Department of Agriculture Bufletin

PubUshed monthly by the Department of Agriculture of the State of New York
Entered as second-clasa matter March a, igii. at the post office at Albany. N. Y

under the Act of June 6, 1900 " ' " '

^°^^^' ^- Y- OCTOBER, ,9,5

Bufletin 76

The Horse Industry in New York State

Istued by the Bofcati of Farmefs* Institutes and Compiled under the
Supervision of the Director

JOHNA.SEAVERNS

TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

3 9090 013 400 938 l ^';6^V^

STATE OF NEW YORK ^'^^,.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CHARLES S. WILSON, Commissioner

Bulletin 76

The Horse Industry in New York

State

Issued fay the Bureau of Farmers* Institutes and Compiled under the

Supervision of^e^D^ctcp^^.j^ ^.^^^^ ^^ ^^^^.^^^ ^^

Cummings School of Veterinary Medici
Tufts University

a

»^

ti".'^,

CONTENTS

PAGE

Introduction 9

Evolution and History of the Horse, M. W. Harper 11

Principles of Horse Breeding, M. W. Harper 14

The Standardbred Horse, Carl W. Gay 20

The Arab Horse, H. K. Bush-Brown 27

The Thoroughbred, Lieut. X. C. Shiverick 37

The American Saddle Horse, Elise Castleman Railey 47

The Hunter, Frank S. Peer 57

The Shetland Pony, Julia M. Wade 67

The Welsh Pony, Julia ]il. Wade 68

The Draft Breeds of France, E. S. Akin 71

The Belgian, E. S. Akin 82

The Draft Breeds of Great Britain, E. S. Akin 91

Hackney Breeding in America, Reginald C. ^'anderbilt 104

Coach Horses, DeVoe Meade 110

Asses and Mules, Dr. C. W. Brodhead 119

The Horse on New York State Farms, Dr. ]\I. Hamilton 129

The Best Horse for the Farmer to Breed, J. H. S. Johnstone 134

Care of the Stallion, J. Gelder 141

Care of the Brood ilare and Her Colt, Lowell Roudebush 148

Fall Versus Spring Colts, Edward van Alstyne 155

Training the Colt, H. E. Hopkins 161

The Horses' Feet and Their Care, Dr. C. W. Brodhead 167

Care of Horses' Teeth, Dr. C. W. Brodhead 183

Feed and Care of the Horse, F. C. Minkler 187

Horses at the New York State Fair, Dr. H. S. Wende 193

The Need of a Stallion Law, Dr. W. G. Hollingworth 207

Effects of the Wisconsin Stallion Law, Dr. A. S. Alexander 213

Stallion Enrollment Law, E. S. Akin 215

Community Effort in Draft Horse Breeding, J. L. Edmonds 216

Horse Breeding in the West and East, Forest Henry 221

Glanders or Farcy, Dr. Charles Linch 225

Diseases of the Limbs and Bony Structure, Dr. J. F. DeVine 234

Distemper and Diseases of the Respiratory Organs, Dr. E. L. Volgenau.. 241

Colic and Azaturea, Dr. M. Hamilton 251

Horse Companionship. Frank S. Peer 263

New York State Draft Horse Breeders Club 268

Statistics 269

Index 271

[3]

ILLUSTRATIOJSrS

PAGE
Fig. 1. Seven-eighths Pereheron Colts Bred on Farm of Edward van

Alstyne 8

Fig. 2. Green Mountain INIaid in 1S73 20

Fig. 3. Inscription on ]\Ionvmient to Green Mountain Maid 22

Fig. 4. Hambletonian 10 at Twenty-three Years of Age 23

Fig. 5. ilonument Over Grave of Hambletonian 10 24

Fig. 6. Imported Arab Horse, Houran 28

Fig. 7. Three-Year-Old, Cibolo 29

Fig. 8. Cross Between Kentucky Saddle Sire and Pure-Bred Arab Dam . . 31

Fig. 9. Daughter of Deyr 33

Fig. 10. Abdalla Xo. 52 35

Fig. 11. A Good Pair of' TTioroughbred Drivers 38

Fig. 12. Prize-Winning Two-Year-Old 40

Fig. 13. Thoroughljred Shown at State Fair 43

Fig. 14. Golden Flight 46

Fig. 15. Dainty Peanine by Cilolden King 48

Fig. 16. Carolina by Chester Dare 50

Fig. 17. Beechwold Bab by a Son of Highland Denmark 52

Fig. 18. Quicksilver by Boyd Lynn 53

Fig. 19. Geneva C. by Highland Denmark 54

Fig. 20. Eeady for a Cross-Country Run 59

Fig. 21. Typical Farmyard and Old Stone Barn of a Pereheron Breeder. . 70

Fig. 22. Prize Collection of iirdennais Mares 72

Fig. 23. Prize Collection of Pereheron Mares 74

Fig. 24. Pereheron Stallion, Kalot 76

Pig. 2.3. Pereheron Stallions in the Great Four-Year-Okl Class 77

Fig. 26. Pereheron Stallion, Mandarin 78

Fig. 27. Pereheron Mare, Livourne 80

Fig. 28. Belgian Stallions in the Four-Year-Old Class 83

Fig. 20. Indigene du Fosteau, One of the Greatest of Modern Belgian

Sires . . ■ • 84

Fig. 30. A Bunch of Belgian Stallion Colts 86

Fig. 31. Belgian Stallions in the Five-Year-Old Class 87

Fig. 32. Reve d'Or, Noted Belgian Stallion 88

Fig. 33. Seventeen Entries of Four Mares Each 89

Fig. 34. Typical Country in Suflfolk. England 92

Fig. 35. Suffolk Stallion. Sudbourne Red Cup 94

Fig. 36. SuflTolk Mare. Sudbourne Marrilass 95

Pig. 37. Clydesdale Stallion, Ciaibstone 97

Pig. 38. Clydesdale Mare. Havistoun Baroness 98

Pig. 39. Shire Stallion. Chuldwick 100

Fig. 40. Shire Mare, Dunsmore Chemie 102

[5]

6 ILLUSTKATIONS

PAGE

Fig. 41 llackncy Stallion, Irvington Marlboro 105

Fig. 42. Silficld Vi-niis, Hackney Marc, and Four of Her Colts 106

Fig. 43. Hackney Colts in Pasture 107

Fig. 44. Stallion at Mr. DriscolTs Farm 108

Fig. 45. Hackney Stallion, Volunteer Ill

Fig. 4(). French Coach Stallion, Palladea 113

Fig. 47. German Coach Mare, Alemania 115

Fig. 48. Cleveland Bay Stallion, Bedlion Fred 117

Fig. 49. Fine Poitou Jack 12(i

Fig. 50. A Good Farm Team of Mules 122

Fig. 51. The Same Pair as Shown in Fig. 50, Ready for a Drive to Town. 124

Fig. 52. Type of Mules I'sed by the Oil Companies for Heavy Loads. . . . 127

Fig. 53. Typical Farm Chunk 138

Fig. 54. Desirable Type of Stallion 142

Fig. 55. Stallion Marat, Doing the Work of Two Small Horses 144

Fig. 56. Grade Draft Mares Twelve Years Old in Foal and With Foal. . . 150

Fig. 57. Grade Draft Mare Nine Years Old and Mule Colt 152

Fig. 58. Using the Brood Mare in Cutting Alfalfa 154

Fig. 59. Seven-eighths Percheron Colt 158

Fig. 60. Three-quarter Blood Percheron Mares on Farm of Edward van

Alstyne 159

Fig. 61. Bones and Joints of the Horse's Hoof and Leg 170

Fig. 62. Shoes Hand Made for Pathological and Practical Purposes 176

Fig. 63. Shoes Hand Made, etc., (continued) 178

Fig. 64. Head of Horse Showing Jaws and Teeth 184

Fig. 65. Group of Young Belgian Stallions at State Fair 194

Fig. 66. Prize-Winning Percheron Stallion 195

Fig. 67. Grade Champion Belgian Stallion, Richelieu 196

Fig. 68. Six-Horse Team Exhibited at State Fair 198

Fig. 69. Perfection, Winner of Silver Cup at State Fair, 1914 199

Fig. 70. Two-Year-Old Percheron Stallion, Armand 200

Fig. 71. Two-Year-Old Percheron Stallion, Invocation 201

Fig. 72. Yearling Belgian Stallion by Richelieu 202

Fig. 73. Judges at New York State Fair 205

Fig. 74. Percheron Mare and Foal. A Good Type for Community Breed-
ing 218

Fig. 75. Bacillus Mallei 225

Fig. 76. Glanders Ulcers or Farcy Buds 226

Fig. 77. Glanders Ulcers of the Nasal Septum .- 227

Fig. 78. Cross Section of Lungs Showing Glanders Nodules 228

Fig. 79. Showing Results of Tests for Glanders 231

Fig. 80. A Neglected Case of Lymphangitis 239

THE HORSE
Braced in the sineiry vigor of ihtj hrced.
In pride of generous strength, thou stately steed;
Thy hroad chest to the battle's front is given,
Thy mane fair floating to the winds of heaven,
Thy stamping hoofs the jlinty pebbles break;
Graceful the rising of thine arched neck.
Thy bridle-bits white flakes of foam unlock;
From thy moved nostrils bursts the curling smoke.
Thy kindling eye-balls bi-ave the glaring south,
And dreadful is the thunder of thy mouth;
V.liilst low to earth thy curving haunches bend,
Thy sweepy tail involved in clouds of sand.
Erect in air thou rear'st thy front of pride,
And ringst the plated harness at thy side!

JOAXNA BAILLIE.

J* *!.

^».

^^^

INTRODUCTION

"A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! " are the words
Shakespeare put in the month of the defeated Richard. This
has been the sentiment, if not the exact words, of many a better
man before and since. We believe the Psalmist was in error
when he said, "A horse is a vain thing for safety, and neither
shall he deliver any by his great strength." Both assertions have
been disproved again and again.

Down through the ages the horse has been associated with man
in his savage or semi-savage state, as well as in his most civilized.
He has played a most important part as a means of transportation,
an engine of war, and as a beast of burden. In all of these there
has been interwoven with the intensely practical, a touch of the
romantic that has set the horse upon a pinnacle among our do-
mestic animals. Were we to give our fancy and pen free rein
we might discourse at length of his associations with man in some
of the most important events in the world's history. Who can
think of Xapoleon in war apart from his milk-w4iite charger,
Rams ; or disassociate Paul Revere, on his historic ride, from his
steed

'^ — Flying fearless and fleet

And the spark struck out from the steed in its flight

Kindled the land with flame with its heat."

Or, what thought of Marcus Whitman on his pilgrimage across
the continent to inform the American Congress of the value of
the Oregon country, does not l:ear with it the horse that carried
him over mountains and through deserts?

Time and space would not avail to tell of McCormack riding
on horseback from Chicag£> to Palmyra, IST. Y., seeking aid to
finance his proposed reaper; of Sheridan at Winchester; as well as
a host of other instances where man's best efforts, without the aid
of the horse, would be as water spilled upon the groimd.

Among the kingdoms in which the horse has been a most im-
portant subject, we must not forget the farm. Here, as time and

[01

10 Introduction

labor grew more valuable, he supplanted the patient ox, and made
possible the " winning of the West," before steam and elec-
tricity — neither of which have or will altogether supplant this
valuable animal — were harnessed for farm purposes.

As indicated above, the part he has played would well entitle
him to a place among the series of bulletins being issued by the
Farmers' Institute Bureau of the New York State Department
of Agriculture on stock and crops. Since a publication of this
kind must deal with present-day utilities, we feel that at this
time in our agriculture the horse should loom large, because of
the fearful destruction of these animals on the battlefields of
Europe, thousands of them being drawn from this country. The
war and its results will prevent importation for years to come.

That the horse may be properly esteemed, classified and under-
stood as to his breeding, handling and utility, this bulletin has
been prepared. We have endeavored to set forth the above con-
cerning him in some detail, and from many viewpoints ; yet in
simple language, easily to be understood. While designed
primarily for the people of our own state, we have endeavored
to make it broad enough to be of value to readers everywhere. To
this end we have sought contributions from a wide field ; eight
difterent states have furnished them. As in previous bulletins
from this bureau the compiler has laid tribute on some of his
many friends both in and out of the state. His only apology for
such — if there need be apology - — is that he might avail himself
of their knowledge for the service of others. To all such he
woaild here record his thanks and appreciation, which he is certain
the many readers will second. Particular mention should be
made of Prof. M. W. Harper of Cornell University and ]\Ir. E.
S. Akin of Syracuse, who have not only contributed leading
articles, but without whose advice and assistance this bulletin
would not have been possible.

It is sent out with the threefold hope that it may lead to a
better appreciation of the horse in New York state's agi*i culture ;
a better understanding of his requirements, and hence a better
attention to his needs ; and withal an increased income and a
decreased outlay from our farms.

Edward van Alstyne.

EVOLUTION AND HISTORY OF THE HORSE
M. W. Hakper

Professor of Animal Husbandry, Cornell University, Ithaca.

The earlj history of the horse is
both interesting and instrnetive. It
is interesting because of the marked
changes that have taken place in
size and conformation. It is instruc-
tive because it attbrds a good example
of the adaptation of a race of animals
to their environment. It shows clearly
the influence of selection, whether it be
i:atnral or artificial.

PREHISTORIC DEVELOPMENT

By means of fossil remains, the earlier history of the horse has
been worked out farther back into the past than that of any other
farm animal. Moreover, the horse was one of the first animals
to receive the attention of progressive breeders, his improvement
antedating that of cattle, sheep, and swine. This is not strange
when we consider the intimacy of horse and man, their constant
companionship, and the dependency of man upon his horse in the
chase, in the pursuit of his foes, and in escape from his enemies.

The prehistoric development of the horse has been thoroughly
investigated by the American Museum of Xatural History. The
horse family has been traced back without a single important
break to the Eocene epoch of the Tertiary period. During this
long period, estimated at 3,000,000 years, the animals of the horse
family have passed through important changes in all parts of the
body, especially in the feet and teeth, adapting them more per-
fectly to their environment. Thus the earliest known ancestors
of the horse family differed widely from the horse of the pre-^ent
time. These ancestors were very small, possibly no larger than
the domestic cat. They possessed four complete toes on each
front foot and three on each hind foot. The teeth of this early

[111

12 The Horse Industry in New York State

ancestor were short-crowned and covered with low ronnded cnsps
of enamel somewhat similar to those of swine, and differing widely
from the long-crowned, rather complicated molars of the modern
horse.

A nnmber of stages are recognized in the evolution of the horse
from this early period to the present, each stage being character-
istic with the horse becoming more and more developed toward
the present-day type as the times become more and more recent.
Some of these stages are especially interesting because of the
changes brought about by the changes in natural conditions, show-
ing the adaptation of the animal to his environment.

Thus with the disappearance of the side toes there was a con-
siderable increase in the length of the legs, especially the lower
part. The increased length of the lower leg increased the length
of the stride without decreasing its quickness, thus giving the ani-
mal greater speed. The heavy muscling in the' upper' leg in con-
nection with the increased strength at the joints gives the animal
greater strength.

The increase in the lengih of limb made necessary a similar
increase in the length of head and neck in order to enable the
animal to reach the ground when grazing. The increase in the
length of crown development of the teeth enabled the animal to
subsist on the hard grasses of the dry plains, which required much
more thorough mastication before they could be used as food than
did the softer green foods of the swamps and forests, the horse's
early habitat.

Such changes in the evolution of the horse adapt him to live
in the regions of level, smooth, and open grassy plains. In the
beginning the horse was better fitted for forest life, but it has
become more and more completely adapted to live and compete
with its enemies or rivals under the conditions which prevail on
the high dry plains. The increase in size which has occurred
during this evolution has depended upon the ability of the animal
to secure an abundance of food. This end was provided with the
changes in form which enabled the horse to cover larger areas
in a shorter length of time.

Evolution and History of the Hokse 13

natural causes of evolution

It is interesting to note the probably natural cause of the evolu-
tion of the horse. During the early Tertiary period much of the
western part of the Xorth American continent was not as high
above the sea as now. Indeed, much of the country had but re-
cently emerged from the Gulf of Mexico which stretched far up
the Mississippi Valley. The climate was probably very moist and
warm and tropical, as is emphasized by tropical forest trees found
fossil often as far as Greenland. Such a climate, with a low eleva-
tion of land, would favor the gTowth 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 the sea level. 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 to either retreat and disappear
with the forests or adapt themselves to life on the plains. Most
of the horse's early relatives followed the former course and dis-
appeared, while the horse himself followed the latter course,
changed with the changing conditions, and the race became as it
is today, perhaps the most specialized of animals in its adaptation
to its environment.

PRINCIPLES OF HORSE BREEDING

M. W. Harpei?
Professor of Animal Husbandry, Cornell University, Ithaca.

The development of the modern breeds of the horse dates back
abont three centuries when the English began to improve their
horses, which resulted in the formation of the present thorough-
bred breed of running horses. Most of the early attempts at
improvement were for an increase in efficiency of the horse for
sport and war. During the eighteenth century, however, much
attention was given to horse breeding for economic purposes.

To Robert Bakewell we owe much for this movement. About
1Y60, Bakewell assumed the management of the estate on which
his father and grandfather had resided at Leicestershire, Eng-
land. 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 careful atten-
tion to progTessive improvement, be able to produce a breed
from which he could derive maximum advantage. Bakewell
recognized two cardinal principles of animal improvement : first,
that similar produces similar, and second, that form bears close
relationship to function. Based upon these principles, he origi-
nated a system, the application of which has resulted in our
specialized breeds of horses.

SELECTION

In the improvement of our horses, selection plays an all-im-
portant part, since it enables us to encourage the production of
those horses that meet the demand, and to prevent, in part at
least, the production of undesirable animals. Thus in selecting
horses for breeding purposes there are four important factors
to be considered : first, individual merit or the perfection of the
animal as a representative of its race, type, or breed ; second,
the pedigree or purity of ancestry, and the probable capacity
of the individual to reproduce itself or show improvement ; third,
the suitability of the two animals to be mated ; and fourth, breed-
ing performance when offspring are available for observation,

(14]

Principles of Hokse Breeding 15

individuality

In selecting breeding horses the perfection of the animals
should be carefully considered. Occasionally we give too little
attention to this and select an animal on the basis of his pedigree.
Such practice often proves disappointing as many inferior indi-
viduals are recorded simply because such animals command a
good price on the market.

PEDIGREE

In choosing horses for breeding purposes the purity of ancestry
is an important factor, since the capacity of a horse to produce
superior offspring will depend largely upon his ancestry. Thus,
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
offspring of an inferior individual with a poor pedigree will be
distinctly inferior.

MATING

To be suitable for mating, the horses should be as nearly alike
in general characters as it is possible to select, otherwise the out-
come cannot be foretold. When thx? offspring shows good quali-
ties 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 far removed ancestor, it is called
reversion. Some persons are very skilled in selecting animals
that mate to advantage,

BREEDING PERFORMANCE

In selecting mares or stallions for breeding purposes we can
obtain a very good idea of the suitability of the animals by an
examination of the offspring, if such are available. Thus in
choosing a stallion, a careful examination should be made of his
get, and, if they are deficient or otherwise unfit, he should be
rejected. The same procedure should be followed in selecting

16 The Horse Industry in New York State

a mare. This practice may necessitate choosing an animal of
some age, bnt it is preferable, as we know for a certainty what
to expect of the offspring.

PREPOTENCY

There is a wide variation among horses in their power to stamp
their characteristics upon offspring. When the offspring resem-
bles one parent more than the other, the one transmitting it is
said to be prepotent over the other parent. Thus prepotency
becomes of importance in improvement, and tlie inflnences that
tend to produce it in the individual are worthy of careful con-
sideration. While many of the factors that influence prepotency
are little understood, tliose that do aid and are under the control
of man are: first, purity of breeding which favors stability;
second, strong constitutional development which strengthens the
characters; and third, limited inbreeding which aids prepotency
as it streng-thens dominant characters, both good and bad.

In breeding horses the prepotency of the stallion is given more
consideration than that of the mare. 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 represented in more progeny. Furthermore, since
comparatively few males are needed for breeding purposes, they
are usually much more carefully selected than are the females,
practically all of which are bred. This also favors the prepotency
of the stallion.

STERILITY

Perhaps the horse breeder's greatest difficulty is the failure
of his animals to breed freely. The causes which lead to sterility
are many, some of which are understood and are more ot less under
control ; others — and by far the larger and more serious number
— are little known and beyond control. Some of the known and
preventable causes of sterility are: first, confinement and lack of
exercise ; second, irregular food supply ; third, food lacking proper
nutrients; fourth, animals too fat; fifth, close inbreeding; sixth,
excessive breeding, particularly with the stallion ; and like
causes. To lessen sterility, the breeder should make a careful

Peixciples of Horse Breeding 17

study of the conditions likely to produce the ailment, and care-
fully avoid them.

SOUNDNESS

Both sire and dam should be free from all forms of unsound-
ness and disease that is hereditary, transmittable, or communi-
cable to the oifspring. AVhile absolutely perfect animals can
rarely, if ever, be found, and few horse breeders can afford to
reject breeding stock for some unimportant defect ; yet, not until
both mare and stallion are free from unsoundness can we hope to
raise the excellency of our horses to the degree possible as the
result of intelligent breeding. Many persons have fallen into the
grievous way of considering any broken-down, halt, maimed,
blind, or otherwise unsound mare tit for breeding purposes when
no longer able to work. It is certainly poor policy to knowingly
use unsound breeding animals and thus promote unsoundness in
the offspring.

BREEDING YOUNG FILLIES

Among horse breeders there is much difference of opinion as
to the advisability of breeding the two-year-old tilly. It would
seem that this practice would depend upon at least three factors,
namely, the breed, the individual, and the object sought. As a
rule draft-bred mares mature younger than those of the lighter
type. Draft fillies at two years of age are often as mature as
a light-bred filly at three years of age. Individual mares differ
in the way they mature ; a smoothly turned, neat and well-fin-
ished one matures much younger than a rough, coarse and growthy
individual.

Since the feed and care influence the maturing, the filly that
is kept growing continuously from birth will mature earlier than
one imperfectly cared for and which receives a set-back each
winter.

FinaDy, if breeding pure-bred animals and the object sought
is to improve the strain, the advisability of breeding the two-year-
old filly would be questionable. From this it would seem that if
one desires to produce draft horses for market, there is no reason
why fillies cannot be bred at two years of age if they are well
grown and mature, and the owner is willing to feed and care for
them properly during their pregnancy.

18 The House Industky in New York State

Possibly one reason for so much discussion as to the wisdom
of breeding a mare at two years of age is from the fact that a
filly at this age breeds with much irregularity. From experience
it seems that only about one filly in four will conceive at so early
an age.

THE PREGNANT MxVRE

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 nourishment 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 stagnant, tired or injured in any way.
The breeder who is painstaking and can accomplish this, will
experience little or no difficulty in managing brood mares during
and after parturition. There is no secret in raising colts further
than the feeding of a moderate amount of nutritious food and
providing sufficient exercise to keep the mare and foal in per-
fect health.

In our attempt to favor the pregnant mare we often subject
her to very adverse conditions. Often she is placed in a stall,
fed most nutritious foods, and denied exercise, particularly in
winter, as w^e are afraid she will slip and injure herself or her
foal. Under these conditions she soon stocks up, her legs become
swollen and stiff, she takes on fat rapidly, and becomes soft and
flabby — all of which serve to increase the difficulty at parturi-
tion time. It is much better to keep the pregnant mare at
moderate work even up to the day of foaling as this will provide
the needed exercise which is so essential to the well-being of both
mare and foal.

SPRING FOALS

Mares breed naturally in early spring. At this season tlipir
breeding condition is more readily observed and they conceive
more frequently than at any other time during the year. While
the spring of the year is the natural breeding season, on many
farms it is an inconvenient time because of the season's work,
this being the busiest time of year. This often necessitates breed-
ing the mare so that the colt will be dropped in the fall.

Principles of Horse Breeding 19

Thus, when convenient, the spring is the proper time to breed
the mare, being attended by many advantages. The foal comes
at a time when it is much more easily managed, the housing is
simplified, since, if the weather is warm, the mare and foal may
be turned into a small paddock or pasture. The grass the mare
gets will serve to keep her in good physical condition and will
stimulate the milk flow. This also gives the foal the range of
the field and the much-needed exercise, without which no foal can
develop endurance. Soon the foal will learn to nibble the grass,
which will prove very beneficial, since grass is a very good supple-
ment for milk for a nursing foal. If the foal is given a little
grain at the same time the dam receives her ration, he will thrive
and develop in a manner difficult to equal with a fall colt.

FALL FOALS

When fall foals are to be raised the mare should be bred so as
to foal as soon as convenient after the season's work is done, pro-
viding the foal does not come when the flies are so cruelly annoy-
ing. To encourage the mare to breed, she should be fed an
abundance of nutritious food which should be of a rather laxative
nature. She should be blanketed and regularly exercised or mod-
erately worked. Her physical condition can be much improved
by feeding a moderate amount of succulent food, the object being
to make the conditions as spring-like as possible.

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 possible. She should be exercised regularly. If the breeder
has a succulent food such as carrots, and provides sufficient exer-
cise for mare and foal, it is possible to raise a winter colt that
will be a stroug rival of the average spring colt. The winter
colt has one advantage over the spring colt in that he is weaned
in the spring of the year and may be turned to pasture where
he should thrive, particularly if given a small allowance of grain.

THE STANDARDBRED HORSE

Carl W. Gay
Professor of Animal Industry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.

