2.5 8.6
90.8 1.3 39.5 0.8 5.8 3.0 17.7
85.8 0.9 40.1 0.6 7.0 2.0 10.6
85.0 0.9 34.3 0.6 6.5 1.8 17.3
90.1 1.2 37.4 0.5 8.0 1.3 11.4
Field bean........... 95.0 3,6 39.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
APPENDIX 453

TABLE vill—Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digestible nutrients | Fertilizing constituents
Total in 100 pounds in 1,000 pounds
Ty
Name of feed matter
in 100 i Phos-
pounds | Crude Fat | Nitro- | phoric | Potash
protein as gen acid
Dried Roughage— Be asl Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.
Soy bean.......... ens 89.9 2.3 40.1 1.0 6.8 2.5 10.4
Horse bean...........05 90.8 4.3 39.5 0.8 14.1 och
Wheat chaff............ 85.7 1.2 25.4 0.6 7.2 3.8 8.2
Oatich alls 555 sce. 6: arenes 85.7 1.5 33.0 0.7 6.4 1.4 4.5
Flax chives........ cece 90.0 1.2 34.4 1.0 8.1
Sorghum bagasse 88.8 0.5 52,2 0.7 5.5)
Green corn and sorghum
forage
Fodder corn, all varieties 20.7 1.0 11.9 0.4 2.9° 1.1 3.9
Dent varieties....... 21.0 0.9 12.2 0.4 2.7 eee aie
Dent, kernels glazed..... 26.6 1.1 15.0 0.7 3.2 Ahi dteaxe
Flint varieties........... 20.2 1.1 11.4 0.5 3.2 1.3 3.1
Flint, kernels glazed..... 22.9 1.5 13.2 0.6 4.3 2 wg
Sweet varieties.......... 20.9 1.2 12.6 0.4 3.4 1.4 3.8
Sweet corn, without ears 20.0 0.7 11.6 0.4 2.2 ecatage
Red kafir corn......... As 18.4 0.8 9.7 0.4 2.9 1.3 4.5
White kafir corn ....... 16.6 0.8 8.3 0.5 3.0 1.2 5.0
TEOSINCE: ss5;90.5:nereee eles 9.9 0.9 4.9 0.2 2.2 0.6 9.2
Yellow milo maize. 16.8 1.1 9.3 0.3 2.7 1.1 5.7
Sorghum fodder... 2 20.6 0.6 11.6 0.3 2.1 0.7 3.4
Sugar cane......... saan 15.8 0.5 9.5 0.3 1.9 0.9 4,4
Fresh green grasses
Pasture gtasS..........- 20.0 2.5 10.1 0.5 5.6 6 7A
Kentucky blue grass..... 34.9 2.8 19.7 0.8 6.6 trie as
Timothy: secioe co scanese oa cers 38.4 1.5 19.9 0.6 5.0 2.6 7.6
Orchard grass........... 27.0 1.2 13.4 0.5 4,2 1.6 7.6
Red top, in bloom....... 34.7 1.9 21.3 0.5 4.5 in iss sei
Wheat forage........... 22.7 1.7 12.0 0.4 3.8 1.6 6.0
Rye forage.........-.-. 23.4 2.1 14.1 0.4 4.2 2.5 7A
Oat forage, stage uncertain 25.0 2.6 11.0 0.6 5.6 we Se
Oat forage, in milk...... 37.8 2:5 18.2 1.0 5.4 1.3 3.8
Oat forage, in bloom-.... | 25.0 Li 12.4 0.5 2.6 2s Nore?
Barley forage........... 21.0 1.9 10.4 0.3 4.3 Ss
Meadow fescue.........- 30.1 1.6 18.6 0.5 3.8 Jags siasets
Italian rye gras: iba 26.8 1.5 12.6 0.7 5.0 2.9 11.4
Tall oat grass.. 30.5 1.2 15.7 0.5 3.8 ieee
Joumse grass 25.0 0.6 13.7 0.2 1.9 bcs
ermuda grass. 28.3 1.3 13.4 0.4 3.5 ie
Hungarian grass.. 28.9 2.0 15.9 0.4 5.0 152 4.2
Japanese millet. 25.0 1.1 13.6 0.3 3.4 2.0 3.4
Barnyard millet. é 25.0 1.6 14.4 0.3 3.8 1.1 5.8
Pearl millet........--.-+ 18.5 0.6 10.0 0.2 1.9 1.5 71
Common millet... 20.0 0.8 11.0 0.2 2.4 0.7 4.7
Hog millet......--.+++5- 20.0 0.8 10.8 0.3 2.4 ry sian
454

APPENDIX

TABLE VillI—Continued

 

 

Digestible nutrients

 

Fertilizing constituents
in 1,000 pounds

 

 

 

  
    

 

    

 

 
 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatat in 100 pounds
d
Name of feed matter :
in 100 Carbo- Nitro- | Phos-
pounds | Crude hy- Fat gen | phoric | Potash
protein | drates acid
Dried Roughage— Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs.
Continued