The Standardbred has a peculiar signifi-
cance to JSTew York State farmers. America
has produced comparatively few breeds of
live stock, our demands in milk, meat and
power being met bj representatives of
foreign breeds that have been transplanted.
To be sure some, as the Holstein cattle,
may be so successfully bred here as to prac-
tically render importation unnecessary.
Our supply of pork products is derived
chiefly from breeds of our own creation and
we think we have developed a saddle horse without a peer in his
class, but the only American breeds which have attracted marked
attention and demand abroad are Standardbred horses and Merino
sheep, both of which have been exported in large numbers.

Fig. 2. Green Mountain Maid in 1873

(From " Productive Horse Hushandry ' ' — Courtesy of J. B. Lippincott , Publishers)

[20]

The Standardbked Horse 21

notable centers of standard breeding

It is impossible to divorce in our minds Standardbred and
New York State. Not onlv in Orange county the cradle of the
breed, figuratively speaking, but the very sentiment for road
driving of which the '' light harness " idea was born, had its
inception on the improved roads about Xew-York City.-

That ideals are essential to successful breeding, and that these
ideals are most cherished where greatest Successes have been
achieved, is made plain by a visit to that part of New York State
made famous by Standardbred ;history. . Na,tin'ally among the
older pre-motor-day generation the American trotter is idealized.
Goshen, the county seat, has been dubbed " The Lexington of the
Xorth " in recognition of the important part it played even after
the formative period of the breed, as a centre of light-harness-
horse activities. Its^ historic half mile . track and stables where
many champions have been trained and quartered, as well as
championship honors contested, is directly across- the way from the
Court House, and apparently has been an institution of equal
rank in the aifairs of the town. The streets are broad, and time
was when a lively brush straight away down the street was a com-
mon occurrence. (Conversation with old-timers elicits inspiring
accounts of this horse or that, his achievement and a character
sketch of the man who br-€^d.him. About the countryside, and even
in the towns, are monuments in granite to the memory of the most
notable horses. Most conspicuous among- these- shafts; are those
erected to Green Mountain^ Maid at Stony Ford and Hamble-
tonian 10 at Chester.

More local color is added to the picture of the history of the
Standardbred by the part played by the old race tracks on Long
Island and about New York City. The initial performance of
Lady Suffolk, Flora Temple and Dexter, as well as many lesser
lights, were at Beacon, Union and Fashion courses respectively,
while one of the first trotting matches recorded w^as on the
Jamaica Road (Long Island) 1824.

From southeastern New York, as the original center in which
the Standardbred was established and his foundation blood lines
laid down, the sentiment for the trotter, and consequently some
breeding stock, was carried to Kentucky and especially to Cali-
fornia. Philadelphia has always figured more or less intimately

22

The Horse Industry in New York State

with New York. During a half century or less Standardbred
horses have become most generally distributed throughout every
state, and are so firmly established as to meet the strongest oppo-
sition from promoters of other breeds for which it is desired to
gain a foothold.

Fig. 3. Inscription on Monument to Green Mountain
Maid at Stony Ford — "Greatest Mother of Trotters."

(From " Productive Horse Husbandry" — Courtesy of J. B. Lippincott,
Publishers.)

standardbreds entitled to a place
One of the generally accepted policies of the later-day agri-
cultural education is to oppose the Standardbred. He is tabooed
for the farmer, and treated with the utmost contempt by many
who are responsible for an unprejudiced exposition of the merits
and claims of all breeds of live stock. We cannot deny some
reason for this. Probably lower net profits have been returned
to the credit of the farm accounts by trotters than by any other

The Standardbked Horse 23

class of animals produced on the farm ; yet draft horses pay well.
However, to ignore or to depise the Standardbred is to deny de-
served recognition to the horse which has, at least until we have
been shown a better way, tilled our fields, furnished our chief
means of transportation, mounted our troops, and been the central
figure in one of our most popular and liberally patronized sports.
And there are yet farmers who find the Standardbred of the riglit
type to be of greater usefulness to them than horses of any other
type or breed.

NOTABLE STRAINS

The history of the Standardbred is very well known and little
need be said of it here. Every Xew York farmer knows the

Fig. 4. Hambletoxiax 10 at Twexty.-Three Years of Age.

(From " Productive Horse Husbandry" — Courtesy of J. B. Lippincott, Publishers.)

Hambletonian, the Abdallahs, the Mambrinos, the Wilkes and a
score of others. However, that these farmers do not fully under-
stand how the fabric of the breed is woven in these lines is ex-
posed in their frequent reference to a Wilkes or a Hambletonian.
There was a time when to be a Wilkes or Hambletonian was some
distinction, but the different branches of the family tree have

24

The Horse Industry in New York State

begot trotters.

ramified into so many twigs that to say that a horse is Wilkes-
bred signifies that he is Standardbred and that is about; all. It
may, therefore, be worth while to run out some of these family
lines.

descendants of messenger
So far as the Hambletonians, the Wilkes, and the Mambrinos
are concerned the focal point is found in Messenger — a gray
Thoroughbred imported from England in 1788. While he was a
running race horse, many of his sons and grandsons out of the
common trotting road mares of that time, became trotters and
The most notable of all sons of Messenger was

Mambrino, at whom the
family tree first di-
"v i d e s. Mambrino,
sired both Abdallah
and Mambrino Pay-
master. From the
former comes Hamble^
tonian 10 and his 1287
descendants ; while
Mambrino Paymaster
sired Mambrino (liief,
a cousin of Hambleton-
ian and progenitor of a
blood line known col-
lectively as the ]Vram-
brinos, which nicked
especially well with
the get of Hambleton-
ian himself.

Of the nnmerons
sons of Hambletonian
fourteen became noted
as producing .sires, and
George Wilkes was the

Fig. 5. Monument over Grave of Hambletox- jrreatest of them all.
IAN 10 AT Chester, N. Y. ^ .

{From " Productive Horse Husbandry" — Courtcsi, „f J. B. Lip- ^^'^'^ again the trCG
pincott, Publishers.) i i j v J*

branches and subdi-
vides through the sons and daughters of George Wilkes and
their succeeding generations, which are almost legion. The pre-
potency in this family is remarkable.

The Standakdbked Hokse 25

the morgans
Other Standardbred family lines not akin are the descendants
of Justin Morgan whose best blood comes down through Sher-
man Morgan, Black Hawk, Ethan Allen, and, in Daniel Lam-
Ijert, is engrafted onto the Ilambletonian stalk, F'anny Cook, the
dam of Daniel Lambert being by Abdallah and therefore half
sister of Ilambletonian. The more light there is thrown on the
ancestry of the early Standardbreds the more credit attaches to
Justin Morgan. He is ranked by some authorities along with
^Messenger, they being claimed as the two breed-foundation sires.

DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS

The present status of the Standardbred is subject to some
discussion. While he is primarily a light-harness race horse, the
percentage of those bred that make good in this capacity is low,
and hardly sufficient in itself to justify the breeding of them to
the extent that they have been bred.

Harness racing seems to be as popular as ever, but the demand
for road horses, misfits in the breeding of race horses, has been
more impaired by the general use of motors than has that for
any other type of horse. Without an outlet for the ninety-nine,
the one hundredth one, that is good enough to race, becomes an
expensive proposition to produce. ]S'o one is unwise enough to
advocate the breeding of race horses by farmers, but the economic
importance of the breed depends as much upon what is to become
of the majority of the colts as upon the successful careers of the
exceptional few. This is the problem in this breed at present.

The high-class road horse or gentleman's driver stands a fair
chance to come back, perhaps, but the road horse which serves only
as a means of rapid transit can never hope to compete again with
the roadster car. There is, however, a practically new field opened
up to the good-gaited, well-mannered trotter. For some time
trotters have been used in a limited way as saddle horses, but they
have been backed chiefly by trotting, not saddle, horsemen. Now
riders of much experience have been heard to, say that if more
people had experienced the delightful sensation of riding trotting
horses more would l)e ridden. The extended trot of the light-
harness horse is so distinct from the collected, weight-carrying

26 TiiE HoKSE Industry in New York State

trot of the true saddle horse, and they are so different in the way
they are set np, that it seems inconsistent to interchange the use
of either. Yet there is ample and proper endorsement of the
trotter as the horse to ride to warrant his recommendation for
such use. Business men who have limited time in which to ride
for exercise are especially warm in their commendation.

j\luch has been heard of the remount problem of late. The
Standardbred has always given a good account of himself in
service and appears to be leading in the solution of this problem
today, notwithstanding Thoroughbred and Saddle Horse conten-
tion to the contrary. If a census of the thousands of horses re-
cruited for foreign service in this country the past few months
were taken, Standardbred breeding would be found to predomi-
nate. This fact does not attest the greater suitability of the Stand-
ardbred grades as mounts, but is accounted for by the very good
reason that they are available in greater numbers and in more
different parts of the country than any other horses that will
serve the purpose at all. The country is already stocked with
good Standardbred mares. Are they not our greatest asset in the
remount contingency ?

We, of New York State, hold the Standardbred in highest
esteem, for sentiment and state's sake, for the i>iorv that has been
his, and we protest against counting him down and out, as some
would do, for time to come.

THE ARAB HORSE

H. K. Bush-Brow:s, Washington, D. C.

Secretary-Treasurer, The Arabian Horse Club of America

ORIGIN

The earliest histories and sculptural
records depict the horse, and usually the
Arab horse. There is &ome question as to
whether this ancient type of horse was first
known in Assyria or in Northern Africa.
He is sometimes spoken of as the African
horse to distinguish him from the Forest
horse, which originated in Europe, and is
therefore called the European horse.

So far as can be determined there are
four species of horses : first, the Forest horse from which we have
the draft types, commonly called ^'cold-blooded"; second, the
Arab horse or hot-blooded horse, from which we have all the light
and fleet horses, and the admixtures of these two giving the coach
types ; third, the Arctic horse or pony, represented by the Norway
horse, the Conamara pony, and the small horse from the Xorth
British Islands ; fourth, the Prezwalski horse, recently discovered
in a wild state in Central Africa, only a few of which are to be
found and these are in zoological parks.

ANATOMY

The earliest fossil type of horse had five toes and five developed
hoofs; he was small, long-bodied with arched back. Then came
the three-toed fellow, and finally the one-toed horse as we know
him, with the two side toes only in rudimentary form and called the
splint bones. These fossil types had one more vertebrae than
the modern horses, which peculiarly reasserts itself now in our
sometimes finding seven instead of six lumbar vertebrae. The
draft t^'pes have the regulation twenty-four vertebrae; still they
are further elongated in the body by the thicker padding between
the bones, and are from four to eleven per cent longer than they
are high at the withers. In contrast to this the body of an Arab

[27]

28

The Hoese Industky in New Yokk State

a; „

C 'o

The Arab Horse

29

horse just fills a square, and ke has one less vertebrae m the
back-twenty-tlu-ee instead of the twenty-four connnon to all
other horses, even those so closely bred to the Arab as the f l,or-

In the evolution of the horse we find, as we go from the ea.lv

a„d lower types to the later and higher types, this course ot eyo-

,tion is in L elimination of the extra toes and the shortening

Fifi. 7. Three-Year-Old, Ctboeo, Bred by A^-ITA :\I. BAi.omx,
Santa Anita, Cal.

of the back bv reducing the number of vertebrae, until we arrive
at the highest type the Aral) with only twenty-three vertebrae m
the back.

CAPACITY

The relation of proportion and anatomical detail to capacity
has alwavs been recognized by the trained eye of men who have
lived ^vith horses, but reducing it to mathematical terms is yet to
be accomplished. The research which T have made along these
lines has been only sufficient to disclose the largeness ot the held
that must be cultivated by those who wish to work therein.

30 The Horse Industry in New York State

It is accepted as a truism, however, that a long-waisted horse
is not a strong or enduring one — that is, long in the loins or
lumbar vertebrae. Some of the fossil types had seven or eight
lumbar vertebrae. William C'avandish, the Duke of New Castle,
in 1654, depicts the horse of that time with seven. This probably
was an accidental revision or sport, for the later fossil types
had the regulation six common to all modern horses except the
Axab which has five, or, if six are developed, only seventeen
dorsal vertebrae.

This shortness of the back of the Arab sufficiently explains his
great weight-carrying capacity and endurance, which, with his
extended ribs and deep chest with big trottle and open-nostrils,
gives him great lung capacity.

It is in the transmission of some of these qualities to his off-
spring, the Thoronghbred and Trotter, that we have the speed and
endurance of these types. With three centuries of artificial se-
lection for special functions of racing we have produced these
separate types of horses, but the present stock remains a distinct
type by itself, largely on account of the anatomical difterences.

HEREDITY

In the horse we have the wonderful opportunity for the study
of heredity, because of the anatomical difi^erences that exist be-
tween the Arab and even his nearest of kin, the Thoroughbred
and Trotter. For three hundred years we have, by special selection
for capacity, produced our modern types, using the dams of the
European horse with the sire of the Arab horse, constantly re-
fining and reenforcing from the Arab, until we have in the Thor-
oughbred 99 per cent and more of Aj-ab blood ; but with all this
selection I fail to find a Thoroughbred skeleton with the twenty-
three vertebrae of the Arab. On the other hand, we have the
Arab horse bred with religious care by the desert tribes, always
tracing their pedigrees from the dam, and for three thousand
years they have maintained a pure type with twenty-three verte-
brae.

These facts have forced me to accept this theory until the con-
trary is proved true : that the dam has more control over the pro-

The Arab Horse

31

portion and anatomy of the foal than the sire. The investigations
I have made so far have g'one to snpport this theory. The details
of this research I cannot give in the space allowed for this writing.
The pure and intense type will also more surely dominate the
characteristics of the foal, and diagonally crossing the warp and
woof of inheritance is the law of cross sex similarity so frequently
apparent. Thus the son favors the mother's family and the
dauo-hter the father's.

Fig. S. Cross Bet\™en a Kentucky Saddle Sire and a Pxjre-
Bred Arab Dam.

To return to the opportunities of horse breeding— we have to
find out something by breeding the pure Arab mare with twenty-
three vertebrae to the Thoroughbred, the Trotter and Morgan,
which are kindred types with twenty-four vertebrae, and, by re-
search, discover how many, if not all, of the produce will have
twentv-three vertebrae; also what the result would be from the
second generation by breeding to each of the original types.

32 The Hokse Industry in New Yokk State

future possibilities in heredity
My observation leads me to believe we can produce an American
Arab oa* Thoroughbred — whichever it may be decided to call the
family having the additional size and the anatomy and proportion
of the Arab — which, by reason of this increase of size and
shortening of back, will be a more enduring and better horse than
either of his ancestors. To accomplish results on such lines certain
individuals must be selected for anatomical research, and their
skeletons preserved in some museum so that those who follow the
investigation may do so from generation to generation. It cannot
be accomplished by any haphazard or catch-as-catch-cau method.
To show the value of continuous careful study, let us review the
influence of the Arab on horse breeding of the last few centuries
in this country.

REVIEW

The influence of Arab blood in this country goes back to colonial
times when all the importations of race horses to this country
had been bred in England, from the ten recently imported Arab
sires. The one who had the greatest influence on Anierican horses
was Messenger, who was thrice a grandson of Godolphin Arabian
and also bred to Byerly Turk, Greyhound, Curwan Arab, and
Darley Arabian. He was imported in 1788, and all Thorough-
breds, all Trotters, All Kentucky Saddle Horses- — and one may
safely say all the horses that are good for anything — carry the
blood of Messenger.

Scarcely less important was the importation from the desert
of the stallion Grand Bashawj who came a few years after
Messenger and was mated to his daughters. In ISll he was bred
to Pearl, the daughter of First Consul who was herself six times
bred to Godolphin Arabian and caiTied the blood of Byerly Turk,
Laads Arabian and Darley Arabian. The produce was Young
Bashaw who was bred to the descendants of Messenger, and thus
produced the families of Andrew Jackson, Long Island, Black
Hawk, and Henry Clay,

All the Trotters of this country carry the blood of Grand
Bashaw and the best of them go back to him on almost every line
of ancestry.

The Arab Hokse

33

34 The Horse Industry in New York State

I have no information of Arab horses tliat may have come to
this country between the time of Grand Bashaw and about 1856,
when Keene Richards of Kentucky imported quite a number of
stallions and mares. His breedings were destroyed or scattered
by the Civil War, yet their intlueuce can be traced as important
factors in the Kentucky Saddle Horses of today. One of Keene
Richards' horses produced the race horse Limestone, and another
the dam of Dorsey's Golddust.

After the battle of Pittsburgh Landing (Shiloh) General
Breckenridge escaped from capture by the federal troops, who
were on Thoroughbred horses, by driving two half-bred Arab fillies
of Keene Richards that were only gTeen three-year-olds.

Umbark was presented to President Van Buren. While -Hon.
AVilliam Seward was Secretary of State under Lincoln he was pre-
sented with the Arab stallions ALeaneke Hedragi and Siklany.
Leopard and Linden Tree were given to General Grant by the
Sultan of Turkey,

In 1856 Mr. Randolph Huntington imported Xaomi, and in
1893 her daughter Xazli and grandson Ximr. These important
importations were followed by others of ]\lr. J. A. P. Ramsdell
and Colonel Spencer Borden of Fall River, Mass.

In 1893 a large number of high-class Arabs were imported for
the World's Fair under agreement that they were to be returned
to Assyria, but they were sold for debt, only a few being rescued
from oblivion by Peter B. Bradley and Homer Davenport.

Descendants of all these horses have figured very prominently
in the show ring in many parts of the country, and in the long
distance test of 300 miles in Vermont last year, they held first,
third and fourth places, second place being given to a ^lorgan
horse.

In 1906 Mr. Homer Davenport imported the most important
and largest bunch of horses that ever left the desert of Arabia.
There were some twenty -five mares and stallions, counting the
foals at foot and in utero. Their value may be gauged by stating
that the Italian Government paid in Assyria $10,000 for the
brother of Deyr, one of the horses Davenport brought home.

It is too soon to estimate the importance of these horses or
the influence that they will have, but, judging by what has been

The Arab Hokse

35

Fig. 10. Abdalla Xo. 52. Owxed by X. J. Hess, Xew York City.

accomplished, they are going to imjiress themselves ou the stock
of this country just as the earlier importations have done. For
instance, one of these desert-bred horses, Haleb, "was shown in
Rutland in the Class for the best type of ^lorgans, and was given
the cup over the Vermont-bred ^lorgan horses.

The value of these horses to the American people will be in pro-
portion to the intelligence with which they are bred, and it would
seem to be the duty of the state experiment stations to take hold
of this necessary research breeding in a really scientific spirit,
where its pursuit will not be influenced by the whims of individ-
ual breeders or be subject to the limitations of one man's lifetime.

Heretofore we have been content to accept our types of horses
largely from Europe, and continue their studbooks with slavish
contentment and gratitude. In spite of this tendency we hav&

36 Thk Horse Industry in New York State

demonstrated our capacity to be iudependent by creating the
American Trotter, which has gone all over the world, and the
Morgan horse, which, for general purposes, has had no superior.
The Kentucky Saddle Horse is also a recognized type. With this
history before us is it too much to predict that horse breeders
should not close the doors of research, and say they know all there
is to know about horses and horse breeding?

BEAUTY AND INTELLIGENCE

There are two essential characteristics of the Arab horse which
have intrinsic merit and financial value. They are intelligence
and beauty. As the use of electricity and gasoline for motive
power relieves the horse of his former position of universal
drudge, he returns to his own original position — the companion
of man in his pleasure in times of peace, and the salvation of man
in time of war.

If there ever was the need of considering the maximum ef-
ficiency of a war horse, now is the time. The test given last year
in France of 1,000 kilometers, under hard military service,
showed the Arab-bred horse to be the most enduring; but this
has been demonstrated so many times and in so many ways, that
it is only a question of how best to use and continue the Arab
blood we already have in this country.

In addition to attaining these most useful qualities of endur-
ance by use of Arab blood, we have also the marked advantage
of beauty and intelligence which he possesses, and, if we will fol-
low the laws of heredity and carefully record the results, we can
improve on the horses we have in any direction of utility and
beauty we may desire. At present the state experiment stations
would seem to be the means of carrying out such work and divid-
ing the many methods of procedure.

Let us take up this work in a cooperative spirit of research
that we may make the most of this most interesting science.

THE THOROUGHBRED

Lieutenant N. C. Shiveeick, "Ashantee," Avon, N. Y.

ARABIAN FOUNDATION

In speaking of horses one often hears the word " thoroughbred "
misused. There can be no such thing as a thoroughbred Perch-
erou, a thoroughbred Clyde, Shire or other type; ''pure^bred"
is the term which should be used, and this term pure-bred may
be applied to any type of horse, each of whose parents is pure
bred and of the same type — pure-bred Percheron, pure-bred
Clyde, etc. Thoroughbred is the name of a distinct type of horse,
developed through centuries of breeding and Tacing. All Thor-
oughbred horses" trace their lineage through the records of the
American and English Studbook back to one of the three great
foundation sires, either the Godolphin Arabian, the Byerly Turk
or the D'arley Arabian. The Thoroughbred's foundation was Arab,
and it might be said that it practically began where the Arab left
off. I mean that the Thoroughbred, resting its foundation on the
Arab, thence forward until now, has been developed through the
science, care and wealth of the most enlightened, wealthiest and
ablest nations of the world.

TRANSMITS ENDURANCE

In developing the Thoroughbred, there has always been the one
definite object, namely, to breed an individual gamer, stronger,
hardier and more intelligent than his forebears. Thus for cen-
turies the one object of Thoroughbred breeders has been to inten-
sify in the " get " the best of its ancestors, and in each genera-
tion to eliminate minor defects and to cull out the undesirable
points or characteristics. Since no other breed has been so fa-
vored, it is unintelligent to even suggest that any breed can be
considered equal to the Thoroughbred in what we might call racial
transmission.

Throughout all nature and all activities of natural things, im-
provement occurs in consequence of care and selection. Why
breed to a Thoroughbred ? Because he transmits more desirable
qualities, physical and mental, than does any other horse. This

[37]

38

The IIokse Industry in 'New York State

The Thorougiibked 39

does not reflect on any one or all of the recognized breeds,
as each has its definite function, but, in the general case, the
Thoroughbred as a sire will give the fanner better returns than
any other breed, due to his athletic ancestors, and the quality
of bone, muscle, nerve, blood and intelligence which they have
transmitted. The Thoroughbred, pound for pound of food con-
sumed, will wear out any other type of horse at the same kind
of work. This does not mean to say that the poorest of the
Thoroughbreds will kill off the best of the Clydes, Shires or other
breeds in heavy farm work, but it means that the best of the
Thoroughbreds against the best of the others, or the average of
the Thoroughbreds against the average of the others, will cer-
tainly deliver a much higher efficiency in proportion to his weight,
his food and his care, than any other breed. He will outdo any
type of horse, be it at the plow, on the binder, in the hunting
field, or in military service. His gameness, toughness and intel-
ligence will bring him in the winner.

One may have certain very slow heavy work to be done. In
this case the weight is required ; hence, use a draft horse — a
big, slow-moving, cold-blooded Percheron, Shire, Clyde, or other
of their kind. One may want a very fast trotting road horse;
then take a Standardbred, and so on in special cases. But where
there is need of a general utility horse, — one that will plow today,
reap tomorrow, drive to church on Sunday, and one which pulls
more, goes farther and gets there faster for the amount of feed
consumed — use the infusion of Thoroughbred blood.

TRUE TYPE

This bears no reference to the weed type of Thoroughbred.
The weed is the outcast of the breed. He comes from the patron-
age given two-year-old racing, and is the result of the breeding
which seeks to produce speed, speed, and more speed, at the ex-
pense of wholesome balance. Under the tremendous strain of
training for racing during his immaturity, he becomes a victim
of arrested development, and the only reason he does not succumb
to this forced or too rigorous course is his inheritance of spirit,
which can strive against great odds.

40

The Horse Industry in New York State

The Thoroughbred in mind is the fnlly-developed survivor of
rigorous work and training, whose inherited constitution, stamina
and will, carry him on to a full, wholesome development; whose
physical points include a big, roomy lung cavity, and a bread-
basket affording comfortable space for a properly-working diges-
tive apparatus, which indicates that he is a " good doer " or an
"easy keeper." This is the type which for years the German
Government has bred for army horses. The Germans have paid

Fig. 12. Prize-Winning Two- Year-Old.

as high as $230,000 for a single Thoroughbred stallion to use in
their groat government studs, and now, in the bitterness of war,
their breeding policy proves its correctness — the efficiency of
their methods in building a war machine. AVith their superior
horses, they have made superior marches, attacks, etc., and their
horses are of Thoroughbred sires. We have heard no word of
Germany suffering from want of horses. Of course they sustain
losses from all war causes, but I think future histories will show
that their percentage of losses through fatigue, etc., is much lower
than the percentage of the Allies' horse-losses from similar causes.

The Thoroughbred 41

jnst as past history proves that the Thoroughbreds of the South
were immeasurably superior to the cold-blooded, cross-bred horses
of the Xorth. Northern cavalry begau to be effective iu the Civil
War only when the limited supply of southern Thoroughbreds
began to be exhausted.

PREPOTE^fCY

Prepotency is kno'^ai to intensify in direct proportion to the
established purity of an individuaFs ancestors, and the purity
of ancestors is manifested by their pedigrees, which means an
accurate knowledge of ancestors. We find in the Thoroughbreds,
more than in any other breed, the longest line of known ancestors
bred from selected performers, and each generation bred to in-
tensify the de^'elopment of those qualities most desired in any
type of horse, namely, intelligence, gameness, constitution, and
ability to perform in proportion to environment.

Breeders know that the percentage of uncertainties increases
in a geometrical ratio with every outcross, hence when breeding
a female of unknown lineage, wisdom prescribes the use of a
sire of definitely determined prepotency, and this is necessarily
best established in the Thoroughbred.

THOROCGHBREDS ARE INTELLIGENT; THEY WILL NOT STAND ABUSE

The only objection to the Thoroughbred, as a general-purpose
horse, that I have ever heard expressed by farmers is, that they
are too hot-headed ; that they require more careful driving and
handling than animals sired by an individual of the draft breeds.
Fpon consideration of this statement, one must conclude that
these farmers desired cold-blooded, low-spirited beasts which
would not resent abuse. Animals of gameness will not stand
abuse, but neither will they He down when they are tired. Horses,
like men, and like other animals which have no fighting spirit and
which will stand abuse without resentment, will also quit when
their work becomes tiring. They have neither determination to
do their work nor the heart to go on to a finish.

While the cold-bred horse takes abuse from a brutal driver,
and sullenly, half-heartedly plods on, the Thoroughbred makes
known that he will not be mistreated. The fanner hears of it

42 The Hokse Industry iisr New York State

and has a basis for discharging- a In-ntal employee, and getting
in his place a man who will take his employer's interest to heart
as well as his own, and who will keep his team doing a full day's
work with a light and happy heart. The man who drives his team
with cnrses, whipping, jerking and abnsing, keeps them in a
mental state which only a slnggard can stand, and the world
knows that slnggards are not performers. This does not mean
that the pnre-bred drafter is a slnggard; no pure-bred animal is.
There may be exceptions, but no class of pure-breds are slug-
gards. The pnre-bred drafter, due to his enormous size, has a
bullying eifect on a brutal driver, as brutal people are generally
not courageous at heart.

MANY NOT TRUE TTrOROFGUBREDS

Too often opinions are expressed which are founded on some
special case, instead of being the outcome of a really comprehen-
sive knowledge and due regard for the facts in general. The
Thoroughbred does not enjoy the reputation among farmers that
he is entitled to, and this is largely due to the fact that, generally
speaking, the Thoroughbreds found in American rural districts
are outcasts from racing studs — and even Thoroughbreds follow
the laws of the universe inasmuch as all cannot be up to stand-
ard— while the specimens of draft breeds in our rural districts
are usually of the best. Had our government made a practice of
selecting excellent Thoroughbred stallions, and through them fos-
tering the breeding of horses, the position of the Thoroughbred
would be established throughout the land.

LESS AFFECTED BY AUTOS OR TRACTORS

At this time, with the fast development of farm tractors, many
thoughtful people express the belief that the need for farm horses
must necessarily decrease, and, if the advance in tractor manu-
facture approaches the progress of the automobile, there can be
no doubt about it. A motor converts its food into a knowm amount
of work. It never eats while idle, whereas the horse must eat
daily, work or no work. There are no epidemics of diseases or
unknown ailments of motors as is the case with horses.

Hence, what is the profitable horse for the farmer of to-day to

The Thoroughbred

43

raise? It is the type of horse whose utility cannot be supplanted
h\ any machine- — the horse which is in demand and the demand
for which is increasing, such as a hunter or a military horse. If
he is wanted for farm use he is available, as well as for any other
purpose, especially military.

VALUE FOR ARMY PURPOSES

The present strife in Europe insures a splendid demand for
our horses for years to come, as, after the war, Europe will for

Fig. 13. Tiiokouuubred Siiowis" at State Faik.

a long period be unable to meet its own demands for military
horses. All such horses are increasingly valuable as their pro-
portion of Thoroughbred blood is greater, whether for cavalry or
artillery. In gun horses, intelligence, spirit, speed and gameness
as well as size are wanted; hence a horse having a grand-dam of
draft breeding and a grandsire and sire of Thoroughbred, is the
type most desired, while the cavalry mount is ideally a hunter,

44 The Horse Industry in New York State

and a luniter means anywhere from one-half-bred to clean-bred
Thoroughbred.

The essentials in military horses and hunting horses can be
had only from strong infusions of Thoroughbred blood. One may
smile at the idea of breeding a draft mare to a Thoroughbred
stallion, but it is due to ignorance. That cross may produce an
excellent gun-horse, and the second Thoroughbred cross is sure to.

Of course there are instances of individuals of all breeds having
exactly the qualities generally sought in other breeds, due to the
fickleness of nature in cross-bred matings ; but business which
depends on exceptions is not business. There is no question but
that marvelous performances will be found in badly bred horses,
but they are rare, and only foolish people try to get these " sports "
by cross-breeding. More good in more cases comes from Thor-
oughbred breeding than from any other.

All farmers breed some horses — perhaps only one mare, and
that may be only every other year. Even so, it is poor business
and bad farming if the owner does not breed to get a marketable
type of horse. There is no question but that the most salable
horse today is the horse suitable for hunting or for military
service. The inexpensive autos have destroyed the usefulness of
the roadster from an economical standpoint, and similarly the
motor-truck in cities and the tractor on farms are crowding out
the draft horse.

While automobiles are generally said to be replacing horses,
one must accept this statement with a qualification as to Thorough-
bred horses ; the demand for this type is greater today than ever
before. It is constantly increasing, due to the demonstrations
of the present war that horses are as necessary today in the conduct
of warfare as ever before, and probably more so ; and it will be
generations before the enormous loss of the present war can be
made up.

Then, too, the demand for hunters is greater than ever, and,
with the growing popularity of hunting and racing, this demand
must grow. It offers a lucrative field for breeders of horses
suitable for hunting or for military service, and these, pre-
eminently, must have strong infusions of Thoroughbred blood.

The Thoroughbred

45

CARE OF FOAL MOST IMPORTANT

After the foal arrives, do not turn him out to be forgotten,
but see that he has sufficient food to help him grow, and, in the
winter, that he has access to shelter for protection against wet and
against cold winds. Cold witliout winds probably tends to
make well-fed colts hardy horses. Size is attained by care and
feeding, and size means increase in selling price. The founda-
tion given during the first year gives the youngster a start in
growing that cannot be over-estimated. Neglect the weanling,
and double the food during the second year will never make up
for the vitality lost while struggling through the first winter.

46

The Hokse I:xDusTiiY ix New Yokk State

Fig. 14. Golden Flight.

THE AMERICAN SADDLE HORSE

Elise Castlemax Railey, Lexington, Ky.

DERIVATION

The American Saddle Horse Breeders' Association was organ-
ized in the city of Louisville April 7, 1891, a number of the lead-
ing breeders of saddle horses being present and participating in
the preliminary proceedings. The asso-
ciation was duly chartered according to
Chapter 56 of the Revised Statutes of
Kentucky. In article three of the consti-
tution and by-laws of the association is
found under the heading '* objects," the
following: " The objects of the association
shall be to collect, record and preserve the
pedigrees of saddle horses in America, and
to publish such register in such form as
shall be adopted by the association, and such other matters per-
taining to the breeding, exhibition and sale of saddle horses as
may be deemed advisable."

In order to establish rules for the registration of animals by
breedina; it became necessarv for the directors of the association
to select certain great sires and enter them as the source of saddle
stock. The intention was to get back to the source, so it was not
desirable that the list be a long one. Only progenitors of what
were knowTi to the board to be saddle strains of horses were
selected for the foundation list. The list originally selected in
1901 comprised the names of seventeen stallions. In 1902 this
list was revised, and the names of seven stallions were removed
and numbers were set opposite their names. This list of founda-
tion sires stood until the annual meeting in 1908 when the names
of nine stallions were removed from the register and numbers set
after their names. Thus all were eliminated except the great
Denmark, and he was made the sole foundation sire of the
American Saddle Horse.

Quoting from David Castleman, reproduced from " The Ameri-
can Saddle Horse :" " In eighteen yeai'^ since the formation of

[47]

48

The Hokse I>'DrsTKY in Xew Yoek State

this association, it has been fully demonstrated that no horse was
worthy to stand by Denmark's side as a foundation sire. Proof
of this statement is conclusively given in the iirst volume of the
register, for. of the two thousand nine hundred and eighty-one
entries, one thousand six hundred and fifty-three — or practically
fifty-five and one-half per cent — have direct male trace to Den-
mark by Imp. Hedgeford out of Betsy Harrison by Aratus.
The fact that the sire of Denmark was imported makes it im-

FiG. 15.

Daixty Peaxixe by Goldex Kixg (Jut of Betty Hack-
ADAY BY Rex Peaxixe.

possible that the blood lines which produced him should find large
repret-entation in the thoroughbred blood which has gone to make
the American Saddle Horse. However, that he sired Denmark
places us heavily in his debt."

Imp. Hedgeford was a brown colt foaled in 1825, bred by a
Mr. Mytton. He was imported by William Jackson and brought
to Kentucky where he died in 1840. It is deplorable that we
have no accurate description of him other than that he was very
beautiful. Mr, John B. Lentz, who was still living in 190.5, re-
membered Imp. Hedgeford, and said of him : "He was a horse of
wonderful style and beauty, and a great two-ended one."

The Amekicax Saddle Horse

4:9

Betsy Harrison, the dam of Denmark, was a bay mare toaled
in 1828, and was owned, in 1S39. by Samuel Davenport of
Kentucky. Thus Mr. Davenport has the honor of breeding the
great Denmark. Betsy Harrison was by Aratus and out of Jenny
Cocraev bv Old Potomac.

Denmark was a brown colt; a game and consistent four-mile
race horse. Individually he is said to have been a horse of great
beautv. He has built a monument to himself as a sire of pre-
potency never excelled, and as a consequence is the founder of a
great breed of horses.

Gaines Denmark by Denmark is out of a mare by Cockspur,
k-nown as the Stevenson mare, who was foaled on the farm belong-
inc to Mr. WiUiam V. Cromwell of Fayette County in 1S51.
Gaines Denmark was a coal black horse with both hind ankles
white. He is the live wire of the Denmark family. Denmark got
other sons of note who produced great Saddle Horses, but their
work is insiffnilicant in comparison with the Denmark. It is
worthv of note that Gaines Denmark and John DiUard served m
the Civil War in General Morgan's command, and these two old
stallions set a worthy example of courage and loyalty to many of
their descendants who served with them.

The four most notable sons of Gaines Denmark were Washing-
ton Denmark, Diamond Denmark, Star Denmark and Sumpter
Denmark: of these Washington Denmark and Diamond Denmark
are of outstanding importance. The two most notable sons of
Washington Denmark are King William and Cromwell, and of
Diamond Denmark, Montrose and Mark Diamond. King \S il-
liam was the sire of Black Eagle, whose dam was Kitty Richards
bv Young Eagle, and he by Gray Eagle. Black Eagle was the
sire of Black Squirrel: Black Squirrel was the sire of Chester
Dare, Hi-hland Denmark and many other famous horses.

The daughters of Chester Dare are in the greatest demana
because thev invariably transmit the incomparable beauty of the
Chester Dare head — the flaring nostril, the breadth between the
eves betokening rare intelligence, slightly dished face, and the
wellKiarried, beautiful ears. Caroline is Chester Dare's most
famous daughter. Chester Dare sired My O^nti Kentucky and he
sired Kentucky's Choice and Kentucky's Best. These two beau-
4

50

The Horse Ixdustry ix Xew York State

Fig. 16. Carolina by Chester Dare Out of Nellie Black Hawk.

tiful black horses are full brothers, both being out of Little Kate
by Prince of Denmark, a great-grandson of Washington Den-
mark. Chester Dare sired My Dare who sired My Major Dare
who is out of Lilly Rosebud and she by Elastic, a grandson of
Black Squirrel.

To breeders and students of the Saddle Horse, the meanings
of the terms " the Denmark Family " and '' the Chief Family "
are clearly understood, but to horsemen not familiar with the
Saddle Horse pedigrees these terms are confusing. The name
Harrison Chief is in the list of sires originally set aside by the
board of directors of the American Saddle Llorse Breeders' Regis-
ter, but, as I have already written, because of the overwhelming
number of Saddle Horses that trace direct to Denmark, he is
known as the foundation sire. However, a horse that traces to
foundation stock — to any one of the stallions whose names are
given in Volume I of the American Saddle Horse Breeders'
Register — is eligible to registration.

The Americax Saddle Horse 51

The term Chief Family usually means the descendants of
Harrison Chief. The sire of Harrison Chief was Clark Chief
by Mambrino Chief. Both of the latter horses are in the Trotting
Register. They breed back to Imp. ^Messenger, one being his
great-grandson, and one his great-great-grandson. Imp. Mes-
senger was one of the great Thoroughbreds of his time and is said
to have had a trot of unusual action, speed and balance. This
he has transmitted with marvelous precision to the eighth
generation.

Young Bill, now o^\^led by the goverimient, was the champion
harness horse of Kentucky ; and Golden Flight, who like Young
Bill is by Golden King, is just beginning a career. King, the
sire of Golden King (therefore the grand-sire of Golden Flight
and Young Bill), and Bourbon Chief, the sire of Bourbon King
and Montgomery Chief, are the two stallions descended through
Harrison Chief from Imp. Messenger, who have had the most
far-reaching influence on the Saddle Horse of today.

Bourbon King is the sire of Astral King, Richlieu King, Roose-
velt and Bohemian King, who are world famous. Bourbon Chief
sires Emily, the ^^'orld"s Fair champion, who is now in her twenty-
eighth year, but is cared for as tits her desserts — lives knee
deep in clover and blue grass. Emily in her show days had a
world of action at the trot, which conies both through her sire's
sire, Harrison Chief, and through John J)illard the grand-sire of
Delia, Emily's dam. Dillard Dudley, the sire of Delia, goes back
on his dam's side to xlratus, the sire of Betsy Harrison who was
the dam of Denmark.

Bourbon King and Montgomery Chief are full brothers, both
being by Bourbon Chief and out of Annie C. iinnie C. is by
King; thus she is a granddaughter of Harrison Chief on her
sire's side. Her second dam was sired by Kentucky Chief whose
dam Betty was by War Dance, a son of Lexington. The second
dam of Kentucky Chief was iSJ^ettie by Oceola, and he was a son
of Imp. Hedgeford the sire of Demnark, so it can easily be seen
that just as all roads lead to Rome, all Saddle Horses lead to
Denmark.

The question that most often confronts the present-day breeder
of Saddle Hors^es is. Have we improved on Gaines Denmark ? The
answer has been handled in a masterly way by a horseman of note

The Hokse Inuustky i^ New Yoek State

The American Saddle Horse

53

in a recent horse paper. His conclusion carefully lead np to and
logically explained is : the Saddle Horse of today is an improve-
ment on Gaines Denmark only in step. This is due to careful,
painstaking, arithmetically correct breeding by selection ; by the

Fig. is. Quicksilver by Boyd Lynx, Tracing to Grey Eagle ox His

Dam's Side.

judicious infusion of the blood of the descendants of the incom-
parably beautiful Imp. Hedgeford, and of the descendants of
Imp. Messenger — the race horse with the unusual trot — and of
Eclipse — the race horse of indomitable courage and splendid
bone and substance.

So much for the derivation of the American Saddle Horse.

54

The Hokse Industry tn New York State

POINTS OF EXCELLENCE AND NOTABLE HORSES

The points of excellence of the American Saddle Horse are, that
he is the most beautiful horse in the world, tlie most intelligent,
the most companionable, the most versatile and the most useful.
I shall not go into a list of horses whose names are household
words in Kentucky, but, for the benefit of the people of iSTew

Fig. 19. Gexeva C. by Highlaxd Denmark.

York State, shall mention some of the horses that have made
horse show history within its borders : Oriflamme by Black
Squirrel, champion and return champion at the Garden ; Patsy
McChord by Black Squirrel, champion of the Garden ; Fayette
McChord by Chester Dare and he by Black Squirrel ; Elsa by
Highland Denmark and he by Black Squirrel ; Geneva C. by
Highland Denmark and he by Black Squirrel ; Mayo by Shrop-
shire's Kentucky Squirrel and he by Black Squirrel ; Petroleum
by Monte Christo, Jr., a grandson of Montrose; Corinne by Red
Eagle, a grandson of Black Squirrel ; Dixie by King Lee Rose ;

The American Saddle Horse 55

Flashlight by Eureka Lad; Poetry of Motion by Montrose; The
Cardinal by Forrest Denmark; Xickel Plate by King Lee Rose;
Margaret Tate by Highland Denmark; Beechwold Bab by a son
of Highland Denmark ; Gossip by King Chieftain and he by
Bonrbon Chief. On her dam's side, too, Gossip goes back to Imp.
Messenger, for she is a great-granddanghter of Harrison Chief.

From this list, dating from the first Madison Square Garden
champion to the present day, the show horses that are most firmly
impressed on one's memory are American Saddle Horses. They
have a uniformity of type, beautiful head, eye and ear, long neck,
oblique shoulders, sharp withers, short back, smooth quarters and
the best of legs and feet. In size they vary scarcely an inch.
From Oriflamme to Gossip the height is from fifteen hands, one
and one-half inches, to fifteen hands, two and one-half inches ;
the weight from a thousand pounds to a thousand and fifty.

UTILITY

The utility of the American Saddle Horse is without limit — to
ride for pleasure, in the show ring, to drive either for speed or
" step,'' and as a cavalry mount.

The peerless I'hlan is a great-grandson of Black Squirrel on
Lis dam's side. Uhlan, in his markings, his color, his conforma-
tion, and the way in which he carries his tail, is the ideal Saddle
Horse.

A daughter of Roosevelt recently made a record of 2:16 on
the Lexington Trotting Track, after a few weeks' work.

CARE

From his colthood the American Saddle Horse is associated
daily with man. He is taught to eat grain before he is weaned.
After he is weaned, during severe weather he is fed grain daily.
Receiving the greatest care and daily handling from man develops,
to a high degree, his intelligence, and, having no fear of man, he is
wonderfully quick to learn. Having blue grass to eat and pure
running limestonp water to drink, his blood is pure and his bone
strong. There is a quality either in the soil or in the water, or
in both, which is of incalculable benefit to our horses' feet. What-

56 The Horse Industry in New York State

ever the reasons may he it is a fact that no country in the world
SO develops a horse in mind and body, bone and endurance, as
this Blue-Grass country. Proof of this statement is found in the
fact that seventy per cent of the g:reat horses in this country —
runners, trotters, and saddle horses — are reared within a radius
of thirty miles of Lexington, the capital of the Blue Grass.

THE HUNTER*

Frank Sherman Peer, Ithaca, N. Y.
Author of Soiling, Ensilage and Stable Construction

Leave us the chase, A\liere, in harmony blending,

Men of all classes ride on to the end,
Men become brothers, each brotlier contending;

Every true sijortsman is coimted a friend.

HIS CONFORMATION

A hunting man is apt to have rather fixed notions as to how a
hunter should be built. His ideal is generally the likeness of
some good, faithful beast that has carried him with the greatest
ease and safety ; which is only another way of saying that a good
hunter, whatever he is like, however he is formed, however he is
bred, whatever his color, if he suits and fits us, is not a bad horse.

There are some points in the conformation of a hunter that can
hardly be ignored. Some general rules, mostly with numerous
exceptions, it will be well to keep in mind when passing judgment
on a horse for cross-country work.

brains AND INTELLIGENCE

A large brainy head with a broad forehead and mild outstand-
ing eyes, is, as far as my experience goes, one of the points to
insist upon. Some horses with a thimbleful of brains are made
to hunt, but without sufficient intelligence to go with judgment
as well as courage. One w^ho possesses mere valor can never
attain more than a moderate degree of proficiency.

Some fools of horses may be driven through a run, but they
do not enjoy it ; they are simply slaves. Deliver me from keeping
company with such a one in the hunting field ! Hunting is, or
should be, a partnership game, in which you and your friend the
horse go out for a day's sport. The more intelligent the horse,
the more level-headed, the more capable he is of entering into
the spirit of the game, and of enjoying the day's run as well as
his master. Tt must be remembered, however, that, besides size

* Extracts (by permission of the author) from Cross Country tcitli Horse
<md Hound, by F. S. Peer.

[57]

The lloESE Industry in New York S

TATE

of brain, quality also should be looked for. There are big bass-
wood-headed horses, and there are small hickory-headed horses.
Quantity must not be confounded with quality. Some brainy
horses have from past bad management had their nerves shattered,
so to speak, and what brains they have are a damage to them. On
this point a study of physiognomy is a help.

Ti'ere are many rattle-headed, nervous, high-strung horses that
make good jumpers, but not every good fencer is, by that same
token, a good hunter. Almost anything in the shape of a horse
can pull a harrow or go in harness, but for cross-country work
a horse must possess the very highest qualities and the sum total
of all the virtues of the equine race. He should possess the
courage that stops just short of recklessness, great nervous force
with coolness, great energy with judgment, light-heartedness with-
out foolishness, staying qualities of the best, good breeding, perfect
manners. These are the qualifications of a high-class cross-
coimtry horse. These are also the qualifications of a high-class
cross-country rider. If they are to be omitted from either, the
horse should not be made the one to suffer, for he has to look out
for himself and the rider as well. Besides all this, the horse must
have suitable conformation for the work, be a good feeder, and
sound.

RIDER SHOULD FIT THE HORSE

One can hardly hope to find so many qualifications in a single
animal, but if a horse that approaches this standard is found, for-
give his shortcomings and be consoled with the reflection that if
he is not as good as he should be, he might have been worse.
Eemember this, too, that it is the part of horsemanship to fit the
rider to the horse rather than to try to make the horse fit the
rider. The gTeatest and best thing of all is to find in a horse an
agreeable companion. A man will get on better with an old farm
horse that fits him than with a two-thousand-dollar qualified
hunter that does not.

ADAPTABILITY TO HUNTING

I have heard some men declare that no horse likes hunting. I
am positive this is a mistake. No horse would like huntino- with
some men, but most horses with the proper conformatio'n for
saddle work do enjoy hunting when they are properly ridden. I

TuE Hunter

59

have seen and schooled many green horses that from weanlings
took readily to jumping, and several that when turned into a
runway would jump back and forth over the hurdles of their own
accord. I have had several green horses that, as soon as mounted,
w-ould of their own accord start away to the schooling-gTound.
Of some of these it has been hard to say whether they enjoy the
sport or not until they met hounds, and then they were as am-

♦

'■"^Pftt-

P

Fig. 20. Ready for a Ckuss-Country Eun.

bitious to get on with them as the rider, and not from excitement
or fear, as one could tell by the collected way in which they
jumped, l:)ut from sheer love of the sport. At a check other
horses could come and go, but directly hounds moved they were
off. I am speaking now of green horses. To some horses hunting
is an irksome task that never becomes anything but work or

60 The Horse Industry in New York State

drudgery; yet 1 believe that a large number of well-bred horses,
providing, mind you, they are not punished at their jumps by
severe hands or spurs, really enjoy the sport. It also goes with-
out saying that there must be a great difference between a horse
that has his heart in the sport and goes at it like a schoolboy from
his books, and one that has only a poor gizzard for the work.

NECK AND CAEKIAGE OF HEAD

Horses with short, thick necks do not make good hunters. I
do not know of any exception to this rule. They are not easily
brought to hand ; they invariably rein badly, and are apt to have
hard, unyielding mouths. Avoid also a horse that carries a high
head. This is another rule withovit an exception. The head of a
hunter is quite high enough when his eyes are on a line with
the height of his withers. This low carriage of a hunter's head
is very important, and for several reasons: (1) It enables the
rider to lean well forward as his mount begins to spring at a
jump and still have room for the horse to throw up his head with
freedom in the natural act of jumping, without hitting the rider
in the face. (2) High-headed horses must be ridden with a
shorter rein than horses with their necks straight. This is an
objectionable feature, because the longer the rein the better and
easier the control. (3) When a high-headed horse is ridden at a
jump, especially if he pulls and his head comes higher than its
natural carriage, the animal is in a most awkward position to
take his fence. He does so at the expense of an unnecessary
amount of exertion, while the rider's control of his mount is gone.

Horses with very slim necks generally bend them too easily.
Nothing is more annoying than a horse that turns only his head
in ans^\'er to a pull on the reins while his body goes straight on.

T ha\'e dwelt upon this point because it is one seldom, if ever,
mentioned by writers, and because we hear so much nowadays
about having ^' plenty of horse in front of you." So there should
be ; but look well to the substance of a hunter's neck. " There is
ain thing aboot a hunter a canna forgie," said a keen hunting
friend of mine in Scotland, '' and that is a neck with na strach
in it ! " The neck can hardly be too long unless too thin ; it can
hardly be too low unless too short and thick, and of two evils

The Hunter 61

better a horse that bores than a horse that soars. You sometimes
see in a dealer's stables these up-headed horses. They are gen-
erally clean trotting-bred animals that have had their manes
pulled and their tails chopped off, and these are their principal
qualifications as hunters. Some of them can jump, and we have
seen this sort win at Madison Square when conformation counted
fifty or sixty per cent. To an experienced cross-country rider,
however, they look sadly out of form.

SHOULDERS

" Slanting shoulders " is everywhere the cry. Every author I
have read, and nearly every man that rides to hounds, if he
hardly knows the fetlock from the forelock, will tell you a horse
is no good for hunting without slanting shoulders. So universal
has this cry become that it suggests the parrot. " Slanting
shoulders ! Look at his slanting shoulders ! " But when you ask
a man why he is so fond of slanting shoulders, the usual answer
is : " Weil, because a hunter should have slanting shoulders ! "
Occasionally a man will venture to say a horse with slanting
shoulders can gallop faster. This is manifestly incorrect. Some
of the fastest horses that have ever turned a track have had rather
upright and sometimes even loaded shoulders.

We must look further than simply the slant of a hunter's
shoulders. I am sorry to antagonize this most common belief in
slanting shoulders; one dislikes to sow seeds of discord among
pet theories. But this slanting-shoulder craze has gone beyond
all reason.