Fresh green legumes, grasses

and legumes combined
Red clover............. 29.2 2.9 13.6 0.7 7.0 1.5 4.8
Mammoth red clover. 20.0 2.0 9.1 0.2 4.8 eas be
Alsike clover......... DSc, 2.6 11.4 0.5 6.2 1.1 2.0
Crimson clover,. : 19.1 2.4 9.1 0.5 $.0 1,2 4.0
Sweet clover............ 20.0 2.5 8.4 0.4 6.1 2.4 6.7
AVEANE Biss cet sak d i, cea 28.2 3.6 12.1 0.4 17 1.3 5.6
Spring vetch.. - 15.0 1.9 6.6 0.2 4.3 1.0 4.5
Cowpea.........-... 16.4 1.8 8.7 0.2 3.8 1.3 4.6
Hairy vetch, winter. : 15.0 2.8 6.4 0.3 5.8 1.4 5.2
Hairy vetch, in bloom... 18.0 3.5 V7 0.3 6.7 sega ones
Soy: beani vieweciiawwines 24.9 3.1 11.0 0.5 6.4 1.4 5.6
Serradella... 20.5 2.1 8.9 0.4 4.3 1.6 5.5
Horse bean.. 15.8 2.3 7.3 0.2 4.5 0.5 2.1
Velvet bean. 17.8 25% 8.4 0.4 5.6 Bass Ceeone
Sanfoin...... 25.0 2.9 11.1 0.5 7.0 1.4 5.7
Canada field pea........ 15.3 1.8 6.9 0.3 4.5 1.6 5.0
Canada field pea, in bud 15.0 2.6 6.8 0.3 5.0 1.1 44
Canada field pea,in bloom } 13.0 2.3 5.3 0.2 4.5 1.1 3.2
Canada field pea, in pod 16.0 1.9 7.0 0.2 3.7 1.3 3.7
Barley and vetch........ 20.0 2.1 6.5 0.3 45 2.0 5.7
Barley and peas.... 20.0 2.1 a 0.4 4.5 a fot
Oats and peas. 20.3 1.8 10.2 0.4 3.8 1.5 5.0
Oats and vetch.. % 20.0 2.3 10.0 0.2 4.8 1.4 3.0
Wheat and vetch........ 20.0 2.6 10.3 0.3 5.4 ee ass
Mixed grass and clover. . 25.0 2.3 14.6 0.5 4.6

Roots and tubers

POtatOn tin 22 fas 2 ais gy 20.9 1.1 157 OL 3.4 1.6 5.8
Common beet 11.5 1.2 7.9 0.1 2.4 0.8 4.8

angel ..cos ects. 1 1.0 5.5 0.2 2.2 0.9 3.8
Sugar beet. 13.5 1.3 9.8 0.1 2.9 0.8 3.7
Flat turnip 9.9 0.9 6.4 0.1 2.1 0.9 3.4
Carrot ined mveiiiven Paes ot 5 11.4 0.8 77 0.3 1.8 0.9 2.6
Rutabaga.. i 11.4 1.0 8.1 0.2 1.9 1.2 4.9
Parsnip.... < 11.7 1. 10.1 0.2 2.6 2.0 4.4
Artichoke..... 20.5 1.3 14.7 0.2 4.2 1.4 4.7
Sweet potato. . 28.9 0.8 22.9 0.3 2.4 0.8 3.7
Chufa sesicanes 20.5 0.6 O 5.6 Soon shout. ie
COSSAY Bios 5 ae Gy ces ¥ HS 34.0 0.8 28.9 0.2 2.0 1.0 4.0

Miscellaneous

ACODNS es bee Set 44 sea bon 44.7 24 34.4 1.7 4.0 Seles snie
(ADP eS sis iiecéieis Seiad sd sacs 22.2 0.8 16.5 0.2 1.2 Q.1 1.7
APPENDIX

TABLE VIlI—Continued

455

 

 

 

  
   

 
 

 

Digestible nutrients | Fertilizing constituents
Total in 100 pounds in 1,000 pounds
Dry
Name of feed matter
in 100 Carbo- Phos-
pounds} Crude | _hy- Fat | Nitro- | phoric |, Potash
protein | drates gen acid

Dried Roughage— ug | Lbs: | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs, | Lbs.
Dwarf Essex rape....... 14.3 2.0 8.2 0.2 3.5 1.2 3.5
Dwarf Essex rape, summer,

southern states .... 15.0 1.9 8.6 0.2 3.4
Dwarf Essex rape, winter,

southern states...... 15.0 2.0 8.1 0.2 3.7 ei ieee
‘Cabbage ise. is sicseners , 10.0 2:3 5.9 0.1 4,2 1A 4.3
Sugar beet leaves. 12.0 1.9 5.0 0.2 4.2 1.5 6.2
Field pumpkin.. 9.1 1.0 5.8 ° 0.2 2.1 whee ene
Garden pumpkin. . 19.2 1.4 8.3 0.4 2.9 1.6 0.9
Prickly pear.. 6 15.8 0.4 6.2 0.2 1.1 0.2 3.7
Cane: cactiveciesss 21.5 0.9 114 0.4 2.3 0.6 3.5
Dried banana tops.. ae 4.4 36.6 0.8 21.1 ae watt
ee banana butts ee 2.1 37.1 0.9 10.2 a ist

dcdyabs: apes St evad soins 20.0 1.5 9.8 0.3 3.8 2.5 5.9

Prickly ees 13.0 1.7 5.1 0.2 36h 1.2 7.6
Purslane....... ~ 9.0 2.0 4.5 0.1 37 ite 38 Bakes
Dandelion .. 15.7 1.1 15 2.0 1.9 pores -
Greasewood 95.5 10.9 40.9 1.8 sae aisass ‘
Common little sage...... 65.0 3.2 19.7 0.9 21.9 ie oy
Common sage..........+ 50.4 1.2 14.1 2.8 TA i oak
Australian salt bush .... 22.0 2.0 8.5 0.3 44 1.4 5.0
Dried oak leaves, gathered