POSITION OF EIDER

Let us see if we cannot find a better reason than because, or
speed, or jumping qualities. Let us see if we cannot set up a
hypothesis that will stand more of an assault than the present
theories for slanting shoulders. A little reflection will prove that
the proper position of a saddle on a horse for cross-country work,
where there is jumping to be done, is one that places the rider
well back so that his weight comes as near the center of gravity
as possible. Flat racing and cross-country riding are things of
entirely different color. The forward seat, over the horse's

62 The Horse Tnj)ustry in New Yokk State

shoulder, — a seat, in fact, where the position of a jockey lying
along the neck of his monnt brings the rider's center of gravity
well over, if not forward of, the fore legs of his monnt, — has been
demonstrated beyo-nd question to be the very best position under
which a horse on the flat can extend himself. Doubtless a horse
with the weight on the shoulders makes the lift of the weight
with a spring of the forelegs, which leaves the hind legs and
quarters to do the propelling with the least possible hindrance.
On the other hand, while a horse may be ridden with the center
of gravity over his fore legs, across a field, it is obvious that in
taking a fence the best, the easiest, the most secure position of the
rider must be well back.

The position of a boy on a rocking-horse, or a person in a rock-
ing-chair, best illustrates my meaning. When the center of
gravity on either the w^ooden rocking-horse or rocking-chair is
forward of the center, the motion is labored and all in one
direction. If a person sits too far forward in a rocking-chair, the
forward rock corresponds to the landing side of a jump, and
assists greatly in producing a spill. Seated too far back, one
cannot make the rocker go forward without an undue exertion.
This illustrates the taking-off position of a jump : the horse, like
the person in the rocker, must make an unusual effort to carry
the rider forward. This is so plain and simple a condition that it
seems almost absurd to mention it. However, it best illustrates
the point under discussion.

The theory of slanting shoulders is that they usually (but not
always) have the effect of keeping the saddle well back, 'so that the
rider does sit nearly at the center of gravity of his mount. This
he is able to maintain, when the horse is jumping, by simply lean-
ing well forward as the animal rises to the obstacle, sitting up-
right when over the center, and leaning well back as the animal
descends. So far, I venture to say, the majority of my readers
will agree. But, I ask, what is the value of slanting shoulders
when, as sometimes happens, a horse is low in the withers, letting
the saddle well forward^ It is evident that, for keeping the
rider back near the center of gravity, high, sloping withers have
quite as much virtue as slanting shoulders, for a horse may have
the latter without the former.

The Hunter 63

Personally, I prefer a rather straight shoulder-blade, with high,
full, sloping withers, to the most slanting shoulder-blade with low
withers that lets the saddle forward on the shoulders. It is not
enough to go strong on slanting shoulders, when it is quite as much
a question of the conformation of the withers, and more a ques-
tion of the setting on of the fore legs. That many men confound
withers and shoulders there can be little doubt. Nor is this all ;
if a horse, as is quite often the case, has slanting shoulders, and
also a long oblique true arm that brings the setting on of the
fore legs well back, you have lost at this point all you have gained
by the slanting shoulders. In other words, when you have a slant-
ing shoulder with a long oblique true arm, it may bring the fore
legs so far back that the center of gravity has practically been
moved ahead. So far, therefore, as gravity is concerned, you
might just as well have either a straight shoulder with high, full
withers, or a straight shoulder with a short upright and true arm.
Or, again, if you have a slanting shoulder with a long oblique
true arm, or a slanting shoulder with low withers, the end in
view has been defeated.

I have dwelt on this at length because slanting shoulders are
everywhere so much in favor, as if they were the alpha and omega
of a hunter's conformation.

The reason why ladies in riding cross country to hounds are so
uniformly successful in negotiating fences without falls is owing
undoubtedly to their sitting sideways on the horse ; that is to say,
the center of gravity of the rider is more generally brought over
the center of gravity of the horse than in the case of men, who,
riding astride, sit more forward, especially if they ride with long

stirrups.

HIPS

As for hips, do not turn your back on a horse with ragged hips
and a sloping rump. They are not pretty or s^nnmetrical, but
if they carry the muscle well down to the hocks, you generally
find tiiat such a horse can gather his legs well under him for a
spring. This is one of the cliief characteristics of the Irish
hunter, and for fencing he has no equal.

64 The Hokse Industry in New Yokk State

LEGS

It is hardly necessary to mention legs, those necessary auxiliaries
of a horse. Plenty of bone and especially large knee and hock
joints are most desirable. Pasterns on the long side for choice,
and plenty of room between elbow-joint and body, are desirable.
Do not be over particular about splints or even curbs. The former
are found on three- and four-year-olds more often than in horses
of six and seven years. They usually disappear by absoi-ption.
That a young horse has them is as much to his credit as it is for
a child to have the measles or chicken-pox.

Splints, and curbs too, lame horses sometimes when they first
appear. Do not condemn a horse with sickle hocks if there is
plenty of bone. They are very often found on the most powerful
jumpers.

BACK

Do not require a hunter to be too short-coupled. This is
another threadbare sign that is ahvays quoted as desirable. If a
horse is to gallop he must have length somewhere. If he has a
short top line or coupling, he must have length underneath or he
cannot stride away. There must be room to get the stifles forward,
or you will have a short choppy-gaited horse, and a most uncom-
fortable one. The short back is w^ell enough theoretically, but
not in practice. Three and even four inches between the last rib
and hip are not too much, unless the horse has a weak loin. A
light, slack loin is to be avoided in a horse, whether his back be
long or short.

PROPORTIONS

A horse is usually as long in the body as he is high from the
ground to the top . of the withers. In many Standardbred trotters
and in some Thoroughbi-eds length exceeds height. This propor-
tion is- also desirable in a hunter.

A well-formed horse usually measures as far from the top of
the withers to the under side of the body just back of the fore
legs as he does from that point to the ground. If there is any
difference in this measurement, let it be added to the body, not
to the legs. A sixteen-and-one body, both in height and length,
on fifteen-three legs is far preferable to the reverse.

The Hunter 65

A hunter, to be comfortable, should not unduly spread the
legs of his rider bv being too wide through the heart. However,
the other extreme is equally bad, for there nnist be lung capacity;
and whatever a horse lacks in breadth through the heart he should
make up in depth ; the deeper the better. The round-backed and
rliiek-hearted horses so desirable in harness are not to be consid-
orod for a moment for saddle work, especially if they have, and
is usually the case, low withers. When you have had a saddle
turn with you once or twice, you will, like the writer, have learned
this lesson by heart. Broad-chested horses are very apt to roll in
their gait.

SIZE

For size, the question depends somewhat on the country to be
liunted. A rough country re(iuires a smaller or shorter-legged
horse than a country which is flat, ^ly own experience is that a
horse from tifteen-two-and-a-half to fifteen-three is invariably the
best in jumping and staying ([ualities. To a man on a horse of
sixteen hands the fences do not look so high, but this is of slight
advantage when other aspects of the problem are considered.
The truth is, there seems to be just about so much force or en-
durance in a horse, and this lessens as you spread it over more
than the natural size of the family to which the horse belongs.
Increased size invariably brings coarseness, putting the animal,
so to speak, out of balance with himself.

DISPOSITIOlSr

As to disposition, the best in the world is none too good. A
man may have ridden all sorts of horses and first-class jumpers,
but if he has never found a partner with intelligence enough to
enjoy the sport as well as he himself does, he has yet to enjoy one
of the principal delights of a day with hounds. Such horses are
not plentiful. When a man finds one, he will probably regret it
as long as he lives if he parts with him. Out of a hundred hunters
you can probably count the genuine sportsmen, the genuine hunt-
ers, on the fingers of one hand. Tn this respect the Irish hunters
outclass all others. They are like the people who breed them,
always ready for a lark, yet having the keenest instinct for self-
preservation. They are light-hearted to a degree, and nothing
5

66 The IIohsk iNnrsTRV in Xkw Yok'k State

suits them better than to liave a liiii'lv-l)url_v rou^ii-and-tiimble
scurrv across eoimtrv. They arc just reckless and bold enough
for such a game, and when nioutlied and educated as only Irish
hunters are, they will give you a day's hunting to he remem-
bered as long as you live, I have seen them so joyous at the
sight of hounds as fairly to squeal with delight, jumping and
playing from sheer effervescence of light-heartedness. Such a
one is the horse for a companion, the horse for a partner in a
day's sport. A genuine sportsman himself, he will pull you
through. His heart as well as yours is in the game.

SUITABILITY TO KIDER

There remains the final test of what may be called " the per-
sonal equation." If he fails to pass this, reject him on the spot.
You may be surprised to find your supposed ideal hunter not at
all to your liking. He does not fit you, and you cannot seem to
make yourself fit him. You feel uncomfortable on him, just as
you would on a rocking-horse or a rocking-chair that pitched you
too freely forward or backward. Seated on a horse that feels
comfortable under you in all his paces, yiMi have found the horse
for you. Look no further: let size, color, markings, or conforma-
tion be what they may. You will be surprised, in trying twenty
fine-looking horses, to find, perhaps, that only four or five seem
to fit you. A personal trial is the supreme test of excellence in
a hunter.

THE SHETLAND PONY

Julia M. Wade, Lafayette, Ind.

Secretary-Treasurer, American Shetlanrl Pony Club
ORIGIN

The origin of the " right Shetland " — as a Shetlander calls a
pure-bred — is iiiiknowii, but the story is told that sometime in
the sixteenth century some ships of the Spanish Armada went
ashore on the islands leaving some fine horses belonging to the
Admiral's Stud. This cross, it is claimed, gave to the Shetland
much of its beauty and fleetness.

CirARACTERISTICR

By nature the Shetland has a remarkably good temperment,
a fact probably due to conditions in his native home, where he is
often about, or even in, the house or hut of his owner; or running
about with the children or house dog.

He is a good traveler, patient, gentle and sure-footed as he
travels up and down miles of hills, carrying half his own weight
or more. The year around he I'uus over the hills, living, in many
cases, only on heather and whatever grass he may find. Very
little hay or grain, if any, is fed during the long cold winters.

The mares seldom breed oftener than every alternate year, but
are good breeders to an advanced age.

A pure-bred Shetland should measure not more than 42 inches.
He has a symmetrical head, rather small and fine, wide between
eyes which are clear ; ears are short and erect. He has a well-
rounded barrel ; short level back, and deep chest ; muscular, flat-
boned legs, and carries a heavy foretop, mane and tail.

IMPORTATIONS

The first Shetlands imported for breeding purposes were
brought into the United States in the early eighties, and during
the succeeding ten years the little animals became so popular that
their owners organized a club for the purpose of improving
the breed. Since this American Shetland Pony Club was organ-
ized about five hundred owners and breeders have become mem-
bers, and over sixteen thousand ponies have been registered in
the recognized studbook of the club.

[67]

THE WELSH PONY

Julia M. Wade, Lafayette, Iiid.

ORIGIN

Li letters to a friend, afterwards printed, ^Irs. Olive Tilford
Dargen, who lias made an exliaiistive study of the Welsh pony,
writes, regarding their origin, that they were probably results
of a cross between the descendants of a species which Professor
James Corsar Ewart has named the Pony Celticus, which once
overspread Western Europe, and the military animals of the
J^omans, which in general were Gallic; that for four hundred
years the acclimated Arabian blood crept up the hills and among
the wildest herds — a slow infusion that left the pony still a pou^y^
retaining all the hardihood that made life possible on the scanty-
herbaged peaks.

Later the Welsh exchanged horses with the Celts, and '' the
once noted Irish hobble w^as often brought into Wales."

The enthusiasm of the breeders of the eighteenth century im-
proved couditions. " Merlin, a descendent of the Byerly Turk,
after his brilliant years on the turf, was brought to Wales and
turned out with the ponies on the Ruabon hills to become the
founder of a famous and prolific line."

RECENT HISTORY

In 1900 The Welsh Pony and Cob Society was organized.
King George became a patron. Lord Tredegar was made first
president of the society which represented all the Shires of Wales
and the counties of Monmouth, Shropshire and Hereford. As
a result of this influence, parliament enacted certain laws bene-
ficial to the breed. Committees were appo-inted with power to
pass on stallions and clear the commons of all undesirables. Tn
Longmynd Eange it has been the custom for^he last twenty-five
years to have an annual drive and round-up, when all the ponies
are brought down, selected, sorted, the undesirables cast out, and
the others, excepting those picked for market or exchanged for
ponies of another run, sent back to freedom.

[68]

The Welsh Pony 69

developme^■ts ix the united states
First importations of Welsh ponies were made into the United
States between 1880 and 1885. The increasing interest of ad-
mirers caused the subsequent organization of the Welsh Pony and
Cob Society of America.

In the meantime Congress enacted a law which went into effect
January 1, 1911, by which animals considered pure bred and
imported for breeding purposes were admitted through our ports
free of duty.

Then followed the recognition by our country of the Welsh
pony as a pure-bred.

CHARACTERISTICS

Having for a foundation the indestructible material of the
mountain pony, these little animals will do more work for their
weight than any other breed of horses, and thrive on half the food.

They are strong, well built, have much courage and v.-ondcrful
endurance, requiring no housing or blanketing; a prolific breed
transmitting to their descendants their many desirable qualities
with marked regularity.

APPEARANCE

The true Welsh pony has a refined head, large intelligent eyes,
dainty ears, graceful neck, strong full body, clean straight legs
with bone like steel. The reciuired height is from eleven to thir-
teen hands.

ACTION AND TEMPERAMENT

These ponies have a graceful action, quick, free, straight, and
- showing finish.

Without sacrificing any of their qualities of intelligence or
spirit, the Welsh pony is of docile nature and has manners re-
markably perfect. His cheerful friendliness makes him an ideal
companion for growing girls and boys, as a medium to health,
strength and happiness.

70

TiiE House I.ndl.stkv ix A'ew \<niK State

§ & I

O M ^

H PS &:;

CO H .

O 2

THE DRAFT BREEDS OF FRANCE

E. IS. Akix, Syracuse, X. Y.

President, New York State Draft Horse Breeders' Club

France has several distinct breeds and
types of heavy horses which are bred in
different districts or departments. These
different breeds or families of draft
horses are not bred in all parts of France,
but only in a few widely separated small
districts. It is probably true that all of
the heavy breeds of France had a com-
mon origin, and. when first introduced
in the United States, were not so distinct
in breeding, type, size, etc., as they are
at the present time.

In the early days all of the horses were imported under the
name of i^orman, and, from the strife over admitting all heavy
breeds to registry as Xormans, between the principal importers
of 1870 and 1880 and those favoring only the Percheron
horse, has been evolved the General Draft Horse Stud Book of
France, and the present National Register of French Draft
Horses of this country, which admit for registry all heavy French
breeds including Percherons.

The Society Hippi<iue Percheron of France, and the Percheron
Society of America, records only horses bred in the Perche dis-
trict, or their produce.

A,t the government horse show held at Paris, June 17-21, 191-4,
under direction of the ^linister of Agriculture, the draft breeds
of France were classified as follows: Ardennais, Boulonnais,
Bretou, Xivernais, and Percheron. Wliile it may be true that
all of these breeds have not been kept pure and distinct, I can
see in the past thirty years a very successful effort by the breeders,
encouraged by the government, to establish and improve the char-
acter and type of each of the French breeds.

[71]

72

The Horse iNDrsiKv ik A'kw York Stati

I'lIK BKKTO.\

These horses are bred principally in the Finistere and Coles
du Nord districts, the most eastern department of France. The
Breton horses are manv colors: chestnnt, bay, i-oan, gray, and
black with some white markings. They average in weight be-
tween ],;300 and 1,500 ponnds, and the average height is from ir.
to IG hands. They are smooth and active. They conld l)e called
more of the general pnrpose than the draft type, and, like all of
the other French horses, are clean and free from hair or feathers
on the legs.

THE ARDEXNAIS

The Axdennais is the smaller type of Belgian horse bred in
southern Belgium and in northern France, principally in the
provinces of Nord, Ardennes, and lleurthe et Moselle. They are
not so large as some of the other French breeds, but are of the
deep-bodied, short-backed Belgian type and quality. The Arden-

FiG. 22 Peize Collection of Ardenxais Mares Owned uv
M. (tAbet and Tamboise, Pakis Show, June, 1914.

{Photo by E. S. Akin, Syracuse, N. Y.)

nais country wliere these horses are bred and used is poor and
mountainous; a country where a draft horse of medium size, verv
active and of great endurance, is needed. Of ;,11 the Europeiiu
draft breeds I believe the Ardennais horse Avould be especially

The Ukaft Breeds of Fkaivce 73

adapted to the agTicultural conditiuns in our Aevv England states.
Some Axdennais horses liave been imported to this country as
Belgians, as they are recorded in the Belgian Draft Stndbook.
The colors are principally chestnut, bay and roan, with some
white markings. Their height ranges from 15 to 16 hands and
their weight from 1,400 to 1,700 pounds.

THE BorLo:v:?^Ais
Boulonnais horses are bred in' the department of Pas de Calais,
a district in northern France just across the channel from Eng-
land. The French government recognizes the Boulonnais as a pure
lired, and they are considered in France as next in importance
to the Percheron. The Boulonnais are fully as large as the
Percheron, with exceptionally good bone, and are very even as
to type, size, and color. The color is mostly light gray with slight
traces of dapple. Their height ranges from 16 to 16% hands and
their weight from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds.

THE NIVEKNAIS

Nivernais horses are bred in the department of Xievre in
central France, a district especially noted for its Xievernaise
cattle — a pure breed of white beef cattle unknown in this coun-
try. The Nivernais horses are perhaps a trifle more rangy than
the Percheron, not quite so deep in the flank, but with a level top-
line, and wide, flat, clean bone. This breed is all black, and is
little known in this country except indirectly as they were used in
changing the color of the Percheron horse in response to the
craze for blacks some years ago. Probably some Nivernais
horses have been imported as Percherons, which they closely re-
semble. It is said the Percheron stallions have been used to
improve the Xivernais breed, which, if true, would account for
the two breeds averaging about the same in height, weight, style
and action.

74

The Horse Industry in New \'()rk State

6 jf

>c 5 -^

The Draft Breeds of France 75

the perch eko.x

France perhaps more than any other country takes a hand in
the efficient management and control of her great live-stock in-
dustry. The government inspection, pensions and ownership must
be given much of the credit for the development of the Percheron
horse, which is the most important of the heavy breeds of France.
While Percherons are found in many other parts of France they
are bred more extensively in the Le Perche district, which con-
sists of four departments — Orne, Eure et Loir, Loir et Cher,
and Sarthe — and is o.nly about fifty to seventy-five miles in
extent.

The origin of the Percheron, although more or less obscure, was
doubtless from the same Flemish source that was the fountain
head of all of the draft breeds. As there was no studbook for
Percheron horses in France, and no pedigrees of records kept,
up to thirty years ago, much that has been written of the early
history of this breed may be considered as more or less specula-
tive ; the accuracy of some of the traditional Percheron history
has occasionally been questioned. To whatever foundation stock
the origin of the Percheron horse is due, it is probable that the
tastes and ideas of the French breeder, and the feed, climate and
class of work required, had a much greater influence in estab-
lishing the early type of this breed.

The early service for which the Percheron first attracted atten-
tion was rapid draft work. The work of haiiling heavy loads
long distances at a rapid pace did not recpiire horses of great
size so we find the Percheron of eighty years ago weighing from
1,200 to 1,400 pounds, but very active and of great endurance.
Much credit is due the breeders of Le Perche in meeting the
later demands for horses of greater size and power and retaining
most of the earlier character and action which had made the
breed popular. The improvement of the Percheron in France is
due both to public and private methods.

Gorejiiniciif ConfroJ

Horse breeding is under the direction of the ^Minister of Agri-
culture, as are also horse shows held throughout France. Large

76

The Hohsk l.\i>isri;v i.\ Xkw ^Ok'k State

government studs arc maintained, and a certain number of the
best Percheron stallions are pnrcliased each year. During- the
breeding season these stallions are distributed in Le Perclie and
other breeding districts, and only a nominal fee is charged for
their services.

Fig. 24. Peecheeox Stallion, Kalot, First Pkize Font-YEAR-OLD,
Paris Show, June, 1914

{Photo hu E. S. Akin. Syracuse, N. Y.)

Stallions owned by individuals must be examined by a board of
government veterinarians, and only those up to a certain standard
and free from moon blindness and thick wind are allowed to stand
for service. Those passing inspection are classed as '' approved,''
which carries with it a pension from $50 to $150 from the govern-
ment. ''Authorized " and " certified " are two classes which are
not pensioned.

Exhihitions

There are many horse shows held in France each year. The

principal event is the government live-stock show held in Paris in

June. This show includes all of the French breeds of horses,

as well as cattle, sheep and hogs. At the last Paris show there

The Draft Bkeeds of Fkance

77

were 1,095 horse entries of which 443 were of the draft breeds.
Xext in importance is the Percheron Society Show held in
the district of Le Perche for Percherons only. The last shuw
was held in the old town of Xogent le Rotrou, Jnly 2 to 5, 19 14,
at which there were 433 entries. Classes were for two-, three-
and four-year-olds, stallions and mares ; no yearlings are shown.
Competition was very keen, especially among the large dealers
who arc the principal exhibitors.

Fig. 25. Percheron Stallions in the Great Fovr-Year-Old Class,
Called Back for Prizes at the Last Paris Show, Jine, 1914.
The White Stallion Standing First Won Second Prize and Was
Sold to Herman Buyers for .$2,000

[Photo hi/ E. fi. Akin. Si/nicuae. X. Y.)

The Percheron breeding industry in France is entirely in the
hands of the small farmer who often keeps but one or two brood
mares. The few men who are heard of in a large way as snccess-
ful exhiliitors and principal sellers to the American trade are
not breeders but dealers, depending on the small breeder for the
large number which they handle. These dealers buy princi-
pally stallion colts as weanlings, and from many exceptionally
good mares the colts are usually contracted for a year or more
in advance. The long line of pi'ize winners which these fcAV
dealers bring out each year show with what accurate judgment
these young colts are selected. There are no more keen, earnest,

78 The Hoksk Industky in Xew Vokk State

progressive breeders than the French, aud their ability in grow-
ing, devek)ping and showing has done nnich for the snccess of the
Perclieron breed.

The French breeders are also favored bv the rich pastures of
Le Perche district. These pastures are among the best in Europe,
especially in the valleys and along the rivers and streams with
which this section is well supplied.

Eavhj J in portatlons
The first Percherons Avere imported to Xew Jersey in 1839,
but, since this early importation included only a few animals, the
breed did not become well established until after the later im-
portations in Illinois in 1851. A Percheron stallion colt from

Fig. 2fi. Percheeon Stalliox, JMaxdarix, First Prize Two-
Year-Old, Paris Show, 19U
{Photo hi/ E. S. Akin, Siiracuse, X. Y.)

the New Jersey stock was taken to central New York and traces
of this blood could be found fifty years later in lerrades of excep-
tional quality.

From the early importations, which only assumed importance
less than sixty years ago, the Percheron has been the favorite
drafter, and its distribution has been rapid and widespread. That

The Dkaft Breeds of France 79

Percherons outnumber in this couutrj all other breeds combined
is due, largely, to the cooperation of the French breeder with the
American supporters of their breed in furnishing the type of
horse required. In size, color, type and character, the American
trade has dominated the development of the Percheron more
than any other draft breed, but in catering to the American de-«
maud the French breeder has been amply rewarded. Much credit
for the early popularity and good start given the breed is due to
the enterprise and ability of the pioneer importers and breeders,
but the present importance of the Percheron breed may be said
to rest solely on its suitability to the needs and requirements of
the American people.

Among the earliest and mose earnest workers for state-wide im-
])rovement in horse breeding conditions was John W. Akin of
tScipio, X. Y., who from 1877 until his death in 1893 was the
largest breeder, importer and exhibitor of Percherons in the
East.

Desirable ( 'hamclerisiics

As a clean-legged breed of finish, energy and action, easy-
keeping, early-maturing, crossing well with our native mares, the
Percheron early found favor with the average American farmer.
The demand from the cities for the highest class of draft horses is
largely for Percherons. Grades of this breed last longer on the
streets than those of any other breed.

Another point in their favor is the gray color. While other
colors are to be found in the breed, grays were most popular up
to twenty-tive yeais ago. In meeting the later demand for blacks
it is said that the black Xivernais were used in crossing with
the Percheron, which was unfortunate, since grays were soon in
favor again.

The average Percheron stallion stands I6V2 hands, and ranges
in weight from 1,(JU0 to 2,000 pounds. The popular weight for
Percheron mares is from 1,600 to 1,800 pounds: in the West
mares of lieavier weights are popular. While Percherons are
fully up to the draft requirements as to size, they do not possess
the bulk or form of the Shire or Belgian. They have a little
more ran2;e of good width, a rounded contour, short back closely

80 TlIK llolISK l.NDUSTKV J.N A'eW VoKK StATE

coupled, a fairly level top-line, well arched neck, head of me-
dium size, small ear, large full eyes somewhat heavily capped,
good flat bone free from long hair, feet of medium size, shapely,
and of the very best quality of any of the draft breeds. Other
distinctive Percheron features are a combination of size, strength,
rehnement, quality, and energy, with a most docile tractable dis-
position.

The typical Percheron is also noted for his superior action.
In this breed we find a bold, snappy, airy movement character-
istic of no other draft horse. The Percheron has sometimes been

Fig. 27. Pebcheron Mare. Livottrne, First Prize Tiiree-
Year-Old, Paris Show, June, 1914
(Photo hji E. ,Sf. Akin, f^iiracuse, V. y. )

charged with being too light in bone, and with having short
pasterns and steep rump. This ^criticism would apply however
more to the earlier type. That the American people have de-
clared in favor of the Percheron is shown by the fact that up to
May 1, 1915, there were recorded hy the Percheron Society of
.\merica, 108,000 animals, the draft breed next highest in num-
her having 18,900. All the other draft breeds combined had
less than 50,000 animals recorded.

Tile Dkaft Uukeds of Fka^"ce 81

Latter-l)((ii ( 'onditions

For the past iiftv years horse breeding in Xew York has been
stimiihited, and farm horses greatly improved, by the general
use of Percheron stallions. Grade Percherons have added much
to the farm efficiency and farm wealth of this state. While the
breeding of pnre-bred Percherons haS' not been general, and the
nnmber of breeders limited, several large Percheron breeding
farms have recently been developed, a nnmber of importations
made, and many small breeders interested in the past few years.

]\lany of the most prominent men in American licn'se busi-
ness have been engaged in impo.rting Percherons, and the breed has
been greatly aided and strengthened by the large number of stal-
lions and mares of high quality imported each year. For a
nnmber of years American importers have secured, principally,
all of the ju'ize animals in France, many of them costing from
$;5,(l(l() to $4,000 each. There was l,0o5 Percherons imported in
lOlo and 1,125 in 1014, the European Avar preventing all ship-
ments after August 1, 1014.

On account of the heavy drain on this breed for the w^ar pur-
poses it is said that the French Minister of Agriculture will pi'o-
hibit any shipment of Percherons for two years at least. The
war has also made it impossible to hold any of the national or
provincial live-stock or horse shows in France this year.

What America owes France for the Percheron breed can never
be reckoned in dollars, and, while it is to be regretted that im-
portations are shut off, this breed is in better shape for fu-
ture development in the hands of the American breeder, with-
out outside aid, than anv of the other draft breeds.
6

THE BELGIAN

E. S. Akin, Syracuse, N. Y.

President, Xew York State Draft Horse Breeders' Club

Belgium offers an example of the earliest and most successful
development of draft horse breeding, and, since remote times,
this country has been noted for its good horses. Tt may be said
that Belgium furnished the foundation blood for size and bulk in
the improvement of all of our draft breeds during their forniu-
lative period. The Kingdom is about one-fourth the size of
A'"ew York State, with a population of T.nOO.OOO. and consists
of nine provinces. Tn eight of these provinces the Belgian horse
is bred extensively, the province of Brabant alone having about
50,000 horses, besides much other live stock.
^ Belgium is densely populated, having many cities, towns and
villages close together. The country is mostly low, fertile and
damp; the climate is mild, without the extreme variations com-
mon to this state. By intensive cultivation and the extensive
use of manure and phosphoric acid, immense crops are produced,
and, by the system of soiling, each acre supports a numlier of
horses.

These conditions as well as the taste and requirements of the
people are especially favorable for the producer of large horses.
The Belgian peasants are generally enthusiastic draft horse
breeders. However, breeding operations are limited, as their
farms are small, averaging about three acres each. Xeverthe-
less the (puility and value of their colts are higher than in any
other country. On high-priced land, in thickly settled sections,
no aiiimals are kept that are not both useful and profitable.

Unlike France, Belgium does not maintain any government
stud, the development of the Belgium breed since 1865 having
been left to private enterprise, aided by government subsidies and
prizes to horses of approved excellence. The establishment of the
National Society of Belgian Breeders in 1880, under the official
name of Le Cheval de frait Behje, marked the beginning of
greater improvement and activity in draft horse breeding. In the

[82]

The Belgian

83

o > .s

i C jf

■J. rjr, .

[V cc rii

■^ o

84

rilK HoKSK I.NDrsTKV 1 .\ XkW ^'oI.'K S'l'ATK

show, pension and inspection system the Belgian government pays
ont $850,000 annnally. This system is most complete and effec-
tive in stimulating and encouraging draft horse breeding, and
has placed Belgium first in the quality and value of her draft
horse industry.

Each of the nine provinces of Belgium are subdivided by
the Belgian association into six districts for horse breeding pur-
poses. Kvery October a show is held in oat-h of the fifty-four

Fig. 29. '"' Indigene dti Fosteait," One of the Greatest of ^Iodern
Belgian Sires. Champion at Brussels, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909. Sold
IN 1914, at Twela'e Years of Age, to a Belgian Company, for
$10,000. Said to Have Been Shot with His Owner ry German
Soldiers

districts, and all stallio-ns over three years old must appear for
examination .before a committee of five. This committee, which
includes one veterinarian, is appointed for each district for four
years, their Avork lasting through the month of October. Stallions
considered worthy and able to improve the breed are approved.
Unworthy horses are rejected, the decision of the committee beiiig
final. After inspection, all stallions are shown for prizes, which

The Belgian 85

run from $15 to $S*U in value. Any owner not bringing his
stallion for examination and show, or having a rejected stalliou,
cannot stand his horse for public service or collect any fees. If
this regulation is not obeyed he may be fined. This insures the
use of sound sires.

In ^faroh a similar examination and show is conducted for
l)oth stallions and mares that were too young for the October show,
and similar prizes are aw^arded. These tw^o shows are to eliminate
the undesirables from Belgian breeding stock.

There is also a pension system which is both national and pro-
vincial. Six national pensions of $1,200 each and tifty-four pro-
vincial pensions of $1.")0 each, are offered by the government for
mature stallions.

The big show of the year is held in Brussels the second Thurs-
day in June, and lasts four days. This show is a national and
social event and has the enthusiastic support of all Belgian
breeders and farmers. It is the largest and most important draft
horse shov; in the world, and also the largest show of one breed
that is held in Europe. At the 19 11 Brussels show there w^ere
!»08 entries. Three types are shown separately — the Ardennais, the
low-set Brabacon of sixteen hands, and the taller Flemish over
sixteen hands. For each type there are eight classes, — one each
for both stallions and mares in two-, three-, four-, and five-year-
olds — and from ten to fourteen prizes are provided for each class.
There is also a class for champion stallion, champion mare, and
for the best four mares owned by one breeder ; also a class for
get of sire and for produce of one mare. Competition is keen,
most of the classes having from thirty to eighty entries. One
especially interesting feature of the last day of this show is a
review of the prize winners by the king with his officers and min-
isters, lietween three and four hundred prize winners and cham-
pions are led before the king who distributes the prizes and
medals and congratulates the fortunate owners. The Brussels
show is also of great interest, and is well attended by draft
horsemen and buyers from Xorth and South America as well as
all other European countries.

Of the three recognized types of the 'Belgian breed, the Arden-
nais are the smallest. They average from 1.400 to 1.000 pounds,

86

Jl.

l.NDLsTuv i.\ A'ew York State

The Belgian 87

are from 15 to Ki bands liiali, and are very active. They are
similar to the French breed of the same name. They are bred in
the liilly conntry of northern France and sonthern Belginm.

The low-set Brabacon weighs from 1,800 to 2,000 pounds and
averages 16 hands in height.

The Flemish type, which is especially favored in Belgium,
is the largest, weighing 2,000 pounds or more, and measuring
ll)l/'2 to IT hands in height.

The Belgian is a very low-set, deep, compact-bodied horse, short,
in l)ach, well let down in tlaiik, with wide muscular ends.
The legs are short, verv lieavv bone, and free from hair ; feet

Fi(i. :>1. Bel(uax Stallions ix the Five-Year-Old Class
Called Back eor Prizes at the Last Brtssels Show,
JrxE, 1914

medium size, rather short pasterns ; head good size, ears small,
necks short, thick, and well crested. In color the Belgians are
about lifty per cent bays and forty per cent chestnuts of the
various shades. The remaining ten per cent are mostly roans.
Blacks and grays are not popular in this breed.

In action the Belgian shows surprisingly at the trot, flexing the
hocks and knees Avell and moving with much spirit and vigor.
They. ship better, acclimate more readily, and can put on more
weight in a given time, than any other breed. They are very
easy keepers, and are easily ])roken and handled. The earlier
Belgians were inclined to coarse heads, lop ears, short necks, low
backs, short round rumps, coarse crooked hocks, and a general
lack of refinement and quality.

88 Tmo HoiiSK I.\i)isri;v i.\ Xi;\\ ^'()l;K Statk

Beliiiaus were first imported iibout 1800, and a few scattering;
importations were made up to 1H88. 1 have in mind two im-
portations made to onr owai farm in 1883-85 under the name of
Boulonnais. These horses were not popnlar in New York State,
being- too blocky in type. In the past twenty-five years the im-
provement in the Belgian has been very rapid. There is no
doubt ])ut that the breed has been much modified and refined in
accordance with the American demand. The Belgian breeders
realized fnlly the importniice of the foreign market and have

Fic. ;)2. ■ l!i:\i: i)( )i;." Om: of iiik .Xfosi Xotkd Stal-
lions OF THE BeL(41AN BrEED. CHAMPION OVER ALL

Breeds at Paris Show, 1898; Also Champion at
Brussels Show, ISOS

(Photi) hii ]■:. ,s'. .17,-/y/. ^^iinicuac, V. Y. )

worked to correct the existing faults of their hreed and to im-
prove their style, symmetry and action. While the impo^rtation of
Belgians in anything like large numbers is of comparative recent
date, they have shown in this country the greatest percentage of
increase, and now rank next to the Pcrcheron in popularity. The
Belgian stallion is especially adapted for crossing on common
mares lacking weight and character. This cross shows the great-
est improvement in uniformity and draft type. The wonderful
progress this breed has made in this country may be said to be

Tjie Belgian

89

entirely due to their ability tu make good in the hands of the ordi-
nary breeder. The importations of Belgians would have been
nnich greatei' but for the limited number of horses of this breed
in existence, and the prevailing high prices.

There is a great demand in Belgium for breeding horses, not
only from America but from all other horse breeding countries.
Germany and Holland are prominent buyers, and I have seen
many stallions of exceptional quality sold to these countries at
from $5,000 to $12,000 each. Sweden, Denmark, Bussia, Austria
and Australia are also liberal buyers. The liberal prices and pen-
sions have a strong tendency to hold the best stallions in I)elgium,

FlO. .S3. SEVEXTEE.N E.NTUIES OF Foil! MAKES EaCII ShOWX BEFORE THE

King of Belgifm at the l>Asr Buvssels 8uow, .Ji'ne, 1914
(Photo III/ E. S. Akin, Syracuse, y. Y.)

and to the credit of the Belgian l)reeders it may be said that no
champions, and very few prize animals, are sold to go out of the
country at any price, lentil recently Belgian mares have not
been imported extensively owing to their scarcity and their high
values, but the strong and persistent demand for mares has in-
duced importers for the past few years to bring them over in
increasing numbers. Several importations, principally of mares,
have been made for various breeders in this state from 1012 to
1914. The exhibition and sale of this stock has greatly stimulated
and increased Belgian breeding in the East, and it is hoped that

90 TiiK HoKSK IxDrsiKY i.\ Xkw York Statk

there will soon be more home-bred colts to supply the demand.
Belgians have been the longest and most favorably known in In-
diana, Iowa, Illinois and Ohio, but in recent years have been dis-
tributed in all O'f the horse breeding states.

Since no more I3elgians can be imported, and, in numbers, this
breed is comparatively small, it is of the greatest importance that
the American breeder use the foundation stock at hand to the
best possible advantage. Any future development of this breed
in this conntry must be without outside aid. For centuries' the
world's battle ground, little Belgium is again sorely stricken by
the disaster of war. In the destruction of her great breed of
draft horses, the constructive work of generations is lost, the prin-
cipal source of wealth of her peasant farmers cut off, and the
increasing and lasting benefit of the Belgian draft breed lost
to the whole world for \ears to come.

THE DRAFT BREEDS OF GREAT BRITAIN

E. S. Akix, Syracuse, X. Y.

President, Xew York State Draft Horse Breeders' Club
The British draft breeds have had a long period of develop-
ment. Early history shows that horses were bred entirely for war
purposes. From the seventh to the eighteenth century changing
conditions of warfare made larger horses necessary, as a result of
which the use of small stallions was prohibited, and larger stal-
lions were imported from Flanders to ^cross with the British
mares. Up to the eighteenth centnry oxen, and horses untit for
war purposes, were used for work. After the beginning of this
century horses ^ became more important for work and the real de-
velopment of the draft horse began. In the latter part of the
eighteen century we find two distinct types of cart horses — the
hirge, black old English horse which was the result of the Flemish
cross, and the Suffolk Punch, which seems to have been developed
without outside help or crossing with other foreign or alien blood.
In this respect Sutfolks are probably the purest breed of draft
horses. The characteristics of this breed have remained prac-
tically unchanged for the past hundred years, except for an in-
crease ill size. There can be no doubt but that the Scotch and
English breeders have made their draft breeds what they wanted
them to be and are well satisfied with the results.

Although about the same in color and markings, the two prin-
cipal British draft breeds are quite distinct in other character-
istics, as well as in size. Great credit must be given the breeders
of both countries in the uniformity of type of their three draft
breeds. The British Government, unlike that of France and
Belgium, makes no inspection and pays no subsidies. Personal
endeavor and enterprise, with hearty cooperation among breeders,
have accomplished results possible in no other country.

THE SUFFOLK

The Suffolk is one of the oldest of the draft breeds, and is the
most scarce. Their color is the most uniform of all breeds, and

[91J -

92

TiiK HoKJSE 1.\jjL!»ti;v i.\ A'ew York ialxATE

The ])K.\Fr IJkkeds of Great l!i;riAi.\ 03

thev are claimed to be bred and used more exchisivelv for agri-
cultural purposes than any of the draft breeds. They originated
in eastern England, principally in Suffolk county, from which
the breed takes its name. They are also bred in smaller numbers
in adjoining counties.

The Sulfolk is one of the most distinctive types of drafters
known. The color of this breed, which is referred to with nuich
pride by the English breeder, is chestnut, which became tixcd
nearly two centuries ago. No animals of an}- other color are
allowed to be recorded in the Sutl'olk Studbook. All shades from
light sorrel to dark liver are classed as chestnut, but the shade
nearest to red chestnut, with very little white, is most popular.

The facts in connection with the old-time history of the origin
and development of this breed seems to be well established,
and show that there has been no crossing or mixing with foreign
blood — at least since the lieginning of the eighteenth century- — as
was the case in all the other draft breeds. The Suffolk breeding
districts in eastern England, especially Suffolk county, while
small in area, are very fertile and extremely well cultivated.
The rich low pastures mostly along the rivers and English chan-
nel are well adapted to the development of heavy horses. Some
of these pastures are below sea level and are protected by embank-
ments. They are very productive and furnish an abundance of
feed most of the year.

For the future of the Suffolk breed it is fortunate that there
were a few wealthy men in Suffolk who became largely inter-
ested in the improvement and preservation of this old breed of
horses during the past twenty years. These public spirited men
have purchased and kept large numbers of the best stallions and
mares, working and breeding them on their large estates, and
showing them annually at all of the principal fairs, from the
local town and county shows up to the Royal, w'hich is the prin-
cipal fair of Great Britain. On these estates are kept the cham-
pion and prize Suffolk stallions, which are not fw sale at any
price. The tenant farmers are allowed and encouraged to breed
their mares to these noted sires at a nominal fee. I^early all
colts bred on the small farms are sold at weaning time at private
sale, or combined public sale. The best of them are purchased by

94

Tiii'; JloKsi; I Mxsri;^- ix Xi:\v \'()uk State

the few principal dealers, and are developed on tlieii- lari>e estates
for the foreign trade.

The export trade has been very large in comparison to the
nnniher available, and this breed has had an extremely wide dis-
tribntion, having been exported to Germany, Austria, Sweden,
and Russia in Europe, and to South Africa, Australia, New
Zealand, Argentine Republic and Canada. SufFolks have been
imported and bred in a small way for the past thirty- five years
in the United States, but only a few importers have interested
themselves in this breed.

Fig. 35. Suffolk Stalliox, Srnp.oxnixE Red Cup, Champion at
Last Royal Show, Shrewsbfry, Exglaxd, JrxE, 1914. Owned
BY Mr. Clark.

(Photo hji I". 8. .\k>)i, i<iirariisr, \. Y.)

( 'ltd ri'dcnsl ics
The Suffolks are especially noted for their uniform color, clean
bone, early maturity, deep rounded bodies, and level smooth top
line. They average in height from 15^}4 to l<v>4 hands, and in
weight from 1,500 to 1,800 pounds, with a few heavier. As
compared with the other draft breeds they are lighter in weight,
but their endurance and easy-keeping qualities, as well as their
docility and uniform good dispositions, make them an ideal horse
for the small farmer who wishes to breed horses for his own use
rather than for the citv market.

The Draft Breeds of Great Britain

05

The Sutiolk lias a very clean leg, showing no more hair or
feather than the French breeds. In this respect thev are so
radically different from the very hairv-legged Shire horse in the
adjoining counties that it is hard for many people to believe that
they are both bred in the same small country. The Shire horse
breeders hardly consider the Snff'olks at all and refuse to class
them as a draft breed. Among the breeders of Snffolks, the
shaggy-legged Shire is even less popular. Both are prejudiced
and have no ideas or aims in common.

Fig. 3G. Scifolk Make, SmnoruxE ^NfAiiuiLAss, Cham-
pion AT Last Royal Siioav, Shrewsiury, England,
JrxE, 1014. OwxED i!Y ^fi;. C'lark

iPlioli, hji K. S. M;ill, Si/rai-ii-^r. \, Y.)

The principal restrictions to tbeir more rapid introduction in
the United States were the small numl)er of animals of any age
available, as well as tlie keen competition among buyers of the
various countries, and the high prices, which average somewhat
higher than for other draft lu-eeds. ]\Iany of the old-time
Suft'olks liad long low backs, crooked Avoak hocks. Hat lu'ittle feet,
and were light in l)one compared with size and bulk of top. These
very serious faults, somewhat common to the Suffolk up to about
1900, have been largely corrected and eliminated. The present-
day Suffolk has probably more size, more (piality, and l)Ottor
conformation than at any tinie in the past.

06 Thk Hoksk IxDi'sTuv ix Xkw \'()i;k State

Sull'olk hoivses have been imported and sold in Xew York
State for a ninnber of years, but oiiJv in the past three
years have they been imported to this state in sufficient numbers
and of quality to attract the serious attention of the farmers and
])reeders as a practical business proposition. \ believe the
Suffolk horse will become more popular in Xew York State each
.year, as they are especially adapted to our aiiricnltnral require-
ments.

THE CEVDESDALE

This breed is recognized today as principally the work of
Scotch breeders. The. early history of the Clydesdale would
show their origin to have been the same as the English Shire,
and that the blood of the English draft bi'eeds was derived prin-
cipally from the Flanders source. To the old Flemish horse of
Belgium the modern dydesdale, as well as most of the other
draft breeds, owe their origin. As a starting point for the real
improvement of the Clydesdale, credit is now given to. a black
Flemish stallion imported from England into Scotland about
1750 by John Patterson of Lochlyoch. T'p to the time when the
Clydesdale Horse Society and the Shire Society were formed in
1883, the two breeds had a closer resemblance than now, and there
was also more or less crossing, many times with excellent results.
Since that time there has been very little crossing and the breeds
have in type and size drifted wider apart. The principal dis-
tinction between the two breeds, especially in size, have been
brought about by the diiierence in the countries where l)red.
Bulk or heavy weight in draft horse breeds was developed on, low
ground. Scotland being largely a hilly, broken country, a lighter
more active breed resulted. Also, the individual tastes of the
l)reeders of England and Scotland differ widely, the latter pre-
ferring a horse of less weight and one having more quality and
action.

Clydesdales were at first bred in the valley of the river Clyde
in southern Scotland, principally in the county of Lanark. Per-
haps the most successful Clydesdale breeding districts at the
present time are the counties of Dunfries, Kirkcudbright and
Wighton in lower Scotland, and Aberdeenshire in the north. It
may be said, however, that now Clydesdales of high quality and

ThK Dl.'AKT IjKKEUS OF ( iKKAT UjOTAlA'

97

I'asliiouable breeding are raised in ])ractieally every county of
Scotland. Clydesdale improvement and distribution in Scotland
lias been made possible by a few men who have been breeders not
only in a large way, but have either owned or bred and developed
most of the champion stallions and mares of the breed. These
men, who are also dealers, buy many of the best Clydesdale stal-
lion colts as weanlings. Stallions of all ages are kept on these
large estates in sufficient nnmbers to supply the export trade, but
the best trade, which is peculiar to Scotland, is the business of
leasing stallions. Companies or associations are formed by the

Fig. 37. Clydesdale Stallion. Ciaitjstoxe, CiiAMriox at In-
diana AXD Illinois State Faiks, l!)14. Owned by Leitch &

Sons

[I'holn hit llihtrhrniul, Chicaiio, III.}

farmers in most towusliips in Scothmd, not to buy stallions but
to rent them for the season. Fsually one hundred mares are
guaranteed at from $25 to $50 each, and competition is keen for
some stallions of exceptional merit and breeding. Tu this way
lu-eeding stock is evenly distributed, Clydesdale breeding encour-
aged, and uniformity in type maintained.

For the past twenty years the efforts of the Scotch breeder
have been mainly directed to improve the hocks, feet, length of
pastern, quality of bone, feather and action. To obtain these
7

98

The Hoksk l.Nuusxjiv ijs' ^.ew Vuuk State

points they have sacrificed much in size of bone, weight and
ruggedness of their horses.

Of the draft breeds the Clydesdale was among the earliest to
be imported into the United States, and in the eighties the Scot-
tish drafter was the most important and numerous of the heavy
breeds , in our show ring, but the fact that the American and
Scotch trade require a different draft type, together with the
fact that Clydesdale breeders in the United States and Canada
have beaten the Scotchmen at his own game, has practically elim-
inated Clydesdale importation.

Fig. 38. Clydesdale Mare, Havistotjn Baroness, Cham-
pion, Highland Show, Scotland, 1912; International,
Chicago, 1912-13. Owned by Fairholme Farms
(Photo by H Udehrand , Chicago, III.)

Some of the most intelligent and progressive men ever con-
nected with the draft horse business have been among the earlier
supporters of the Clydesdale. Upholders of this breed are now
less in number, but have among them some men of unlimited
■means w^ho are enthusiastic Clydesdale advocates, and are doing
much in the agricultural press and show ring to make their
favorite breed more popular in the eastern states. Clydesdales
have been the Canadian draft breed for the past fifty years. This
is only natural in a country so closely in sympathy with British

The Draft Breeds of Gkeat Bkitaix 99

ideas and methods. WTiile the Scotch breed is still the pre-
eminent drafter, it may be said that the Clydesdale has reached
the height of its popularity. The many importations of
Percherons, and their larger numbers in the show rings, in the
past few years, would indicate the increasing demand for the
French breed across the border.

('hamcteristlcs

The modern Clydesdale is somewhat lighter in weight than the
other draft breeds, ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 pounds— a few
are heavier. They average in height from 15-3 to 17 hands. In
color, they are chiefly browns and bays, many having more or
less white hairs mixed in their coats. There are also some blacks,
!-oans and chestnuts. Gray is not a popular color. The abun-
dant white markings on fat-e and legs, which often reaches the
body in irregular splashes, seem to be favored by the Scotch
breeder, also the feather or hair on the legs, which has been some-
what reduced and improved in quality.

The good qualities of the C^lydesdale from an American stand-
point would be their level top, well-sprung ribs, quality of hocks
ai-d bone, well-set pasterns, with true straight action at a walk
and trot that is remarkable, being surpassed by no other breed.
The criticism of a ( 'lydesdale today is their tendency to be light
in the body, narrow in chest and loose in coupling. This
rather rangy conformation is probably the cause of their slower
maturity. They are also not as easy keepers as the closer-made
breeds. The breed also lacks in bone and in feet, which are
inclined to be flat.

From the Scottish breeders' obstinate refusal to cooperate or
consider the wants or recpiirements of the American trade it
would seem they must have greatly underestimated the limitless
room for Clydesdale expansion on this side of the Atlantic. This
expansion is only possible when Clydesdale breeders can satisfy the
insistent and increasing American demand for a more rugged,
draftier horse, having more bone, clean-legged, and the white
eliminated from their coats. The future success of this breed in
this country depends on the ability of the breeder to change from
the Scotch to the American type of draft horse.

100

Tjik lioiJSK l.\DLsri;v lA JSkw Vukk Statk

riip; SHIRK
As has already been shown the British draft breeds were evolved
from the English war horse of early days, crossed with the old
black horse of Flanders. With practically the same origin,
and, up to a comparatively recent date, a similarity in type and
blood, there is now a wide difference in the characteristics of the
modern Clydesdale and Shire. To a marked degree the Shire
represents the English idea of a draft horse. In attaining the
great bulk or size the English breeder has been especially favored.

Fig. 39. .Shire Stallion. Cirldwick, C'hampiox at the London
SiiiRE Horse Show, 1914
{Courtesy of Sanders Piiblisliino Co., Chicago, III.)

The low-lying, rich pasture country of Cambridge and Lincoln-
shire is much more favorable to massive growth than is Scotland.
In these counties the Shire and the earlier black Lincolnshire
cart horse have been chiefly bred.

The Shire Horse Society, as well as many very prominent
Englishmen, including the late King Edward and the present
King, have done much for the Shire horse interests and improve-
ment. The Shire Horse Societv has also been verv active in

The Draft Breeds of Great Britain 101

promoting' the large shows, of which the London Shire Horse
Show is one of the most important.

Xext to the Belgian the Shire is the heaviest breed, bnt the
latter is larger boned and coarser in build. Generally speaking,
the Shire is more massive than the other breeds, but less com-
pactly made, standing 161/) to 17 hands in height, and averaging
from 1,7(H) to 2,200 pounds in weight. In build they are some-
what rounder in body than the Belgians, not so deep, and, like
tlie Belgians, are of many colors, ranging from black through the
different shades of bay, brown and chestnut to roan and gray,
with the same liberal white markings as the Clydesdale. White,
soft, silky feather is preferred, and the quantity of hair on the
legs seems to be of great importance to the Shire breeder. An
abundance of long bushy hair on the cannon bone is associated
with great strength, in the mind of the English breeder, and he
sometimes resorts to artificial means to increase its growth.

DistrihuiioH and Advantages
The distribution of the Shire in this country is more restricted
than general. There are some sections in the ^liddle West where
they are bred almost exclusively, while in many of the eastern
states they are almost unknown. This was not always so. There
is little do'ubt that the Shire under various other names was im-
ported into the eastern states a very long time ago. Tt is said
that a strain of horses called the John Bulls in Pennsylvania w'ere
probably descended from English stock. Later this breed found
its way to Illinois and adj(.>ining states.