ind Jul yids ids ons £2 3% 95.1 3.2 34.6 1.6 15.2
Dried mixed tree leaves,

gathered in July.... 84.0 3.5 30.4 1.1 16.8
Dried beech twigs, gath-

ered in winter....... 84.7 0.9 21.8 0.6 6.4

Silage

Corn, early analyses..... 20.9 0.9 11.4 0.6 2 1.4 3.7
Corn, recent analyses.... 26.4 1.4 14.2 0.7 4.3 11 3.7
Corn, ears removed 26.3 1.1 14.9 0.7 3.5 aes och
Sorghum. 2. scke as 23.9 0.1 13.5 0.2 1.3 1.5 1.9
Millet..... 26.0 0,2 13.1 0.6 Det 1.4 6.2
RY Cis e iuics ba Bes 19.2 0.7 9.0 0.2 3.8 See ha
Red clover...... 28.0 1.5 9.2 0.5 6.7 eae ad
Canada field pea. 49.9 3.4 25.5 1.0 9.4 freee Ne
Soy bean.......... 25.8 2.7 9.6 1.3 6.6 1.6 75
Cowpea vine...... 20.7 1.5 8.6 0.9 4.3 1.5 4.6
Brewer's grains ae 29.7 4.6 11.5 1.8 10.1 4.2 0.5
Apple pomace........... 15.0 0.7 9.6 0.5 1.9 1.5 4.0
Corn cannery refuse, husk 16.2 0.4 10.1 0.4 2.2
Corn cannery refuse, cobs 25.9 0.3 13.7 0.9 2.4
Pea cannery refuse...... 23.2 21 13.1 0.8 45 cers
Cowpea and soy bean.... | 30.2 2.2 12.9 0.8 61 | .... wee,
Corn and soy bean...... 24.0 1.6 13.2 0.7 4.0 1.5 3.6
Barnyard millet and soy

DOAN aiciy wera aide oe Saeed 21.0 1.6 9.2 0.7 4.5 if 4.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
INDEX
 

Page

A
Peoria Tih cciseneie tales «ea adok pases 118
Abdallah 15. 119

  
  
     
   
  
     
   
 
 
   
   
  
   

 

Abortion in mares

 

in horses. 17
Age of horses....... 308
how to estimate. 49
Aged horses......... 53
Ailments, of the foal........... 287
of the horse............+-- 419
Alfalla hay cence-os. gsc adage Anta oot 354
Altman: Brosisoins wieca Ceaas bn dain 187
American Breeders’ and Importers’
Percheron Registry........... 182
American horses...........-...55- 233
American Percheron Horse Breeders’
and Importers’ Association...... 182
American saddle horse....... 106
classes......... 111
Denmark, F. S.. 107
description................ 109
development..... 106
famous animals............... 109
ATES wee ioiitpc A ahah nce a tivienenas ehernecer ne 12
organizations and records...... 114
OTB a srerese Hares shines ees 1
popularity.........

American speed records.....
American Trotting Register.
Anatomy of the horse........
Ancestors of the horse...
Anchitherium..........
Andalusian Jack..
Anezah race..
Animal body..
Ankle, cocked. .
Anson, William........
Antiquity of the horse...
Appearance of the horse
Appendix
Arabia........
Arabian horse.
breeders....
description.
families...........
in America
influence of

origin. ....

popularity
Ardennais draft horse....185, 213, 208
Armsby standard............. 31
Articular angles of the horse. as

 

size of

458

Ash in food
Ass, African wild
cones wild

0.

 

Boards
Attitude in horses
Auction, rules of

at the halter

legs go
serviceably sound...
sound
wind and work...
work only
Azoturia

 

Baling), « oesrvees's shiver doting deheAd ts 387
Bakewell, Robert
Bakewell's Gee..

Balanced ration.
Barb mares.....
Barber, O. C.
Barley
Barn for horses

     
   
    
  
  
 
   
 
 
  

 

Baron of Buchlyve.. 192
Baron's Pride (9122).. 192
Barrenness in mares.. 281
Beans. sipti sina exe visl Ss sesee 349
Beautiful Bells......... 124
Bedding the horse... 366
Beith, EL Cia aches 139
Belgian draft horse........ 208
CHILICISINS a. oy ask Tas 214
description...........4 213
distribution. 215
famous show ‘animals 212
ERGY Enb es 209

in America. . 211
native home. 208
organizations and records...... 215

OTAB ATI 6 ie Typ Bek escilod, ataniecte atynisan 8 208
popularity... 212
types....... 209
USES ea. seine wages test 2158
Belgian Horse onions 216
Bell Bros.. 205
Bellfounder. 116
Bingens.se geoas ees 125
Biting 392
LES ieee aint 396
Bitting the horse. . 378
Blake tribe ..............-5 219
Blanketing the horse.......... 363
Blankets, tearing.......... 398
Blemish joi sewn ratecon cain eee 43
INDEX 459

Page Page
44 BEBO PRIS: gos Soles hats seieits nee BOR
398 breeding.....
421 care of....
. 191 foaling time. .