(characteristics
It may be said that the Shire horse has been much improved
in quality and action in the past fifty years, and is now more
uniform in type. This breed, however, is of a more sluggish
temperament, and is not so docile or even in disposition as the
other draft breeds. From an American viewpoint it is hard to
understand the English tenacity of purpose in carrying out some
of their own peculiar fads or fancies in developing the Shire
type. Aside from size and bone, in which this breed excels, this
type has been established without any regard to the wants or re-
(]uirements of the American trade. An enormous amount of hair

102 The Horse Ia'dustrv in ^'e\v Yokk Statk

about the legs, with tendency of the bone to be round and meaty,
straight pasterns, frequently too much white on face and legs,
large size and contour of head, which is more prominent from
the lightness of neck,-^seem to be the characteristics of the
breed. Some of these points are found in a marked degree in
the champion and prize animals of the Englis.h show ring.

In diminishing numbers Shires are being imported to America,
not of the type fa^^'ored in England, but animals smoother in

Fig. 40. — Shire ^Mare, Dxt.vsmore Chemie, C'uami'ion, Loxdox Shire Horse

Show, 1914
{Courtcfijl of .SV/Hf/fr.S' PnhJiyJiinfi Co., Chicago, III.)

build, with less feather and less white markings. To those who
have watched the Shire at our principal shows it is apparent that
prize winners as selected by American judges are closer in type
to the clean-legged continental breeds. Although there seems to
be a growing interest on both sides of the water in what is termed
'^ Quality Shire " it will need a more radical change in the British
poMcy and effort than we may expect before the Shire interests
in this country can greatly expand.

The Draft Breeds of Great Britain 103

In different parts of the east Shire stallions of early times were
known under the various names of John Bull, Sampson, English
Draft, etc. While this early draft blood was valuable, the bene-
fit was not lasting, except as it was used in crossing with other
draft breeds which followed. About 1850, a breed called the
Sampson was known in the central part of jSTew York State.
In the early sixties I remember many grade Sampson colts on
our own farm that were excellent workers. These horses were
mostly blacks, medium in weight, of rather rough open build,
with great energy and endurance. The general impoi*tation of
Shires does not date back much before 1880. The number im-
ported was never great, but more in former years than now. The
Shire has made his best record in the middle western states where
they have been most successful in producing big, high-priced
geldings and farm native mares. The exceptional bulk, frame,
strength and bone of the Shire are qualities that are especially
valuable. With this breed, size and substance can be obtained
with greater certainty and more quickly than with any other
draft blood.

Grade Shire mares are especially valuable in crossing with
stallions of other breeds. Many of the largest and best grade
mares and geldings on the western farms at the present time are
from this sort of mating. With the future uncertainty of draft
horse importations, especially of the continental breeds, Shire
importations will probably increase, since this breed will be avail-
able in greater numbers than any other after the war.

The following figures, as reported by the various registry
associations, will show the comparative number of animals of the
five draft breeds imported in 1913-14, those recorded and trans-
ferred in 1914, and the total number recorded up to May, 1915 :

Breeds
Suffolk. . .
Shire. . . .
Clydesdale.
Belgian. . .
Percheron.

Imported
in 1913

Imported
in 1914

Total No.

recorded

in 1914

Transfers
in 1914

Reco-ded

up to May

1, 1915

40

24

86

20

90S

181

56

821

15,761

98

51

680

553

18,900

027

391

3,534

13,947

1,935

1,125

9,364

9,198

108,000

HACKNEY BREEDING IN AMERICA-

IvKcaxALi) ('. Vaxderbit/i-

President. American JIacUney llorso Society, Sandy Point Farm, Newport . Pv. T.

The iniprovcnieiit in the ehiss of Ilack-
iievs hred in this eountrv during the past
few vears lias l)een so marked that many
helieve that we can show as good speci-
mens of the l)reed as the best that are
imp(3rted from Enghnid. With the exis-
tence of the European war and conse-
ijuent stoppage of importations, compari-
son, for tlie j)resent at least, is useless,
and it is to the stock farms of America
that the TTackney niu.-t look foi- its future.

What will the Hackney of the future be and from what blood
will it be produced ^ To answer these questions we must look
to our breeders, for upon what they are doing today will depend
the results of tomo^rrow.

I wish to call attention to the l»lood lines which the ditferent
breeders are following and to their own opinions on matters of
interest to the lireeder.

I shall take, for example, the Pabst Stock Farm, belonging to
Mr. Fred Pabst, and situated at Oconomowoc, Wis. ]\[r. Pabst's
foundation was secured by an importation in 19(h; of two stal-
lions and twenty mares, and in the spring of 1907 he further in-
creased his stock by purchasing from Mr. F. 1). Jordan all the
Hackneys at his Plymouth Hackney Stud at Plymouth, Mass.
Among this lot, which consisted of over one hundred animals of
all sizes and ages, were such well-known stallions as Gentleman
John, a champion of the Xational Iloi'se Show, and Dilham
Prime Minister, probably the best pony sii'C in America at that
time, having go^tten such good ones as Lady Dilham and Bit
o'Fashion. Later on Mr. Pabst added to his stud Meanwood
Majesty, by the celebrated F(u-est King.

* Courtesy of The Field: Tlie Advanced Apricnltiiral Publishing Co., Xew
York Citv, piiWishers.

I104I

IIacK.XKY I^KKKDINC I.N AmKIMCA

105

Aiiioiii: tlic l.nMid mures ;ir(": (';iyiit..ii I'liyllis, by Pdlonius
and Saiiitlv. l>y Dissenter, nnt of (,)neen of the Sontli, by Clarton
Duke ().f Connau-ht. This mare is the dam of Consternation,
which was l)red at this farm and is now owned by Miss Long of
Kansas City, for whom she won reserve to the ehampionship at
the National two years ago.

There are also mares by Gentleman John, Lord Denby II,
Prince Crcnnpton, and descendants of old Viscountess, champion
at New ^'drk in 1S'.>8, as well as Gossip, the dam of the well-
known Xorena and Chatterbox.

At the present time ^Ir. Pabst's pony sire is Masterpiece, by
Lord St. Kitts, which is by Dilham Prime ^Minister and ont of

Fig. 41. IIackxfy Si ai.i.iox, IRVI^'(iTO^- Marlhoko.
Owned by \V. D. Henry, Irvincto.n Kai:m, Skmckley,
Pa.

(Coiirtexil nf '• The Firhl.")

Ladv Kitty, she by Sir Horace, Kngland's greatest pony sire.
The dam of :\lasterpiece is Elegance III, also dam of Lady
Dilham.

In 1007 Sir Humphrey was added to the stud. This horse
won the championship at Olympia. and since .standing at the
Pabst Farm has prodnced many promising youngsters. Further
addition was made a few years later, when several brood mares

10(>

The Hojvse Industry in JS'ew York State

HackiS'ey Breeding ix Amejuca

107

were bought from Hon. Henry Fairfax, and were hred to Mi-.
Fairfax's Bagthorpe Snltan, l)v Forest Kini:. Later IJaathorpe
Sultan was himself bought, and he is now at the head of this
stud. That he is a successful sire has been proven bv the number
of prize-winners he has gotten, the wheelers of the team Mr.
Pabst exhibited last season being among them.

There are now over ninety horses at the farm, including brood
mares, young stock and horses in training. Last year fourteen
totals were raised, many of them by Bagthc-rpe Sultan and out of
Sir Humphrey mares. Mr. Pabst makes a point of having his
show strinii' consist of horses of his own In-eedino".

Fig. 48. Hackxev Colts ix Pasti he at Daxiel .). Dhis-
coll's Hackxey Horse Farm, Axrurx, Pa.

{Courtesy of '• The Field."'

Aside from raising pure-bi'cd Hackneys, Mr. Pabst is inter-
ested in crossing Hackneys with horses of other breeds, and is a
tirm believer in the excellent results that can, for various objects,
be thus obtained. Three 3'ears ago he bred a number oi Hackney
mares to a Thoroughbred horse called Dick Burgess, by Sir
Dixon and out of a mare by Hindoo, and has a very classy lot of
youngsters which he feels sure will be heard from in the hunter
and saddle classes. Xot only for these purposes does he consider
the Hackney cross invaluable, but he even claims that a iine type
of lighter draft horse can be obtained by another cross. Regard-
ing this ]\rr. Pabst writes :

" T was impressed with the latter fact on one of my visits to
Paris, where I had an opportunity to see a large exhibit of the

1()>S

TiiK Hkksi: I.NDrsrin in Xkw Youk Statk

horse cjillcd tlif Uritcni. This is ;iii fular^rd type of tho Ilnck-
iicy, 1111(1 iis ('Xj)hiiii('(l to iiic Wiis hi-cxl hy d'ossiiii;' the Ilitckiicv
iiorse to ii (Irjit'ty tyjjc of native iii:ii"(\s. 'I'hoy wore a vcrv uiii-
forni lot, I should jndi>,o wcig'hod 1,400 pounds and over, and
were as fine in conformation as many of the smaller sized Hack-
neys. I felt that the fact that the Hackneys possessed the pre-
potency to eoaivey their individnality to sncli a degree in cross-
breeding was certainly a big point in tbeir favor."

In regard to the rearing of the young stock, special attention
is paid to raising them under conditions most favorable to the

Fin. 44. One of the Stallions at Mr. Driscoll's TTa( k-
XEY Horse Farm, Aibtrx, Pa.

iCourteuj of The Field.")

development of vigor and stamina, ^^'ith this point in view, they
are not stabled the entire year, but, except during the worst
months, are turned out, being given access to sheds that pi'otect
them from rain and storms. This system also has the advantage
of being most economical, as one man can look after from sixty to
one hundred animals when managed in this manner. They ai-e
fed oats, mixed hay, alfalfa and corn. The brood mares are fed
grain sparingly, but the best of hay. The weanlings are halter-
broken, preferably before being taken from their mothers, and as
yearlings and two-year-olds are wo.rked from four to six weeks
with bitting harness, to mouth them. As three-year-olds they are

Ha( K.NKY I>REEl)IX(; IN AmEKICA lUU

worked in harness for a month or two. so that by the time they
are fonr they are ready for the finishing touches.

After many years of close association with the Hackney, ]\Ir.
Pabst's opinion of it as a generally nseful horse might be of in-
terest. He writes :

'' I have been nsing Hackneys for heavy harness nse, riding,
delivering farm products to the station four miles away in all
kinds of weather, and also for lighter farm work, and I don't
know of a horse better adapted for general purposes. I have bred
trotters for many years and tliey have no stauncher admirer.
There is no. better horse for light harness, but I claim and know
that the Hackney is second to none for heavy harness use. To
dwell upon their show qualities is superfluous, as they have
proven their ability to win over every other breed beyond a ques-
tion of doubt."

COACH HORSES

De Voe Meade

Tnstnutor. Department of Animal Hushandrv, Cornell University, Ithaca

GENERAL DESCKIPTIOX

A typical coach horse stands 15-2 to 16
luuids and weighs from 1,000 to 1,250
pounds. He shonld have hii>,]i knee and
liock action, which conies from breeding
I'ather than from artificial means of de-
velopment. He is not required to have
great speed nor marked powers of en-
durance, but must move fairly fast with
much ease and grace of carriage. The
coacher must be very fine in quality, smooth
and symmetrical in all of his outline, and
must carry his head and tail high. The
coacher is heavier, smoother and more stylish than the road horse,
and must be stylish and aristocratic in his bearing in order that
he mav look well in fine harness and draw handsome carriaaes.
The knees should be raised high and the feet in their flight should
follow the circumference of a circle without pause, hesitation or
thrusting foi'ward as they approach the ground. The entire
make-up of the coacher should be symmetrical, bold, refined,
stylish, and the bearing aristocratic.

THE HACKNEY

History

This breed originated in Norfolk, England, and is the result
of crossing the Thoroughbred stallions on native Norfolk trotting
mares, the latter being noted for great speed and endurance, par-
ticularly under the saddle. The important changes in the de-
velopment of the Thoroughbred probably began with the horse
known as the Original Shales, foaled in 1755. This horse was
undoul)tedly sired hy T)lazp, a son of Flying Childers, and out of

[110]

Coach Horses

111

a stout Xorfolk mare. Shales was but four generations removed
from the Darby A.rabiau.

Families that have been conspicuous in the history of the
breed are the Fireaways, the Denmarks, and the Danegelds. Dur-
ing the past sixty years the blood of Denmark and Danegeld has
been of the greatest importance. Leading sires of the present
time are Polonius, Mathias, Koyal Danegelt and His Majesty.

The Hackney in America dates back to 1822 when James
Booth of Boston imported (Jary's) Bellfounder 55, commonly

Fto. 4o. Hackxey Stalltox. VOI.rXTEFR

known as Imported Bellfounder. Bellfounder was the sire of the
Kent mare, dam of Hambletonian 10. The great speed in the
Hambletonian family of trotters is regarded as tracing back
through Bellfounder. The first Hackney stud in the United
States was established at Philadelphia in 1883 by A. J. Cassatt.
Recent breeders and importers are F. C. Stevens of Attica, N. Y.,
Eben D. Jordan of Boston, Mass., and Robert Beith of Bowman-
ville, Ontario, Canada.

112 The Hoi.-sk Ixdistk-v i.\ Xkw Vouk State

( 'iKintclcri.sl irs

'Die typical Hackney is a coinpai-atively short-leiiged, compact,
.sinoothly-tiiriied, strong-huned liorso of aristocratic mien. The
l)reed is characterized hy a full, rounded chest, short hack, hmg
level and Kroad I'unip. witli a most ty])i(*al coachy cai'riaiic ot the
neck and head. The graceful cari'iage and perfect, symmetrical,
lines of the Hackney make him ])reeminently adapted to carrying'
tine harness and to drawing handsome rigs in parks or on the
boulevard.

The action is high, round, (piick, elastic and regular, not only
in front but also behind. The hocks are flexed' and extended so
as to correspond with the " trap])y "' action of the knees.

Recently chestnut with white markings has l)een the color
most in demand. Bays, browns. I'oans and blacks are also ac-
ceptable. The most desirable height for the Hackney is 15-2
to IT) •'! hands.

nmtt/

The Hackney as a breed possesses strong pre})otency and is
able to stamp breed and individual characteristics upon its otT-
spring. He is. therefore, well adapted for mating with either
Standardbred or Thoroughbi-ed mares for 'the purpose of pro-
ducing a high-class harness or saddle horse. The mares selected
should approximate as nearly as possible the Hackney type and
the offspring from the mating may be expected to j^ossess natural,
inherent coach action which may be further perfected by shoeing
and training.

Hejjislralton

The Hackney is promoted in the United States by the Ameri-
can Hackney Horse Society. Gnrney ('. Gue of o08 West 9Tth
St., New York City, is the secretary of this association.*

FKEXCll COACH

History
As the name indicates, this breed originated in France, where
it is known as the Demi-Sang, meaning half-blood. This breed
is the pi'odnct of a cross between the English Thoroaighbred and

fSoc article on the llaeknoy by IJegiiuild \'aii<lerbilt. page 104.

Coach Horses

native mares of France that have i'(.»nsideral)le Arabian and other
oriental hlood in them. The use of English sires on Normandy
mares renujved a certain (k\aree of phiinness and coarseness and
at the same time increased speed and quality.

The French iiovernment in (U'der to promote the breedini;; of a
superior chiss of both coach and draft horses has made three dif-
ferent :^talli(in classes: first, stallions owned by the government,

^ -*.->^^«ss.sr

Fig. 40. French Coach Stalliox. Paladea.

second, approved (U- subsidized stallions, and third, authorized
stallions. The French law since 1SS."> has prohibited the public
use of stallions not conforming to these standards. Tt is said
that Thoroughbreds have not been used in the breeding of French
Coach horses since 1840.

Characteristics
This l)reed is somewhat variable in type. The breed is more
rangy in ty]ie than the Hackney, an upstanding graceful, free-
movino- horse. Horses of this l)ree(l ranue in luMiibt from 1 r)-2

114 The Hoksk Ixdustry in Xew York Statk

to 16 hands and weigh 1,200 to 1,400 pounds. This breed is
characterized l.y a good length of black, a long, somewhat arching
neck, and a long, wide, level cronp. The trot of this breed is
long and powerful instead of high and trappy like the Hackney.
The color varies through different shades of bay, brown, aiid
black.

IJtil

The French Coach is suited for the production of large strong
and handsome coach, carriage and wagon horses, when mated
with mares that are possessed of suitable conformation and
quality. Suitable mating with American trotting-bred stock pro-
duces a superior class of carriage horse.

Registration
The French Coach breed is promoted by the French Coach
Horse Society of America. The secretary of this association is
Duncan E. Willett, Oak Park, 111.

GERMAN COACH

History
The German Coach originated in Germany, especially the north-
western part, in the states of Hanover, Oldenburg, \Schleswig-
Holstein and in the district of East Friesland. The coach hors^'e
breeds of Germany have been formed by mating native mares of
Germany with horses imported from the Orient, England, Den-
mark, and other important horse countries of the world. The
breed is therefore of composite origin. Government supervision
of horse breeding in Germany has existed for centuries. Laws
were passed prohibiting the use of stallions unless they had passed
a satisfactory government inspection. At the present time both
the government and agricultural societies promote the intelligent
breeding of horses. Animals of special merit are awarded prizes
and must be kept in the country for a stated period of time.

Characteristics
Owing to the conditions existing in Germany several types of
German Coach hoisos lun-o arisen. The l)est kiKn\ii types are the

Coach Horses

115

Trakelmen, the Hanoverian. Holstein. Oldenburg, and East
Friesland liorses.

The Trakehnen horse has a good disposition, great endurance
and a strong, ch>sely-coupled back and loin. This is the lightest
of the German Coach types.

The Hanoverian has strong legs, and a good back, which is suffi-
ciently strong to carry quite heavy loads. Although used more
for draft it is also suitable for saddle purposes.

The Oldenburg is the heaviest type. They stand 15-3 to 16-2
hands high and weigh 1.200 to 1,400 pounds. These horses are

Fig. 47. Germax Coach Make, Alejiania

used for heavy coach and as farm and all-purpose horses, but are
not used under the saddle.

The Holstein is similar in size and weight to the Hanoverian.
Thev have aood legs, are free movers and are suitable both for rid-
ing and driving.

The East Friesland horse is about the same size as the Olden-
burg and is practically the same, since they are bred from Olden-
burg sires.

In height the breed ranges from 15-8 to 16-2 hands and
weighs from 1,350 to 1,500 pounds. The color does not vai-y

1-^^ J 'If: Jl<)i;sK IxDisTiv'v I.N Xkw Youk Statk

greatly, hoino. eithei- hay, brown or hlack. Coarseness is not nn-
eoninion to the breed. Superior folding of the knees and hocks,
which is characteristic of the Hackney, is not a uniform charac-
teristic of the German Coach.

Ctlllti/
Mated with large, strong, sound mares the liest German Coach
horses are likely to produce a large number of useful wagon
horses, light expressers and general purpose horses, and a fair
proportion of useful coach horses.

Befiislrafion
The interests of the (Jerman Coach are advanced in United
States by the German Hanoverian and Oldenburg Coach Horse
Association of America. Mr. J. Crouch of Lafayette, Ind., is the
secretai'y of this organization,

C I.EVE]. AND BAY

1/ istori/
The native home of the Cleveland Bay is in northeastern Eni>'-
land. The exact origin of this breed is very obscui'e and nothing
is detinitely known regarding it. The Cleveland I]ay was early
used for agricultural and general utility purposes. Owing to
changes in economic conditions early in the nineteenth centui-y,
and again in the latter part of the same, the breed fell into dis-
favor and almost went out of existence. The Cleveland Bay in
the United States is practically a total failure. There is no promi-
nent breedei' advocating the mci-its of the breed, and importations
are rarely made.

('haraclcristics

The color is always bay, either light or dark, with black legs,
mane aud tail. White, except a small star in the forehead or a
few white hairs on the heel, is not permissible as it is supposed
to indicate foreign blood. The breed ranges in height from 16-1
to 16-3, and in weight tVom 1.2()() to 1,550 pounds.

The Cleveland Bay ranks among the largest of the coachers, but
it lacks the quality and action of the other coach breeds. The

Coach Hokses

117

118 The Horse Lndustkv i.n New V(ihk Staik

action is strong iuul powerful but not stylish. Most of the repre-
sentatives of the breed lack prepotency f«i j)ro(lucf' (|uality. and
larii^ely for this reason they have failed to become popular in
America.

The Cleveland Bay stallion of the best type and breeding is
prepotent in transmitting his color markings and good disposition
to his progeny, and when used upon common mares gets a fair
proportion of light, active horses for general purpose work.

Begistrafion
The interests of the Cleveland Bay are advanced by the Cleve-
land Bay Society of America. The secretary of this organization
is Mr. R. P. Stericker, of Oconoanowoc, Wis.

ASSES AND MULES
Dk. C. W. Beodhead, Moxtkose, Pa.

Farmers' Institute Lecturer

THE :\rrLE akd hi>'ny defined
Mule

The word "mule" signifies a hybrid;,
that is, the offspring of animals belonging
to the same genus/ and fertile one with the
other, but of different species. Mules or
hybrids are uS'Ually infertile one with
iiiothe]', and are always incapable of pro-
j);igat!ng the species indefinitely. As now
genera ly accepted, the word mule is used
to designate tlie offspring of the jack with
the mare. They have been known and bred
since the time of remotest history, having been always prized
for their longevity, sure-footedness, and ability to labor in ex-
treme heat.

Hinny
The hiuny is the produce of a she-ass bred to a horse. They
were called hinnus by the Romans ; hence our name hinny. They
resemble the horse more than the ass, just as the nmle, sprung
from the mai-e and ass, resembles the male parent most. Hinnies
are handsome, round-bodied like the horse, but exceedingly small,
and are also said to be slow and more difficult to manage than
the mule proper. They have, therefore, seldom been bred, and
have generally passed into disuse.

THE ASS

The wild ass is said to have been indigenous to the Arabian
desert and the countries which formed the Babylonian Empire.
Those now found in the northern region of India, in the hill
country, are said to be so fleet that no horse can overtake them.
Four different races seem to be indicated in the Hebrew Scrip-

120

Jill-: H<ii;si-; Lndlsuiv i.\ New \'oi;k S

Asses anu Mii.ks 1^1

tures, where they are named Para. Thajiiov. Atou aud Orud.
Scott's version of the description by Job of the wild ass Para is
as follows :

Wild tenant of the waste. 1 semi Mm there

Among the shrubs, to breathe in freedoms" air.

Swift as an arrow in his speed he tiies;

Sees from afar the smoky city rise;

Scorns the throng^l street, where slavery drags her load,

The loud-voiced driver and liis urging goad:

Where e'er the mountain waves its lofty wood

A boundless range, he seeks his verdant food.

ANTIQUITY OF THE MULE

Mules were used and much prized from a remote antiquity, and
are mentioned both in sacred and profane history. They were
introduced into the chariot races in the seventieth Olympiad, or
about 500 years before the Christian era ; and, in the time of the
Romans, Q. Axius, a Komaii Senator, according to Pliny, paid
400,000 sesterces — or more than $i:;,(M)() — for a male ass for
the stud. He also states that the best female asses were worth
a like sum to breed sires. When we compnte the difference m
value between money then and now, the price was greater than
that now paid for the most celebrated racing- and trotting' horses.

BKEEU1AC;-.JACKS

The best jacks now are those of Spanish origin. They are large,
strong-boned, long-bodied, and. of course, long-eared. Fig. 4'.»
gives a good representation of the Foitou ass, an animal similar
to the Spanish jack.

The jack, whatever the breed, is sensitive to cold and to the
influence of storms, and, if not warmly housed in winter, soon
becomes useless and disabled from rheumatic and other afl'ections.

Of the jacks imported at an early date into America, as a
present to General Washington. Mr. Custis has written as follows:

The Roval Gift and Knight of .Malta were sent to General Washington about
the vear 1787 The (iift with a jennet, a present from the kmg of Spam, and
^aid"to have been selected from the royal stud. The Knight, I believe, was
from the :»Iarquis de Lafavette, and was shipped from Marseilles

The (xift was a huge and ill-shapened jack, near sixteen hands high, with
very large head, clumsv limbs and to all appearance little calculation for
active service. He was" of a gray color, probably not young when imported,
and died at Mount Vernon, l»ut little valued for his mules, winch wen-

iinwieldv and dull. . • • mi ^i

The Knight was of moderate size, clcan-liml.ed. of great activity, with ttie
fire and ferocity of a tiger; a dark brown nearly black colour, white belly and

122

The Honsp: LxDrsmv ix Xew V

oKK State

muzzle. He could be managed only by one groom, and that always at consider-
able personal risk He lived to a great age, and was so infirm towards the
a^t as to require lifting. He died on my estate in Xew Kent, in the state of
West Virginia, about 1802 or 1803. His mules were all active, spirited and
serviceable, and from stout mares attained considerable size.