 
 
  

    
     

 
    
     
   
   
 
  
 
  
 

 

 

   
   
   
 
  
  

 

 

 

 

83 pregnant........cscseeveeee ae
22 productive period............. 275
48: [Browny.G.. Ba ccs scciise:tneldis ci specidena ces
45 Brown, Marcus.
ei a DOD Ysera wvetsr aie credeia ns Gdeel snavthana
UMIONS ise aisratics ents ad CA OO 4
Bone Spavin........... cece eee 48 Burges, R. and Son............... 147
Borden, Spencer.................. 84 Burgess Bros.............2020.00- 205
Boulonnais draft horse............ 183 “SUBUSh a cscievetirs orgies haste Mae ost 322
Box and straight stalls............ 413 Bush-Brown, H. K............... 83
Brabancon horse................. 209 Byerly Turksc. cieus scans fois ie 90
Brabant horse..............0.0005
Bradley, Peter B.. stehhaear ugha Cc
DBI AANtoreenhe teria hh Anni caane se raedes
Bran, wheat 0-...0.00.eeeeses Carbohydrates in, food horses”
fiat holdbacks Canadian horses............ es
4 Canadian pacers....... Suesyave Shbvdie esas
Breeds........-+-055 fare ate ass Canter..............
of horses. . Care of the horse...) IIIT1! 360
origin of...... Carmon........ssereer ec eveceee ee 122
rie necessary Carriage hore iesgs ie cieate snes s 315
eeteees oe art: Horses cacy san eas eeaen se He 199
Breeders’ ‘Associations. Cartilage’ srccs sacecue caren eo stin ors 35
Breeding sc csciecites tos aoed aaudiells oaeuiias Cassatt, As. Jiex seks nese cosas nek 24 138
crossin: a8 Castleman, John B.. on concn 2
fertility Castleman, Maj. David... . 22... 114
grading pasloaias PROG eee EERE Sets 52 243
heredity ALALACE. sis 'sie sees: aienene ss Daherey aneaduarens 432
repotency. Catarrhal fever.../...........-005 425
prep y
selection..... : es observing...........00005 44
SHOTIEY. . feccjays os Ciapats. s Hore Ppa AVAL i a6, sibidy a. 'ewnlniedse sev eetede Meena 238
variation.... Cereal grains......... 0000s eeeeeee 346
Breeding horses.. Cereal hay. 2358
brood mare.,.........0-+000- Chapin, enry.. 83
fondition: laverable ee ee p
farmers’ Umitations......5.... Check rein » 395
for farm and market..... vi... 302 Chorea.......... - 433
Net let tacsaee6¢ ences anion an aay Chunk horse class - 313
MALE W iiscne ha wae Grcaato vere ; ee
A ark. Ne. Peer gts see ees 8 re
i armen ae ae cies. a a in France...... a
Breuiaae DIRE sa Poe Et ‘Cleanliness in horse barn.......... 411
productive period of mare..... ae Cecaad ee coach horse........ 164
Eo ee ee 5 Heelltie sete stances wicca
stallion. ca os ane ek asda aicoldoe eonenlabe = ghetaes
* Fs stribution. .
B nae Seah 7 in America...
reeding hopples.......-..+++.+++ native home
Breeding jacks....... organizations and records...... 167
a Bee stock.... ue, SIRGtas aah tbe. States SrkSatE eee ioe
ieediig mules. ccicp.ccascedses 29S ... USEiiawigs wees tee w ees peas
oe pete Clipping the Horse. cise s peeae ge ae
selecting stock.... OVER BY 60. sie scarey a: step ants aparece
Breton draft horse...... Clyde, alias Glancer (153).. eee VOL
Breqede grdka. cs Clydesdale draft horse...... Lil 188
Bridle and check rein 495 CriticisMS.. 1... cee eee eee eee 197
TICLE ANG CHECK TEM oisisie-ceiein.§ Bases descriptions: ec ieee aed eae 194
development....... Seite Sides eS 189
distribution........6-.e ences 197

 

famous sires,............. 190, 193
460

Clydesdale draft horse
in America...
native home
organizations
OUIBANS 28s IS 8 Bide BOT ea
show animals.

     
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
    
  
 
 

Clydesdale Horse Association.
Coach breeds
Cochrane, M. H
Cocked ankle
Colic avi arenes
Collars...
fitting
Colonial horses.
Color
Golorado ‘stud.

care of feet

castration.
Commercial fee:
“Company plan” of breeding horses
Compound
Concentrates for the horse.....
Condition’. cc. 2 teas tak 4 saee
Condroz horse.........
Conestoga horses......
Connective tissue....
Constipation in foal
Convenience in horse barn.....
Cook,
“Coon footed”. .......
Co-operative breeding. .
Corn for horses........

 

   
  
 
  

  

stalks

Corsa, W. §
Cost, of horse labor.
of ration..........
Cotton mule class.....
Cottonseed meal.......
Cowpeas......
Cow’s milk for foal....
Crest, broken.........
Crib DIN Giisssi2g e cece coy Mabey Gained
Crisp's Horse of Ufford (404).
Crops, cheapening production.
GrOSsSiNn Ge... onside vnkece saat 4 seebtae gla
in horse breeding.. dase
Crouch, J. and Son...... a
Crupper and back strap.........
Curb vaca: sm tera cece
Curry comb....
Cushman, A. P.

 

Darley Arabian
Darnley (222)..
Dartmoor pony..
Davenport, Homer.
Dediness sisi. cimecte aigye aemeneaas

Denmark, F. S. (foundation stock) 107
Derby race meeting...............
Diarrhea: igh ass sauan eee ea eda 8m

~ Economic value of th

INDEX

Digestible nutrients. .
Digestion of food

conditions favoring:

foods that aid......
Digestive system.
Diligence......... 5
Dillon; Hlliscacs ngs is. ‘i
Dillon, Miss Ethelred...........-.
Dimensions of articular angles Neh des

of -the parts. ag. eae veee ce
Diseased horses.....
Distemper

observing. .
Doble, Budd...
Draft breeds...........
Draft horse, class.....

for heavy work...
Draft mule, class........
Drainage about the barn.