General Washington bred a favorite jack called Compound, from the cross
of Spanish and Maltese — the Knight upon the imported Spanish jennet
iliis jack was a very superior animal; very long bodied, well set, with all
qualities of the Knight and the weight of the Spanish. He was the sire of
some of the finest mules at .Mount Vernon and died as a result of an accident.
Ihe General bred mules from the best of his coach mares, and found the value
of the mule to bear a just proportion to the value of the dam. Four mules
sold, at the sale of his effects, for upwards of $800, and two more pairs at
upwards of $400 each pair. Of one pair of these mules each was nearly
sixteen hands high. -^

From these jacks a compound breed was produced, that, when bred to laro-e
mares, was unexcelled for size and activity. *'

The breeding of jacks and jennets (as the female of the ass
is called) is confined to bnt few hands. These breeding studs
are mostly located in Kentucky and Tennessee, though some are

Fig. oO. A Good Farm Team, Five or Six Years oi.j,, ( .,,miau jih
OwNER^$600 IN THE Spring. They Are Iron Gray and Are Built
VERY Solid, Adapted to Any Kind of Farm Work

found in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Up to the time
of the Civil War the breeding of this stock was an important in-
dustry, the jacks produced being distributed for service all over

Asses and Mules 123

the southern and western states. Since the war, with the break-
ing up of the great breeding studs, the industry has languished,
owing to the decreased demand for mules. A new impetus, how-
ever, has given rise to the breeding of jacks again in considerable
numbers in the South, and this branch of husbandry will un-
doubtedly again assume more than its original importance, for
the agricultural interests of that section are steadily growing, and
a constant improvement is noted in the quality and numbers of
the live stock.

What the jacks should be may be seen in the illustration
(Fig. 49 ) of the Poitou ass, a modification of the best form of the
Spanish jack. Fig. 50 shows the best form of mule. Note the
manner of trimming (roaching) the mane and tail.

LONGEVITY OF THE MULE

The longevity of the mule is proverbial. It was a common say-
ing during the Civil War that "mules never died." They might
sometimes be knocked over by a shot, but if one ever died a
natural death the army wags refused to credit or record the fact.

Pliny gives an account of one taken from Greacian histoiy
that was eighty years old, and, though past labor, followed others
that were carrying materials to build the temple of Minerva at
Athens, and seemed to' wish to assist them. This so pleased the
people that they permitted him to have free egress to the grain
market. Dr. Rees mentions two that were seventy years old in
England. ^Ir. P. S. Skinner says: ''I saw, myself, in the West
Indies, a mule whose owner assured me was forty years old, per-
form his task in a cane mill;"" and adds, "I now own a mare
mule twenty-five years old that I have had in constant work
twenty -one years, and can discover no diminution of her powers.
She has within a year past often taken upwards of a ton weight
in a wagon to Boston, a distance of more than five miles."

A man in my neighborhood has owned a very large mule
about fourteen years that cannot be less than twenty-eight years
old. He informed me, a few days since, that he could not per-
ceive the least failure in him, and would not exchange him for
any farm horse in the country. And I have just been informed,
from a source entitled to perfect confidence, that a highly respec-
rablo iientlenian and eminent agricnlturist, near Centerville, on

1^-J 'I'lIK lIoKSK I.XDISTUV 1 .\ XeW VoKK StATE

the eastern shore of iMaryJand, owns a mule that is thirtv-fi
years old, as capable of labo.i' as at any former period.

VALUE OF MULES FOK LABOK

It is beyond dispute that mules will continue to labor for at
least double the period of the usefulness of the horse. They
endure extreme heat better, but ai'e pinched with cold. It is a
mistake to suppose that the mule will subsist on far less food
than the horse. Tn proportion to size, tlioy re(|uir(" about the-

Fig. 51. The Same Pair as Showx in Fig. .30 PvEady for a Drive to
Towx AT a Good Gait
same quantity, but, weight for weight, they will draw a heavier
load. Owing- to the fact that they take little notice of what is
going on about them, they do not fret and seldom scare. As pack
animals, they are far superior to the horse; while, in sure-footed-
ness and freedom from disease, no farm animal except the goat
can compete with them. The impression that mules can get
along with little or no care, and that thev must be turned out in

AsiSKS AM) Mll.ES 125

the winter to shift for themselves, has led mauy people ti> be
disappointed in their use. In summer, when a horse would seek
the shade, we have seen mules lie prone in the sun and enjoy
the heat. For ordinary farm labor and all teaming- purposes,
mules become more valuable as we go south of 40 degrees. As
we proceed north they become less and less serviceable, and few
are found iiL use north of 45 degrees.

MILES AKK \OT VICIOUS

It is generally supposed that the mule is naturally vicious.
This is a mistake. He is resentful and never forgets an injury.
If subjected to a long course of ill usage, he at length becomes
vicious. On the other hand, no animal is more susceptible to
kindness, or will exert himself more strenuously for a kind master.
Nevertheless, the mule must have a master — -one firm and yet
kind. The mule, as some of our readers probably know, has a
perfect means of otfense and defense — his heels. These he knows
how to use to far better purpose than does the horse. They are
not used, however, except under the impulse of fear or revenge,
if treated kindly the mule is at once amiable, tractable and willing
to perform any due amount of labor. ()n the other hand, if ill
used lie becomes sullen, vicious and often balky in the extreme.

BKEEDIXG OF MULES

In the breeding of mules, as of all other animals, attention
must be paid to the use for which they are intended. If for
])acking in the mountains, small compact mules, such as are
bred from small tine JSpanish jacks, are retjuired. These are at
once agile and sure-footed. For work on southern plantations
medium-sized mules nnist be sought. These are bred from mares
of ordinary size, by good-sized jacks. In breeding mules for the
road and for heavy teaming, large roomy mares are used. These
are served with the largest jacks, and, at three years old, when
well matched, command $300 to $600 a span.

The treatment of the mares and of the mule colts should be
precisely like that of the horse colt and its dam. The colts should
be handled when young and should be gently treated and made
completely subordinate to the will of the master. At two years

120 The House IrvDusTuy in JSIkw \ (jick State

old they may be broken. They should be carefully harnessed,
without frightning them, and hitched to a strong wagon, when
they will generally move off without much difficulty. Thereafter
they may do light work until they are four years old, when they
may be put to labor. Their dentition is similar to that of the
horse, and the rule for telling their ages is identical with advice
for that animal.

BREEDING

Mules being hybrids may be bred from mares not suitable for
breeding horses, as mules are not so liable to take on the defects
of both sire and dam, such as ring bone, spavins, and many other
hereditary defects. Any young man starting in the farming busi-
ness can soon have a good team by using a jack for the sire on
such dams as are not fitted for breeding horses, on account of
the latter's susceptibility to inherit certain defects, I want to
emphasize this point : the better the dam, the better the mule.
This holds as good in mule breeding as in that of cattle.

It is said that the mule does not need as much care as the
horse. That may be true ; but they do respond to good treatment
as well as the horse, and will show it quicker and prove their
appreciation by their looks and actions.

Mules will thrive on coarser fodder than the horse, such as
browsing of weeds, berry briars, and many things found in
pasture that even cattle or horses will not tt)uch. A good roll
every day is as necessary as feed or water, and, when the day's
work is done, they want their freedom for a few minutes in a
yard where they lie do\\^i and roll and shake themselves. Corn
and whole oats make an ideal feed for the mule. Mule colts
should be weaned from the mare the same as horse colts, at four
or five months of age.

CASTRATION

Castrating of mules should be done at an early age; one year
old is a good time, as they grow up more even fore and hind. It
is all the better if done when the colt is running with the mare.
If everything is visible there is no more risk with the mule colt
than with the horse, but the same precautions should be taken.

AsaEs A2sD Mules

127

• 128 liiK ll()i;si.. J.xDi.sTia' i.\ Xkw \'()Kk SrArK

ROACHIXG AM) T FJI M NflXfi

Koaching and tninining the mane and tail sliuuid be done regu-
larly, as it gives them a better appearance, but always leave a
nice switch on the tail for tly service.

SIK)EI.N(; MULES

Mules may be worked on the farm without shoeing. If they
are not shod at too early an age the shape of their feet is such
that they will grip the earth and not slip, providing the ground
is not filled with Hat and sharp stones.

The sandy soils, and the river bottom where the stones are
round, do not wear of!' the feet, but it is advisable to shoe if
they show signs of crimpling when pulling on the road. The
mule's feet, being upi'iglit when the colt is l)orn, should not be
changed by shoeing, but should be left as natural as possible.
Do not cut the heel too much so to get the horse sha])e, as many
shoers do. This results in too much pull on the heel tendons
from the bottom of the foot, which will cause ankle cocking and
stumbling. Kindness should be used in the beginning as they
never forget anything, either good or bad treatment.

THE HORSE ON NEW YORK STATE FARMS

Dr. ]\I. Hamilton, Delhi, jST. Y.

Veterinarian and Farmers' Institute Lecturer-

^^gB^^ Since the clearing of the forests by our

^^^mL> forefathers the horse has held a unique

If '^'^k position on the farms of jSTew York State.

The pioneer settler, often living long-
distances from markets, was obliged to
haul the products of the farm over long,
tedious journeys to exchange them for the
necessities of life. To him the horse held
second place only to the family circle.
The horse removed the stumps, tilled the
first acres of virgin soil, carried his children to school, his family
to church. ISTaturally the farm boy of today inherits a love and
admiration for the horse. His ambition to rear, feed, and intelli-
gently train one or more colts is a laudable one, developing self-
reliance, self-control and an interest in farm life.

The requirements of the horse in the earlier days, when rail-
roads were few and the motorcycle, trolley and auto were unheard
of, were quite different from those of today. The horse in those
days offered about the only means of conveyance for the jSTew
York State farmer. Consequently, a horse of medium size, not so
large as to interfere seriously with his road work, yet large
enough to perform the ordinary farm labor, was considered the
ideal or general-purpose horse. The Morgan horse filled this
place admirably.

STANDAEDBRED AND ROAD HORSES

After the Civil "War, farmers of this state became very en-
thusiastic over the Standardbred trotting horse. Practically, just
one requirement was necessary to make a Standardbred stallion
idolized by a whole community, and that was speed. Xo matter
how inferior in size and conformation, no matter how sulky and
9 [129]

130 The House TxBrsTKY tx ISTew Yotik State

mean of disposition, it was his record as a trotter tliat determined
largely whether he should he nsed as a hrceder. ]\Ineh that had
been gained through the preceding years to establish an ideal farm
horse was lost, for farmers bred their ideal farm mares indiscrim-
inately to the stallions that had the most speed.

The Standardbred trotting horse of quality is to be recom-
mended when bred to mares of his own type. It is poor policy,
however, to breed a large farm mare to a little, runty stallion,
with nothing to recommend him but speed. The results of this
injudicious breeding are seen at the present time in the large
number of horses that are inferior in size, color, temperament,
soundness and c(Uifonnation. liaising trotters is all right for
pleasure, but the average farmer would better wait until the mort-
gage is paid and he has a good-sized bank account before com-
mencing activity along that line.

With the increasing facilities for travel, the road horse is be-
coming less necessary; and the demand has increased for the
large, strong, active horse of drafty conformation. Moreover, the
growing importance of deeper and better tillage of the soil, to-
gether with the increasing amount of heavy farm machinery, such
as the binder, sulky plow, corn harvester and many others, require
horses of weight.

VARIABLE WEIGHT FOR TTTE FAR:\r ITORSE

Very wide differences of opinion exist among farmers as to
what constitutes an ideal weight for a farm team under present
farming conditions. Some individuals prefer the mettle, spirit
and nervous temperament that is characteristic of small horses;
while others choose the strength, docility and dependence of a
drafter. Conditions on various farm.s also differ, those having
rough, heavy land where nnich plowing must be done requiring
heavier horses than farms composed of lighter soils. Moreover,
horses vary greatly; and the reader has no doubt owned, or at
least known, horses weighing only 1,000 to 1,100 pounds that
endure more hard farm work and haul heavier loads than some
horses weighing 1,400 pounds or oven more. This is not an
argument to prove that the small horse excels the big one on the
farm; but it does prove that a small horse of good shape and

The Horse on Xew ^'ok'k Statk pAims 131

build is superior to many drafters, especially when the main
object of the breeder was to produce a horse of great weight,
regardless of qnality. The greatest demand is for horses weigh-
ing from 1,100 to l,(iOO ponnds, the most popular weight being
around 1,400 pounds when in good working condition. Very
often a 1,000-pound horse when shipped from the West will
normally weigh only about 1,400 pounds after having been
worked for several months.

POTXTS OF EXrELT-EXCE

As the majority of new horses required to replenish tlie farms
of the state each year are imported from other states and then
purchased from horse dealers, 1 should like to mention a few
points which I consider every farmer should be able to judge be-
fore making the purchase. If you are unable to judge the age
of a horse, by all means employ a man who can. Thousands of
old horses are being shipped into this state each year and sold for
high prices to the farmers for seven- eight- and nine-year-olds.
The art of burning with a hot iron, or grinding with files little
holes on the wearing surface of the front teeth to make them
appear like natural cups, and thus deceive the unsuspecting cus-
tomer, is being practiced extensively. Xature surrounds the cup
with a very thin layer of white enamel. Xice, even cavities or
cups not surrounded by enamel should arouse our suspicion of
fraud.

The horse sliould have a strong, muscular appearance with a
certain amount of refinement and quality, indicating that every
pound of weight is necessary for his development and usefulness.
Of what use is a hundred pounds of extra weight carried on the
head and neck or another hundred pounds of unnecessary connec-
tive tissue, which predisposes to stocking of the limbs and lym-
phangitis '. Plenty of weight in muscle, bone and tendons placed
in proportionate amounts in the right places is essential. I'hat is
the reason why some of our well-bred smaller types of horses are so
powerful.

A good sized barrel or alxlomen shows that tlie horse has plenty
of room for his dinner and indicates a good feeder. A well-sprung
rib, wdiich is one that extends well out froin the backbone and well

132 TiiK lI(»i;sK I.NiusTKV IN New York State

down towards the ground, indicates that the liorse has a hirge heart
and hmg capacity, as well as ample space for the digestive ap-
paratns. Select those with level top lines and short hacks, heavily
ninscled over the loins; that is, the muscles hetween the hips and
kidneys shonld he hroad and appear full and prominent. A de-
pression in front of the hij)s indicates hick of endnrance and
weakness of the m.ost serious nature. Many drafters have very
steep rumps, but choose those that ai'e more nearly leveh. Many
of the hest ones have a strong- dock. The size of the head and
neck should be proportionate to the rest of the body. A rather
small, lean head, smoothly attached to a well-arched neck gives the
drafter a certain amount of style and digiiity that we all admire.
Ample width between full prominent eyes and nicely placed ears
of medium size signify intelligence and a good disposition, r.ong,
sloping shoulders, on account of allowing greater freedom of mo-
tion and preventing an undue amount of concussion, are 'much
preferred to straight, upright shoulders. This is a very important
consideration, especially if we expect a considerable amount of
work at the trot. The slope of the pastern (the space between the
hoof and fetlock) has an essential bearing on the amount of road
work a drafter can perform. Short, straight pasterns, while they
may appear stronger, are often the cause of ringbones, sidebones,
and various foot lamenesses ; whereas a pastern of moderate length,
sloping at an angle of about forty -five degrees, renders the jar or
concussion on the parts below much less severe.

THE LI.MDS .VXD FF.E'I'

The cannons (the bone and tendons between the fetlock and the
joint above) should be short and wide in front and extend well-
back. They should l)e flat and appear free from all surplus tissue.
Hence, the old idea that the round, stocky leg lacks quality is true.
It is not the bone or tendons, but an excessive amount of con-
nective tissue and a thick skin, that gives it its round ajipearance.
As the front feet have to support at least two-thirds of the weight
of the body, it is not surprising that the trouble is within or
around the foot with 75 per cent of the horses that are lame
forward.

The quality of the hoof can usually be judged by the quality

The Hokse on New York State Farms 133

of the hair around the top of the hoof. Hough, coarse, kinky hair
means poor, coarse and In-ittle hoofs : while if the hair has a fine,
smooth, glossy texture it indicates that the hoofs are of the same
quality and will stand the wear much better. The foot should be
of good size with a dense heavy wall that is free from ridges and
roughness. The soles should l)e thick and firmly attached to the
wall. The frog should be large and wide and extend well down.
The bars should be prominent and extend well back.

The weakest part of the hind limbs is the hock joint. Un-
doubtedly, with TT) per cent of the horses that are lame behind,
the trouble is located in or around the hock joint. The entire joint
shoTild be large and wide in front, extending well back, and should
present a flat appearance, with its irregTilar shape distinctly out-
lined and free from puffiness.

SLIGHT ^OX-UEKKDITAKY UXSOUXDXESS XOT A BAR TO FARM WORK

Often times unsound horses can be used to advantage on the
farm. We often reject a horse for some trifling unsoundness, as
a splint, wind puft" or wire cut, and accept one that is apparently
sound, but with such poor conformation that he is predisposed to
unsoundness when put to hard labor. Sound, serviceable horses
can frequently bo purchased 25 per cent or more below their
actual vahie. City horses that have corns, sidebones, etc., caused
from continual concussion on city pavements, often make sound,
serviceable horses for farm work. It is not usually economical to
l)uy horses that have an incurable lameness, as the pain caused
by the lameness makes them hard keepers.

Some farmers do not keep enough horses to do their work m
season without overworking them. ^^lany farmers, however, keep
too many horses, and often are more careful of them than they
are of the members of their own family. It is not infrequent to
see the children walking to town to an occasional party or to
church, while the father has several horses standing idle in the
stable. Let the boys and girls take a pleasure trip with the horse
occasionally, and you will do more to keep them on the old farm
than by any other single thing.

THE BEST HORSE FOR THE FARMER TO BREED

J. 11. S. JoiiJSSTOA'E, Chicago, 111.
Author of " The Jlorse Book "

It is beyond doubt that the exportation
of so many horses for service in the
artillery branches of the British, French
and Italian armies will very materially
inlluence the demand and supply in our
equine trade for many years — perhaps
for all time to come during which a horse
market may exist on any large scale.

It is peculiar, but nevertheless true,
that the majority of our most useful horses
in town and country have for many years been bred haphazard.
Xo one denies that, taken by and large all over this country —
on city pavement and in the farmer's field — by far the most
useful and generally used type of horse has for a long time been
the chunk, weighing from 1,200 to 1,500 pounds. ]\lost of
them are and always have been the get of pure-bred draft
stallions. Previous to the establishment of the stallion importing
business, and the consequent pure-bred draft horse breeding busi-
ness in this country, the chunk, as he is universally described
today, was not known in North America. To be sure there were
stockily built little horses of the same shape and much lighter
weight, but they were more on the cob than on the chunk order.

When the importation of British and French draft stallions
began, there were no large mares with which to mate them. As
a result the progeny was of medium poundage, but considerably
heavier than the maternal parent stock. As cross after cross
of draft blood was added, it became possible to produce horses
of real draft size — from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds — but to this
day, the same preponderance of chunks exists. Only a very few
of the colts begotten by any ton drafter ever exceed the chunk size.
Hence it follows that the great bulk of the chunks bred in this
country have not been what they had a right to be. Sired by
stallions weighing from 1,800 to 2,000 pounds, and from

[134]

The Best House for the Fakmeu to Bkeed 135

ordinary farm luares weighing from 1,200 to 1,400 pounds, the
resulting foals, if properly fed in their youth, have every right to
attain a poundage considerably greater than they have as a rule
developed.

IMPOETANCE OF PKOl'Eli FEEDING EARLY IX LIFE

The American farmer, however, has with few exceptions failed
to recognize the necessity for feeding his young horses well during
their first two seasons -^ especially during the first. Hence the
generalized use of the pure-hred draft stallion has given us the
chunk as the commonest of all the horses bred on the farms of
this country.

Feed is the great determining factor so far as the horse of
draft blood is concerned. I was the first to formulate the now
well-understood postulate that a horse makes one-half or more
than one-half of his ultimate growth during the first year of his
life, and hence any breeder who wishes to rear horses of true
draft size must not only use the right sort of parent stock, but
must have his foals weighing from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds when
365 days old. In just so far as that mark is missed will the
animalfall short of being a real drafter. Proverbially averse to
feeding their foals grain while sucking their dams, and with
any decent liberality during the ensuing six months of cold
weather, most foals l^y draft stallions out of common farm mares
weigh from 600 to 800 pounds at one year old, and not much more
at two years than they should have weighed at one, if true draft
size had been the object sought. That is why we have never
raised more heavy horses — the farmers have not fed the foals
and yearlings so as to develop a sufficient avoirdupois. They
have not, in the main, desired very heavy horses either to work
on their land or to sell.

UNIFORMITY OF TYPE AND SIZE DESIRABLE

It follows then that if the great majority of our most useful
horses have come to us in this manner, resulting from the use
of big stallions on smaller mares and an insufficient scheme of
feeding, there is room for an effort to supply this chunk of uni-
form shape, size and excellence. Personally I have watched the

136 The IIoksio Industry in New York State

inspectors for the British army work over a vast immber of
horses of the so-called gumier type. These so-called gunners —
really just chunks — have been drawn from the farms of the
Middle West — or at least the best of them — and they indicated
for the most part the sort of breeding described. As already
noted the inspectors' selections have weighed from 1,200 to
1,500 pounds, but the pattern has been very largely the same —
a close-made, short-legged, strong horse, with good straight action
and plenty of bone; in short, a chunk with two good ends, a
deep middle and good legs and feet.

Style and extravagant action, speed, extra good looks and flesh
have brought no premium. Providing the animal filled the bill
as to height, weight and general type, he was accepted and paid
for with the same amount of money that secured individuals
that in former years would have brought from $50 to $75 more
on the open market. This foreigii army demand has been a
great leveller of prices. It has paid the same for a gelding weigh-
ing 1,200 pounds as it has for a mare weighing 1,450 pounds
and actually worth twice as much money ; which brings us to
the crux of the situation.

THE EUROPEAN DEMAND

Ever since last August this foreign army demand has been the
mainstay of the horse trade. First in the field, the British have
been the best and largest consumers. They have insisted on taking
none but good horses — high-class chunks with weight and sub-
stance, strong bone, perfectly sound, from five to ten years old —
sometimes as high as twelve years, — and they have taken them
wherever that sort was offered. Naturally they got the most of
them in the Middle West, and they have about licked the platter
clean. ^loreover, they have taken mares whenever they could
get them, which is unfortunate. I know from personal obser-
vation and enumeration that more than half of the best animals
they have taken have been mares. I have no hesitation in saying
that of the entire purchases of gunners during the present year,
by the British inspectors, not less than 65 per cent have been
females, and of the best half of the entire number bought, not
less than 85 per cent have been mares. I do not know whether

The Best Horse for the Farmer to Breed 137

sex lias anything to do with it or not, bnt whenever any extra
good bunch of accepted gunners has been seen, only a few proved
to be geldings.

The truth of the matter is that this foreign demand for so-
called gunners has swept away a vast number of our best and
most useful horses from the Middle West. Tempted by the price
otfered on an otherwise very dull horse market, the farmers have
let go of their best mares, ranging in weight from 1,200 to 1,500
j)0unds and in age from five to ten years. The lame, the halt
and the otherwise unsound we have left with us, also the slab-sided,
three-cornered undesirable type of those weights. Far too many
of the really desirable shapely chunks have been exported, and
more are being sold every day.

If the war abroad continues through this year our stock of good
chunks bids fair to be depleted. Already it is smaller than it
should be. The farmers may be able to get along well enough
with the left-overs to do their farm work, but the most of them
have been selling from the top and letting go out of the country
the class of market horse that is, and always has been, the most
readily saleable and relatively the highest-priced of all our work
horses, recognized as a distinct class on the market. With them,
too, have gone the most of the heavier wagoners, and we might
say the best light delivery wagon horses as w^ell, because these
lighter delivery horses have been accepted freely for the British
and French cavalry services.

There is, when all this is understood, no difficulty in answering
the question: Which is now the best horse for the farmer to
breed i By all means let him turn his attention to supplying a
really attractive, compactly-built, wide-ended, deep-middled, short-
legged chunk, weighing 1,300 to 1,500 pounds. After the trade
has" dropped back into its regular channels at the close of the war
now raging in Europe, there will be a greater price in offer for
the heavier sorts than for those that weigh between 1,200 and 1,300

pounds.

For the draft horse weighing from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds, the
field must always remain more or less limited. I believe that it
will become more and more so as time passes and the use of
heavy motor trucks increases. Besides, not one farmer in a

1.T8 The Horsk Industry in iSTEW York State

tliousand should ever essay the breeding of these equine giants.
It is a business by itself, to which only a chosen few are called.
For the chunk, however, there will be use so long as horses endure
among our useful domestic animals. On the farm they can, in
sutticient numbers, pull the gang plow, cultivate the corn and do
all the other work, while on the road they can haul to market all
the load an ordinary farm wagon can carry.

In the city a pair of horses weighing 2,800 to 3,000 pounds
can do practically whatever a pair is required to do, while throe

Fig. 58.— Typical Farm Chunk.

of tbem abreast can handle any load that can advantageously be
navigated about the streets. In the commoner shapes they do the
excavation and other similar rough work. In the higher grades
they horse the wagons of the great merchants, and, in short, fill
the general urban equine bill.

This true, it follows that the farmer who always has for sale
a few shapely chunks of the type and weight specified, will always
find a ready market. He will be producing, so to speak, standard
goods, for which the demand is universal. The more care he

The Best House fok the Fak.mer to Pureed 139

takes in mating the parent stock and developino- the yonng things,
the higher the price he will receive and the greater the profit he
will make. Heretofore the great army chunk has been prodnced
haphazard. Xow is the time for the really wise farmer to set his
house in order to he able to o.ft'er a better article, more shapely,
bred for the purpose, and fed from birth so as to imbue it with
that rotundity of conformation that spells a high price.

MEDir:\[-ST/ED STAl.I.IOXS DESll.'AP.I.E

Moreover, if the farmer will set himself to produce chunks
weighing from 1,300 to 1,500 pounds in weight, and will con-
scientiously endeavor to raise that sort right, he need not use
stallions heavier than 1,700 pounds, and we all know that it is
far easier to find a really shapely horse of that weight than of
2,000 pounds or more. Only a few of the strains in the foreign
draft breeds have been characterized by gi'cat scale for a long
time. Most of these breeds have been made heavier in response
to the American demand for the ton horse. This is especially
true of the Percheron. Though there have always been very heavy
Percherons, the breed as a whole was much lighter thirty or forty
years ago than it is today. Some of the most deeply bred of
these drafters are not the largest by any means.