  
 
  

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

 

Drenching:... 2602s. Si

Dry matter in bod ° hdc
Dunham Bros, 147,
Dunham, M. W.. . ......... 147,

East Frieslan3a tothe
East Prussian horse.
Beli pseu 3 causes te,

 
  
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
 
  
 
  

 

Education...........!
Edwards, W. J.

Elbow, capped.

Electioneer...

Elliot, S. B.

Enemas or injections .

English Black Horse.........
English Cart Horse Society........
English Speed Records........
Environment...

Eohippus..

Ephippus..

Equus......

asinus...
caballus. .
hemionus..
Przewalskii .
EPO wacccinie Geiss edd Stephene vb
Evolution, causes of. Pesantedaet
in teeth and feet......
of the horse.........
Exmoor pony.....
Export mule class
Exports of horses and mules. %
External application of medicine...

Fairs and horse improvement......
Peal) £Oa 1S accsc- sues g sadinw aysard we oqeee- 5%
False mouth....
Farmer's horse. .
Farm mule class.
Rat ‘in, f00d exci sau tasi Oe
Fattening horses and mules..
Faults, common
“Feather”
Feeding horses......

amount to feed........

 
  
 
 
 
   

INDEX 461
Feeding h Page Page
ceding horses French coach horse
changing foods....... ‘ development...... mmc mwees 1
food to grow a horse........ distribution. . i nawaie wees o> 190:
RAMS eis a iiestons wecpackie eaters & in, AMEriCa si cses ss caidas cane ». 147
hay and forage tthe ce ee ate native home..... eo eee gs 143
individuality in feeding notable animals.............- 147
order of supplying food.. organizations and records...... 150
principles...........eseeeeees OTAB UT fis ss5.:0 8 sarcatce-ateakiels & 4 wees 143
Fegularity..........00.0eeeees speed erceuat a
the driving horse............. HeORUNS type..

 

the idle horse
the stallion....
the work horse

 

  

watering and feeding.......... 339
Feeding. mules..............000005 343
Feeding pregnant mare............ 284
Feeding sick horse................ 420
Feeding standards................ 330
Feeding stuffs, composition of..... 448

energy value of............... 446

fertilizing constituents of...... 448

WEISAES iccia csgjatece esos 8, baa doachreo sis

 

Feeding the foal..
Feet, care of colt...
care of horse. a SAS cul arnd ed ae
Fertility

 

Flanders horse
Flooring materials for barn........
Fly blanket and net He
RGA ytevaiess gases Sos renee Seta Asdyoicko usd

  
 
  
 
 
   
 
 

catching......
development
driving with lines.
exercis€.........-

spring...
training...
weaning...
Foaling time
Food
composition
digestibility. .
preparation
that aids digestion............

POrging acivievs: cise Seen 's meee eewiee ®

Form in_horses

Founder. . 5

Fox trot..

French Goach hors
coach type..
description.........--.++

 

 

  

Association.......0. ec eee eee
CLULICISIMS foie neve. corse Sreyere a ayetanre
organizations and records...... 186
French methods for improving the
OLSE sissies agains cartes s Beene 1
Bruits) cavers owe eas ayevans @ acm

G

Gaits of saddle horse........... ne
Galbraith Bros..........eeseseeees
Gallipoli.........eeeee Gsigaiaisvesonaiecoce
Geers, E. F....... eee
General Gates.........
General age ase
General Stud B e
George Wilkes........ ccs eens
German Coach horse..........2005

criticisms.......

  

 

 

  
  
 
   
 
 
  
  
 

description ......... 33
distribution......... be RRS acs 159
IMproving ss. sss. ves eves ees 153
in America... ian, UST
native home..........-.60 ee 151
organizations and records...... 159
OF UGA ciaysonsesiogs 6: shessba: 6 aucdsbarednusad 2° 151
types and breeds........ wiagece oe LSS
MISES pap cre: svecouiter'g cadet atenicve o orace hs 159
German horses (see German Coach
horse)
German supervision of horse breeding 153
Gestation period in the mare...... 284
Giant Leicestershire horse. . . 199
Glancer (153).. a 191
Glanders, observin, 44

Gluten meal or feed

can
for the foal..

Gravel..... froiGtateneinvelionadsiacatogede due ax

Grease heel.....+-seee eee svodantiacei 46
Great Horse..
Green forage....
“Green horse’’
Green Mountain Maid

 

Grey Clyde (78).......-+
Grooming 3a
Guy line ..........-065 a ates aeapeaee

H
Hackney Coach horse.......+eeee
    
 
 

  
 

462 INDEX
Page Page
Hackney Coach horse Injections or enemas.........+4+ o. 422
ACTON oes sditia weare a e' Wise SAF 141 Inspection of horses and mules.... 436
description.... +». 140 Insull, Samuel ..........00 ee ee eye LOD
development... 136 Interfering..........s..e+eeee +» 49
distribution..... 142 Intestines, capacity........... eo AL
famous animals. . 139 Irish pony......... ++ 232
in America.... 138 Irregular teeth. . +. 54
mative HOME 5: y4 cece vu 8 ce 135 Italian Jack. .ccsss cena s ees 244

  
  
  
   
    
    
     
  
   
  
    
   
  
  
   
 

 

Hackney Horse Soc: ty. «. 142
Had bans: save scene 5 cdi ce .. 80
Hageland horse. 209
Hainaut horse.ises sac cere savee ye 209
lal ‘famitl yiecs. sia creo ceed a sesancias co sincace see 123
Halter, pulling ssco.5.6 sesue & sierciecs suture. 390
Hambletonian (10)............... 117
Hambletonian family. Abies 119
Hamilton, (Cy Ab ccisie a a dices doayeaohee 221
Hanoverian horse................. 155
Happy Medium.................. 119
Harness, care of...........0000005 404

TEP AUS NAb oss <7 sjeonas'n-vapentwe ae Seakene 406

room or closets............+4+ 415
Harnessing the horse 395

the horse difficul 391

 

Heep stock farm. ae
Head and neck. 20
Arb i savenie aes 37
Heaves........ 49
Heavy CPOs aces 14
Height in horses. 1S
Heredity............ 258
Herod (King Herod). 91
Hesbaye horse............-600+ .. 209
Heyl, Peter............ cc ccee -. 83
Hindquarters of the horse...... se ABZ
“Hippe@ ces a ree es :
History of the horse.
Hobert, By. sant
“Hog: back ! va. ey ¢

Holloway, Robert......
Holstein horse.........

 

 

Homdani............
Honest Tom (1105)..
Hoof growth........

cracked. ........
Hopley, Peter & Son
FLOUSsINgSs 5 -ciaw saci yes
Humane collar 400
Human time, nniock 2)
Huntington, R....... 83
Hypohippus... 60
Hyracotherium 58

I

Ijams, W. P............-
Importance of the horse t
Imports of horses and mules...... 444
Un Dreed ing es: psceesca’srsiiee sc Caves alan stad SO 262
Indian pony. wwe 238
TnidigestiOn ini eectce ester steels 423
Individuality in horse breeding.... 256
Wnflen Za des as cers nthe tas Ra 26

   
  
  
   
  
  
  

g 4
for mule breeding.........

+. 246
organizations and records...... 247
Jack and Jennet Breeders’ Associa-
tion
Sard weaves
Jelfon..
Jennet....
foal
for breetne:
pregnant.. 297
John Bull..,. .. 204
Jones and Taylor: 147
Jones, C rf ‘i 178
Jordan, E. D.. riser ata te 139
Judge, requirements of, 7
Judging, comparative. . a 24
Judging a horse........... Wes 7
in harness. .... ae 25
in the stable.. «. 24
method....... . 9
Judging pavilion. lee Se
Justin; Morgans cece ssusvieeisceiace eave 121
K
Keheilet, Ajuz.....ceee cece eee eee . 80
Keir Peggy.... : sive, TOL
Keres Wh: Gin 24 caw was 230
Kachkang es sacs o wasecarettig 388
King’s mares... 90
Knee, unsound. 45
Knuckling...... 46
L
Labor-saving appliances...........
EAMMENESS ii e5e jase safes oot Sic é
Laminitis. . .
La Perche

Laryngeal hemiplegia .
Laws and regulations. .
lien laws..........
Lefebure & Son..
Leguminous grains.
Lexington Thoroughbred horse ....-
Ligaments.......c. cece sees e eens
Light in horse barn. .
“Light in timber’’..
Light type.........

  
 

 

 

INDEX 463
Page Page

Linseed meal.. sieieeveiee SO ”
Lochlyoch's Black’ Horse... 1...” TES ppt RR DAME so ca msciscnrnn nen ORR
Lou, Dillon MING os ccasn scan midoneae +. 358
Louis Napoleon hay 356
TAINS. oe ee Mining mule class. o 320
Tanker acm escsyonnea een a tees Miss Russell. 125
Molasses..... 352
Montgomery, A. & W. 192

 

 

Mines BOK we snsicses
Maltese Jack.....

brino family
Management of the horse......... 360
Mane and tail comb. cose s jee 361
Maneg hits iicicsccc-ueveaeo a sence avs, 80
Mangers and grain boxes.... 414
Man labor and horse labor........ 2
Manures, care of................, 418
Mare (see brood mare)
Market classes of horses.......... 310

 

 

  
   
  
   
   
   
   

 

Bib POE ong c ia pay enebeet 320
export mules.
farm mules...
mining mules.
sugar mules........... acct sheGasens 321
Market requirements....... 306
CUO ie iceetcascdueneucrsse ve 308
ABE... ee ee 308
appearance 306
reed... 309
color 308
condition. 308

education... .

Matchem
Mating in horse breeding
McDonald Bros............... ke
MeKinneyss seg: acrsn naaitoerren eos 42
McLaughlin Bras ssn rancnecane
McMillan, H. ‘
McNitt, James
Measuring the angles.............
Measurements, of the horse....... 27

of draft horses...............

of light horses..........-..2.5
Mechanics of the horse
Medicine, giving............ee0ee-
Mesohippus........ 2
Messenger.....
Mexican pony.. sy
Mexico inspection “of horses.....+-.

   

Morgan family

 

 
  
 

vee fever.
Mule........

Thasactent

distribution

endurance

hybrid

in Americay.sotcnyaacssiese tania 248

organizations and records...... 251

resistance to disease 2.

USES cua teancionnary etapa grein exe:
Mule-breeding Jacks .............. 30!
Mule breeding (see breeding mules)
Murphy, “Ds. Wei swcosa nen. 9-95 ce 132
Muscles ene nciaos-c uote eRe 36
Mustang..... yee? Tt Sah oat ok 238

N

Narragansett pacers............... 117
National French Draft Horse Asso-

CIATION so: a icnaistons weand-le horas 187
National register of Norman horses ne
Navel infection...............0.06 289
Navicular disease................- 47
Nervous systema: scctu tai be fics AL
New England Borice SiissacdMensaeaesevs 236
New Forest pony............-.02- 230
New York horses...........000006 235
PENTOKCE Yo scrsacsgiusrageichsusnsuctakosste: sesmtats: 322
Nivernais draft horse... vee 185
Normandy......... Suede rauehndiavevecanecal's 175
Number of horses...............-

of horses per man... ........ 1
Nursing a sick horse.............. 419
Nutritive: TatiOieiws nnare movi eegees 331

 

 
 

Oldenburg horse...............004 155

Old Fanny Cook...............-- 97

Orlofe ‘Trotter iscceievsiccsnecastvessereceseseracese 132

OT ORIPDUSE sdvisarensgucr seiner lesuave/ouelevosedebens ue 58

Outdoor blanket..............000 364

Overreachin gc. dsc. eecdiecwee cranes aicasievece 49

P

PADS te. ORE cies sla we casncrsacs dcaslscaets Mapsco 139

Pacing pee (see Standardbred)

Pacing records..............000006 131
ncaa TOAUCED ciscceyasasacevecsuenersvavn 130
standard............. ae 128

Packington Blind Horse..,... 203

Paddocks for breeding stock....... 418

Parablip pus’ seein soeiseesnsavarardveteranaeosreve 60

Parker, Joi) osisiarsiecasirsiarecticrstesiesictiecs 177
  

464 INDEX
Page
“Parrot mouth"”........... B22. Quaittotisates, screyeweasd-a6 teeeeee
Parturition difficult. . 429
Patent stock foods 352 R
Pavilion 7

  
 
    
    

Percheron draft horse.......,..._. 169
description................... 178
deterioration. 172
distribution........ 180
eatly development.. 170
early importers... 176
endurance......... 173
famous show anim: 178

   

als....
famous sires.............
improvement. .
in America....
native home...............

OTIBING shcicis. ssdyargy yeu
USES esa, syage-)u sein
Percheron-Norman Horse Associa-
PION oes ach cate ere ives saan het 181
Percheron Registry Company... 182

Percheron Society of America..

 

 
    
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 

Percheron. Stud Bool... ous ¢ exis cs 182
Periodic ophthalmia............... 432
Permanent teeth................., 52
Peter the Greate oeie 4 yes «sacs ano 125
Picardy draft horse............... 186
Pick's Turf Register... 105
Pilot family......... 123
Pink eye.,.. 426
Phohippus..... 60
Plowing the soil.. 2
Pneumatic collar. 400
Pocahontas.......... 97
Points of the horse.. 11
Poitou Jack........ 245

Poll f6wal sss wiccenerass

  
  
  

Prepotency............
Prince of Wales (673)..
Prince William (3956)..
Productive ration........
Proportions of the horse

 

 

AMI FOF ig asi. tee tb 3.380 ¥ Sede & 29
Protein in food.............05 325
Protohippus.................. 60
Protorohippus................ 58
Przewalsky's horse............ 65
Public stallions in France. . .. 146
Pulmonary emphysemia........... 433

Quality......
in horses

 

Racing in England.
Racing Register.
Rach isiensseanny cits
Ramsdell, J. A. P
Range horse class......
Rarey’s safety harness...
throwing harness....
Ration: ccak evar t eae
balanced....
computing. .
cost
nutritive.
BAM PICs sec wnsle ZF dons ye sige
Records of performance.......
Registration boards...........
Respiratory system...
Rhode Island pacers. .
Ringbones..........
Road horse class
Roaring.........
Robinson, A. L..
Rolling...... sees
Roofing materials fd
Roots and tubers...
“Rough behind’. :
“Rounding hock’
Royal (Giftscs saws ¢ occa ca
Rules of scoring a horse... ie
Running away....................
Running records reduced.
HUBRInS walk

 
  
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
 

 

 

   

    
    
 
    
   

 

 

RY Oh a Se ae aun gee
Ss
Saddle and back band............ 403
Saddle horse (see American Saddle
horse)
Salting the horse................, 336
Sanders, J. H..,. 181
Schleswig horse. 156
Score: cardi. re. 6 wis 9
purpose of...... 9
MUASLIDG 5 to Fiera: Saud veSfomedase eadan acd 10
Scoring, rules of cage A
Scratches............ 46, 429
Selection in horse breeding. wr 255
RIE cre nai do Rada edians, a ytegees 309
Shading field tube................ 220
Shales. cris seven ovsties aeeacnneran ye he 137
SOIT VAC ice sack wuans cd base 78
Sheath, bone... . 427
Shetland pony.. . 225
description. «. 228
in America: sce: ia gcc «ace» . 226
Shetland Pony Club........... 227
Shire draft horse.............. 199
criticisms...... 207
description. 205
distribution. . 207
early types... iseaeh 201
famous show animals. . , 205
famous sires. , - 203
T AAMOTI OO eae va » wales 2 hak .. 204

 
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
    
  
 
  
    
   
 

 
 
 
 
  
 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
    
   
 
 

INDEX 465
; Page Page
Shire draft horse Stud book.. dectaed aeaqudha: Gogkens 68
Native: Nome jiecediecce Howie e008 199 Student’s score card. iaeese » ii
organizations and cau 207 “Stump sucker”.............. . 322
origin. 199 Success. . . 176
uses. ....., 207 Succulent foods. . . 356
Shire Horse Sos 207 Suffolk draft horse.. 217
Shoeing the horse...............04 369 CTILICISMS 5 sine edaees sae x 224
GUM Cul baw eran ses tunaes 393 description............... , 224
Shoes for unsound feet............ 372 distribution...... ERaeuiek 228
Shoulder, sore.......... 45, 427 improvement............. 220
_, Sweenied... 45, 427 int Americas: /5. sien saved 221
Sidebones..... 4 native home,............. 217
OU ABS oe s.:2.3 srayech de acegehee's wate’, oreanieations and records. 224
Singmaster and Brother... LBs gscesive aint ane “anap aus b- acne 218
Singmaster W Shae animals. . 221
Skeleton........... tribes...is ccc. ee 219
Slow pace USES cccsitaas careers 224
Smith's Horse cure) Suffolk foundation......... 218
“Smooth Mouth’. Suffolk Horse Association 224
Soil, plowing abs Meaibaacneimsbt ase 3 Sugar mule class..... a aed
Soundnessz4 weveveos 6 vehi copay 307. Sweat pads........ . 401
as a qualification............. 431  Sweenied shoulder. 45, 427
in horse breeding...........-. 270 Sweet Marie...... astalnaiece steers sie: L2H

SS DAVIN pacdiise ss cote anansyinss: Vl sain een eben eae 48

Species of the horse. slenenetgceitannese We 65

“Speck in eye’.........- eee e eee 322 T

Speed in light horses.............. 32
Speed records, French Coach horse 149 Tail sOre..... cere eee pene eee aeeee 48
of Percheron..........0.s00ee 173 Taylor and Tones. ee 147
TUIMTUNG rs croc startiazeshsedace shan deseue 101 Teams, size of.. 3
trotting and pacing. 130. ©0- Teeth, care of... 366
Splan, John 132 decayed... 44
Splints...... 45 number........... 50
Spring foals.............. 277. ‘Temperament in horses. 19
Stable blanket. tee S64 Rem peretite sia stables #68
Stable whims............. endons.......-.esees 6,
BSIANOR cme gnacic ened ed bee 308 Thoroughbred horse. 88
foe ke aie ee 269 description.... 98
law eae ee 430 famous mares. . 95
Sialig pikes cues Seca oae 413 foundation stock. 90
Standardbred horse......... 115 improvement... 92
chart showing descent.. 120 in America... 97
descriptions ccs exci 127 Lexington... 103
families. cisisjs chinese < 2e% 118 native horse... . 88
famoas biogd: mares: 124 notable animals........... 94
fANAOUS CGE Seek enon 132 organizations and records. 104
famous present- “day sire: 125 OTIRE i sce oaes vias oe. aue se Skeets 88

famous prices paid.. 126 popularity. .

   
 
 
   
 
  
 
  

influence of standard.......
organizations and records..
(OT LR I seoes o's sissies Sosdaaeigiae 34
source of blood..
State stallion laws...
result of
Statistics of horses and mules..

Sterility.......
Stetson, Ezra.

Strangles...........-

 

Stringhalt.....
Strong Horse....
Stubblefield Bros.
Stubbs Ds. Rises scrote csc die supacte

record prices.
speed records...
Thoroughpen........

 

Thrush
Tiiling the soil..
Time, saving..

 

 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  

Time, trotting ‘and eee records 130
running records.. . 101
Timothy hay......... » 353
Tissue, connective. 37
Toe, seedy.......- 47
Tongue lolling.. 389
Tossing the head... 389
Training the horse.. 373
age to begin.. ‘317
Ditting sc css gee eee et 378
hitching and driving. Mave teak 380
areeelnett HOLSE bsisvekios staiavesassenw ease 154
112

renee horse (see Standardbred)
466 INDEX

  
 

 
   
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
 

 

  

  

  
 
 
 

 

Pago Page
eoye oe agora it Sac ds g eae a arcane shane 131 w
TECUCEC.. ee eee ee eee eee eee 130 bh Importing Company...... 212
Trotting standard. . ++ 128 ¥agon area ac pea wi. 314
Truman, J. H..... ». 139° Wal i oe adapetabete eae wane: LEZ:
oe ee ee 84 we J. 132
Tumors, fibroids .cavouy ecg eeate s 45 Wallace's Year Book. 132
Types of horses. . +.+++ 13 Walls of horse barn.. 416
Walters, W. T.......- 177
U ee ie ea bee
‘ ps i ar Horse....-...---
Gata poe, ec oe ee ia ae 1 324
United States inspection of horses 436 wee ine foal. eo “ot 394
eens Se ihe, o ao Weanling, management........... 293
Unsoundness, common. 3 Woon ees Bien Pelehete FPS oe ae
Upton, Major.......... idea Welsh pony “"! 99g
Uses of the horse............... Wheat. ee ag
ei dahsaitgs easy t BALES SATS 350
Vv labor CO) PTOGUGE).. sac. Gos 4
Whim.......... A . 43
Value of horses and mules...... 5, 444 of the horse an BES
Van Hoorebeke, A. G...... ++. 241 Whistler” oa
Variation in horses... . -. 252 Wind, tnsound ca concse oa rrr "49
fees -- 253° Wintering the idle horse.....,.... 341
ee a3 ae ea standard.... 331
Ventilation of horse Barn c..111! 400 WOPme-s
Vermont’ stad. . cues cuoexxe .« 122 Wilebt tbecaa nasa t ae RED Ni ee
WCC sccerecsein 2a ei .. 43
_, of the horse... «. 385 ¥
Vidal, Rev. F. F. 83 Yorkshire Coach hors®.iss veess ive 163

Virginia horses.........0.0005 ieees 234 description «acu. isees oseees sos 164
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=
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Yate niyitone: 62 Co aot -
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Peep - Oa ade
spi Air Nara ice
ica aed

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