A medium-sized stallion is usually a prepotent sire. I have
never known a great behemoth, no matter how finished he might
be himself, to breed well. In any case, what is the sense in using
2.000-pound or heavier stallions to beget chunks weighing from
1,300 to 1,450 pounds from mares of about the latter Aveight, or
only a little lighter ? 'Mj idea of the best thing a fanner can do
now to insure for himself always a profitable market and a ready
dispo.-^al of tlie horses, is to use a shapely stallion weighing not
over 1,700 pounds to mares weighing from 1,250 to 1,400 pounds,
and then feed his foals properly during at least their first 3G5
days.

This is a most important item in the success or failure of the
horse breeder. It is the flesh made the first year that puts the
rotundity into the equine frame. If it is not made then, that
rolling roundness of conformation, so much desired, is never at-
tnined in its proper development. In this way I believe the sen-
sible farmer can fortifv himself so that no matter which way the

140 The Horse Industry in New York State

market goes lie will always 1)0 able to sell his surplus horses at top
prices. There is a scarcity of that sort now; it will Lecouie
greater as time passes. If, as is confidently believed, Europe will
be a heavier buyer than ever after peace is declared, the chunk
will bring relatively the highest price, just as it is practically the
only market sort in keen, active demand at present.

He can be produced as cheaply as even much commoner kinds.
The mares will do the work on the farm, and the investment in a
stallion quite big enough for the purpose, if the feeding of the"
colts is properly done, will not be a heavy one. When business
picks up in this country, the first demand on domestic account
will be for chunks and good-sized wagoners, both produced after
the suggested formula. Foreign and domestic buyers will com-
pete for these stocky, useful horses. They will last the longest
against the competition of mechanical traction for several reasons,
which need not be detailed here, but largely because they are the
most useful of their kind. Finally, does it not stand to reason that
if, as hitherto, they will return a good profit when produced
haphazard and without close adherence to one type, they will, if
bred, fed and developed with a fixed object in view, return a
considerably larger profit ? There is no ([uestion but that chunks
bred to be chunks must be better than those that just iiappen to
be chunks because the treatment to which they were subjected
prevented them from becoming what they should have been at
maturity. Drivers, speed horses, saddlers and drafters may
safely be left to the specialists. The farmer will find the pro-
verbially safe middle road in breeding high-class chunks w-eighing
from 1,'P>00 to 1,500 pounds, the get of shapely, pure-bred, medium-
sized draft stallions and the mares he works on his land.

CARE OF THE STALLION

Jay Gelder

Kanona, Steuben Co., N. Y.

Stallions, like some people, are almost
Innnaii; and. like the favorite son of rich
parents, many of them are ruined by
so-called kindness. The man who in-
vented the solitary confinement box stall
method of caring for a stallion was a
fool and a twin brother to the inventor
of cribbing, lip lapping, stall kicking
nuistnrbating, weak foals, sterility, weak
joints, brittle hoofs, ruined constitutions,
disappointment, loss, etc. Possibly some of these troubles may
be inherited, but positively all can be caused for want of proper
exercise, care and feeding.

T.IGIIT WORK DESIKABLK

Teach tlie stallion to work, preferably as a two-year-old — light
work, of course. It is all right to use a young stallion for light
driving if we can accomplish something by it ; hauling milk to the
creamery every m-orning is ideal if the distance is not too great or
the load too heavy. The regularity of exercise is desirable, and it
is the cheapest way possible to advertise a stallion. Let him step
otf at top speed for a short distance on a smooth, soft piece of road
— only a few rods at first, enough to expand his lungs and develop
his muscles, but never to excess. Never let him jog or shuttle
along, for no one loves a loafer ; surplus energy will be used in the
active walk, which is the real gait for the drafter.

It is difficult to say just how much work a young draft stallion
should have, but certainly never enough to fatigue him. Two
or three hours in the early morning and the same amount in the
late afternoon is ideal, and can often be arranged more profitably
than it would appear at first thought. Drawing a smoothing har-
row, cultivator, weeder, grain fertilizer, etc., can usually be done
profitably with two-year-old drafters. Three- and four-year-old

[141]

142

Tjie Horse Industry in TvTkw ^'()RK State

stallions can usually do a full day's work if ser\nce is not ex-
cessive; l>ut, if rotiuired to make three or four services .a week, a
half day's work is all we should ask of them. The same would
apply to matured stallions, only the mimher of services could he
increased ; however one service a day is enough for hest results ;
if second service is allowed they should be about twelve hours
apart.

STABl.IXG A.\J> FEE I)

Stallions should be stabled with other horses, preferably in a
well-ventilated box stall with openings so they can see what is

I'k.. .11. Desirable Tvim; (ir Si Ai.i.id.x.

going on, but far better use a hitch stall than a filthy, unbedded,
poorly v^entilated box. It is poor economy and bad business to be
too careful of bedding in a horse stable.

Oats, bran and good mixed hay — about three-fourths of a
pound of gTain and one" pound of hay for each 100 pounds of
horse, varied according to the^ condition, work and individuality
of each horse ^ is splendid feed for a stallion. However, alfalfa

Care oi' riii-: Stallion 143

buvt^r sliouldfflW^*i^^t6^ f^^' ^^^^ ^^''^^^' '^"^ '^^ ^^^^^^ one-lialf of tho

is not necessa;^jL ^o 5 for a breeding stallion is about right. Care

,v,v^y '■^'^i^^pPPP^'t to overfeed; coarse timothy hay and corn are

boti ifardto digest and carry little protein, and they should be

fed sparingly, if at all, to breeding stock.

Fresh, pure water is very important and should be given before
each feeding; if vv^orking in warm weather, a horse should be al-
lowed a drink between meals. A good groom will always water
and hx the bed the last thing at night after the horse has finished
his evening meal. Salt may be added to grain feed or kept where
the stallion can help himself. If necessary to regulate the bowels,
feed a little oil meal or give pure linseed oil ; if bowels are too
active, reduce the feed and add charcoal to the ration. Avoid
all stock foods or concoctions of that nature; far better employ a
reliable veterinary.

AVOID AX EXCESS OF -FAT

Xo one can successfully deny that a Uirge percentage of the
stallions sold in Xew York State have proved a poor investment
as a commercial proposition, one reason being that few have been
sold for their real worth. The demand has been for the corn-fed,
stall-fed, poorly-exercised, excessively fat stallion that looks good
and weighs heavy, but often proves a shy breeder the first season,
and when reduced in flesh to breeding condition is often found
disappointing in quality. Don't blame the dealer, however, for
as long as buyers want fat and are willing to pay the price, they
will get it. It costs a heap of money, time and work to put a
stallion in show shape — perhaps a hundred dollars, perhaps one
thousand dollars, depending on the age of the horse and how well
the work is done, and the buyer pays a fancy price for damaged
goods. However, a draft horse should carry some flesh, although
they rarely have too much if worked or given plenty of exercise,
with oats and bran for their grain ration.

A GOOD DRAFT STALLIOX A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT

A good draft stallion will pay as well or better than any other
live stock in any good farming community, but he should earn his
keep at the regular farm work. Beginners should buy a young one
• — a vearling, a two-year-old or even a weanling ; he should be of
good size, well grown for his age and in good condition. The

144

The Horse Industry in New York State

'1 s'lee is not ex-
•cs a week, a

Cake of the Stallion ' 145

buyer should le sure that the colt has had plenty of exercise. It
is not necessary to pay an excessive price for such a colt ; he will
grow into money very fast and should pay his keep at two years
old, at maturity do the ordinary farm work, and earn a nice profit
in the stud each year thereafter.

CHARACTERISTIOS OF A GOOD DRAFTER

A stallion should have a good crest, bold masculine appearance,
bright, full hazel eye, a broad, full forehead, and a strong, wide,
wefl-muscled jaw — for the grist mill of the stallion is very
important. The depth of body should equal or exceed one-half his
lieidit ; the length of (juarter from point of hip to point of buttock
and the depth from upper end of shoulder blade to point of
shoulder should be about equal, and each should exceed the length
of back from shoulder blade to coupling. The sloping shoulder
and long, level hip gives the short back and long underline — the
.•onformation so much desired — and allows free action. If the
ribs extend up and well out from the backbone and carry down-
ward, the horse has lots of room inside for lungs, heart and other
vital organs. Excessive fat gives this appearance to a flat-sided
horse, and is damaging and deceiving. Equally important is the
pastern — the mainspring of the horse ; it should have an angle of
fortv-five degrees. Straight pasterns mean straight shoulders and
the "sidebone"^ and ringbone conformation. Equally as important
are the feet — especially the fore feet, as they carry about 60 per
cent of the weight. I have known many buyers to foolishly object
to a thick sole,^the cushion of all the good or bad things above.
1 )on't let the blacksmith mutilate the sole just because it cuts easy ;
the saying, " We must be good to our soul or our soul won't amount
to much,'^ applies to the sole of a horse's foot as well.

At least two-thirds of the power in pulling is expended through
the hock, and no doubt 50 per cent of all unsoundness is at this
point- therefore it stands to reason that the hock is one of the
most important points in a draft horse sire. The term quality
covers a heap of sins in draft stallions, especially in the East. We
are led to associate the word with fine, silky hair; clean, cordy
leos- well-proportioned bodv; large, bright eyes; beautiful head
and 'neck, and a nervous energy sticking out a foot from every
10

14(;

TiiK MoirsK Im)istk-v i.\ K kw Wuik 8tatk

point, yet properl.y controlled by u level, intellioent disposition.
Now, add real size and massiveness to that, and we have the
ideal draft horse sire -the kind that is in demand hy the men
that know, and don't have to be peddled bv some expert. The flat
bone of the leg is in reality ronnd, the cords and tendons uivino- it
the clean, flat, desirable appearance. As to size of sire it has
been said that 80 per cent of the horse buyers want horses wei.-h-
mg 1,000 ponnds or over, and 80 per cent of the horses otfered
at our large horse markets are nnder 1,500 ponnds; in other
words, 80 per cent of the buyers are after only 20 per cent of
the orterings. Twenty years ago nine- or ten-hundred-ponnd
horses were considered large enough for eastern farms; now
most of our farmers want three or four hundred pounds heavier
If a fifteen-hundred-pound sire is the size wanted, he will cost
at least one-third less than one weighing 1,800 pounds of the same
quality, and in the same condition. Other things being equal the
price will advance with size very rapidly in a draft stdlion. How-
ever, mere weight counts but little; size of bone, if not too meatv
IS a good indication of draft horse size. It should measure from'
nine to eleven inches around the smallest part of the cannon bone
in front, and from ten and one-half to thirteen inches behind
according to size of stallion. He should be of rather ruo^oed
build; the rangy drafters have not as a rule proved the best sires
A height of sixteen to seventeen hands is about right, and a iiood
full flank " bread basket " is essential.

INTELLIGENT HANDLING

Teaching a young stallion to mount from the left side of the
mare is important. Stand the mare with her right side about
two feet from a building or board fence to prevent the colt from
working around on her right side, as often occurs. Be gentle, but
firm. Sometimes if the colt is timid it is necessary to use a halter
at first; a bridle with a chain under the jaw will control most
stallions. A %-inch rod 8 inches long, with a snap welded in one
end and a small ring in the other, and used in place of chain will
easily control a headstrong stallion. This, however, must be used
by an even tempered man, as a yank might break the stallion's jaw.

This generation has inherited many superstitious, silly ideas,

Care of tiik Sia 1.1,10. \ 1-i'

such as l)leediiiu-, blindfoldinu', dark of the moon, cold water treat-
ment, etc., at time of service, every one fiiUy guaranteed to pro-
duce a foal. The writer tried them all several years ago with his
first stallion, and got ten foals from uinety-six mares bred. This
proves that 10 per cent of the mares will breed in spite of, rather
than because of, intelligent handling. We now have the best
of reasons for believing that mares are more apt to settle if bred
during last of heat, and preferably in the late afternoon. Marcs
rarelv conceive unless in normal health; even a slight cold or
excitement is to be avoided, and when taken to stallion they should
be driven or led moderately — never ridden.

Three and four vears old are trying times for any horse as the
teeth are shed at that age. The mouth should be carefully and
reoularlv examined and the old teeth removed as soon .as they
become loosened. This is not only profitable, but it is humane ;
often indigestion, colic, much sutfering and even death are caused
by its neglect.

ArvTlFlClAL BKEEDIXG

The use of the capsule in breeding two or more mares from
one service is practical, but requires good judgment and some
experience, lleliable information on artificial breeding can be
had from the manufacturers of breeding instruments.

CARE OF THE BROOD MARE AND HER COLT

Lowell Ivoudebusii, New Kiciimond, Ohio

Tlie care of the brood mare sliouJd
begin at birth; a mother should have
been well nourished all her days. How-
ever, she should never be overfed a

common condition found even on the so-
called stock farms, and one which ulti-
mately results disastrously.

CV)lthood is the time to lay the founda-
tion for motherhood, since the dam is 60
per cent in the breeding and rearing of the

horse. The laying of this foundation is not a difficult problem,

particularly if the dam is a good suckler.

ACJE TO BREED

At what age should a mare be bred? Would that one could
always tell a good brood mare at sight ! As a rule, a mare should
be bred at four years of age, if not sooner. It is best to have the
filly fairly well broken, but nof in spirit, before she is bred.

KEQUIEEMENTS OF A GOOD BEOOD MAEE

What are some of the external indications of a good brood
mare? Intelligence, docility, non-irritability, a good suckler,
one that does not worry about her offspring, and oaie liavino- a
large heart girth. The shape of the head and expression of 'the
eyes are good indices of intelligence, docility and vitality.

Fig. 56 shows a group of draft mares in foal, with a foal
and a yearling. Two years ago two of the three mares were bred
to^a splendid jack. The mule colts were sold at weaning time at
$75 apiece, and a yearling horse colt was sold for $125. All
three are good individuals, free from blemishes, intelligent, docile,
do not fret and are good sucklers.

[148]

Care of the Bkood .Mare and Her ('oet 149

CARE before and AT TIME OF PARTUKITION

The mare above all tilings should have pleasant and sanitary
snrroundinos. She should also have plenty of exercise in the
wav of light but continuous work, or the run of a paddock or
pasture A large, roomy box stall will suffice where worked
dailv. She should not be trotted on hard roads or be used for
horseback riding at any time or anywhere.

In her care three general methods obtain: (1) no work at all
■md pasture all the time possible; (2) light work until two or
'three weeks of the supposed foaling time, then the run of a good
pasture for ten days; (3) light work until she foals, then ten
davs' rest as already indicated. We have tried and seen tried all
thi-ee methods, and find but little ditierence. Working now and
then is detrimental. For pasture there is nothing so good as
Kentucky blue grass.

The tvpes of brood mares shomi in Fig. 56 do as much work
•IS oeldinos of the same type, except for three weeks of the year.

What shall the mare be fed i The same as geldings tor the
first six months of pregnancy ; then gradually increase the amount
of bone- hair- and muscle-making food. She may be lei crushed
oats and corn to which wheat bran has been added and clover or
mixed hay -not too much alfalfa. A handful of oil meal once
a d-iv will keep her bowels in good condition. Constipation is
dangerous in a brood mare, as are also strong purgatives - avoid
both Ice cold water late in pregnancy is not desirable.

Do not permit her in pasture where the grass is rank. We
lost a splendid colt once by letting the dam graze m a patch ot
wheat that was convenient to the stable. _ _

When may the foal be expected^ The period of gestation is
from 300 to 400 davs; 350 days for a male foal and 340 or a
female is a general average. Good symptoms of near at hand
foaling are: hirge full udder, teats well filled with waxy secre-
tions at ends, and sunken areas at pelvic bones _

Manv farmers neglect to have a suitable stall or place m which
the dam can foal with safety to herself and oft'spring. I siou d
be large and clean. All litter and material of every sor should
be removed, and the entire interior thoroughly washed with a dis-
infectant such as cresol, or a carbolic solution. Many colts be-
come infected in dirty stalls through the navel. In any event

150

The IIokse Industry in New York State

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Cake of ttie Bhood ^Fake and Her Colt 1^)1

it is wise to tie and disinfect the latter as soon as the cult is

dropped.

There is no better place for a mare to foal than in a pasture,
provided the weather permits, and no other stock is nearby.
Watch her carefully, for many dams and foals have died from
lack of attention at foaling time, even with normal presentations.
Sometimes the foal's head is covered with air-tight membranes
and it smothers or suffocates. Wo have known many such cases.
If the presentation is abnormal, call a veterinarian at once. Keep
the mare and colt quiet for a few hours, and see that the foal
sucks. Do not let the udder become caked.

In case the colt dies there is nothing better to dry up the
mother than camphorated lard rubbed on the udder twice a day.
In addition milk her, l)ut not dry, two or three times a day until

she is dry.

If the mother should die in foaling or soon after, give the foal
cow's milk modified by one-fourth water, with a teaspoonful of
melted sugar added to a <iuai't. Be sure to feed blood warm,
and at first with a large nipple. After a week or ten days the
foal will learn to drink. Great care should be exercised that the
vessel is washed with scalding water after each feeding.

CARE OF THE YOFXG COLT

it. How often should the foal be permitted to nurse ? Xever when
the mother is very warm or excited. Under normal conditions, at
will until two weeks old ; then three times a day until four weeks
old ; after that gradually reduce until none at weaning time.

Foals should not follow their mothers if worked in the field or
on the road. If the mother is not worked and is on pasture, the
foal should run with her.

One should begin to break the foal to the halter when the Latter
is two or three days old. Then, if necessary, it can be tied in its
mother's stall in her absence, or while grooming and harnessing
her. Foals must be controlled, and this is readily accomplished
bv the use of the halter.
' The foal should always have a separate box or receptacle for
solid food apart from the mother's, where it can eat at will with-
out hindrance or annoyance from her. This feeding box should
be as far removed from the mother's as possible, but should
alwavs be near her — in the manger if it is low enough.

152

The Horse Industry \n New York State

WEANINO

At what ac;e slionid a colt be weaned ? This depends upon
many conditions. As a general statement, at from four to six
months of age. Sometimes the mother gives but little milk and
that little does not agree with the foal. When this is the case
the foal should be weaned at the earliest possible moment; other-
wise when most convenient.

How should the colt be weaned ? By leaving it in its accus-
tomed stall and putting the mother in the adjoining one. If this
cannot be done, reverse. Never turn a weanling out in that lone-
some back pasture where grass and water are scarce, flies al)und-
ant and the temperature high.

Fig. 57. Grade Draft Mare Nine Years Old, WEUiiiT 1,400 Pouad.s. The
Mule Colt is Nine Days Old. This is the INIare's Fourth Colt, all oi
Which Were Sold for About $75 Each

FEED and care

Of what shall the colt's solid food or grain consist ? Nothing
is better than equal parts by weight of crushed oats and corn to
which is added a like proportion of wheat bran. If the dam is
a good suckler very little of this need be fed until the foal is ten
weeks old. Draft-bred foals will require more than trotting-l)re(l
or thoroughbred — anywhere from one pint to one quart twice a

The Hokse Industky in jS'ew York State 153

day. Each foal is a law unto itself. If the dam is a poor
stickler, then the amount to be given should be much larger. A
good guide is what the foal will clean up readily and yet not be
entirely satisfied. The feeding of grain to the foal is for the
purpose of nourishing it and preparing it for that other im-
portant time — weaning.

If the mother is not worked, and has the run of a good' pasture,
the necessity for grain is not so great, but should begin not
later than twelve weeks.

What shall the yearling colt he fed ( If the roughage has been
cut, shredded or whole corn fodder or timothy hay, then equal
parts by weight of crushed corn, oats and wheat bran twice per
day, is an ideal ration. From one to two quarts may be given
at a feeding, depending upon the breed, etc., of the colt. If fed
on timothy hay and whole corn, feed a gill of oil meal once a
day, and a little salt twice per week. The_colt does not need
condition- powders if properly fed and cared for. If one has
clover or alfalfa hay, whole corn can be fed exclusively as the
grain ration. Oat straw and wheat bran make a good combina-
tion. Grass is the natural food of the horse, and, if abundant,
is sufficient without grain.

The food the second and third winters should be the same as
the first, except that a larger quantity should be fed.

What about silage in winter ? There is nothing better if free
from mold. With this precaution a small amount is excellent,
particularly if no roots are available.

When the snow flies and the pasture is gone, the weanling
should have exercise daily. This can be provided by letting it
have the run of the feed lot, covered barnyard, or around the
straw stack. But it must have exercise at all hazards. Exercise
the first, second and third winters is vital to health and normal
development.

CONCLUSIONS

Having a brood mare that is worthy of the name, mate her
with a good stallion of the same breed or type. Feed and intelli-
gently care for both dam and foal ; it will be a profitable invest-
ment. One can safely figure profit at $50 on the weanling after
paying for service and lost time.

154 Tjik UoKsi.; Tnt)ustry in New Vok-k State

Do not pay .$;50() for a liorse that can be raised for $150. Do i
not send hard-earned dollars to the West where they fatten horses
like hogs, and which, when purchased, do not prove satisfactory
— the first year at least. " New York horses for New York "

I

should be the slogan.

Fig. 59. Lsixg the Brood Mare in Cutting Alfalfa.

I

FALL VERSUS SPRING COLTS

EdWAUD van AlSTYAE, KiNDEElIOOK, N. Y.
Director of Farmers' Institutes

IS IT PKOFITABLE TO RAISE COLTS ?

Before attempting to discuss the
relative merits of either fall or spring
colts, I would tirst take up the proposition
of raising colts at all. If I can thereby
interest and convince some of my fellow
farmers that it is profitable to raise horses
for their own use, as well as an occasional
one to sell, the number of those who will
then be ready to consider the merits of the
two seasons will be materially increased.
I am writing for the farmer who must keep from two to a
half dozen horses to do his work; not for the man who makes
horse breeding a specialty. Dr. Warren of Cornell University,
in his most practical l)ook on " Farm Management," shows that
the horse works only one-third of the time. This makes his service
expensive. Even with a better system of farm management, hav-
ing a growing season of not to exceed five or six months and at
least four months when no work caji. 1)6 done on the land, it will
always he a fact that in order to have suthcient horse power to do
the work of the farm in proper season, there will of necessity be a
period when the horse must be idle. The increased expense of
horse labor can be materially reduced if a colt can be credited
against it, raised at a time when the horse has least to do.

We shall always need horse power on the farm, and to purchase
one or more horses at rather frequent intervals means a heavy
draft on the returns from our money crops.

On account of the European war wath its destruction of horses
and hort-e-raising territory, and the consequent inability to draw
from there for the world's supply of horses, the price must con-
tinue to be high.

[155]

15G TllK IIOJJSE iNBUSTJtY IN N E\V YoiIK StATE

So, if the horse can be produced at home at first cost, and per-
fectly acclimated both to the farm and state, a large part of this
outlay can be stopped.

We hear much about bringing the producer and consumer
together. Here is a most practical way to do this, and a way
within the power of most to accomplish. Eather than take the
net dollar from a crop that went to a long-distance customer,
to buy a horse raised a thousand miles away on land selling from
$150 to $200 an acre, let us raise our own horses.

Admitting for the sake of argument that the cost of raising
a horse will be as great as his purchase price — which is not true
— the colt is a kind of savings bank where small annual de-
posits can be made (some of which would not otherwise be made
at all ) for four years, at the end of which time instead of having
to draw a couple of hundred dollars from our funds to buy a horse
we have the horse on hand. And occasionally we have one to
sell. J\[y experience since 1 have raised my own horses has
been that there is no material reduction in crop receipts, and I
no longer have to draw from them to buy horses.

On most farms pasture, fodders, and some farm grains find a
market through the growing colt, where otherwise there is none;
or a better one than if the produce has to be hauled to a more or
less distant market. The manure made from products so fed
on the farm is also a factor worth considering.

SPEIA'G COLTS MOST POPULAR

With the above facts digested and assimilated, we should now
be ready to raise a colt. Without doubt the majority of them
will be born in the spring. It is more natural for a mare to
conceive at that time. The rule seemed to be that colts born
at a season when the weather was mild and food abundant, sur-
vived ; while those born at a time when climatic conditions were
unfavorable and food scanty, perished. Hence there has been
established through long generations mares whose habit it is to
breed in spring time. Certain it is that it is much more difRcult
to get a mare to breed at any o^ther season.

It has been the established custom to raise only spring colts,
and it is hard for many to break awav from the customs of their

Fall Veksus Spimxg Colts 157

forefathers or neighbors, and venture into new paths. With old-
time conditions of cold, open barns, and no snccnlent food in
winter, this was a correct practice; but under present-day condi-
tions this reason deserves little consideration.

Spring colts being the natural order there is no need of spend-
ino- much time on setting forth the advantage of having them
born at this season.

Marcli colts desirahle

For several reasons I am inclined to believe that to breed the
mare, which is to be idle through the winter, so that the colt will
be born in March, is ideal. I specify idle mares for at that season
most of the work is hauling — always bad for a brood mare, par-
ticularly if the loads are heavy. Also, the roads are apt to be
bad or icy, and a mare near foaling cannot safely be worked
under these conditions. After the birth of the colt the mare has
time to recuperate before her services are needed. A little later
she can take her share of light work, such as drawing the spray
wagon; and by the time the heavier w^ork of the later spring
comes on, she can take her share. The colt will then be eating
solid food, and it is not important if the mare's milk supply is
not so abundant.

The colt is large enough by midsummer that the flies do not
affect it as they do a younger foal. It can be weaned in late
July or August while pasture is yet good, and the mare will have
time to gain flesh before winter. Care must be exercised not to
let the foal nurse when the mare is warm after working. The
older the colt the less the danger.

ADVANTAGES OF THE FALL COLT

My purpose in this article is primarily to induce farmers to
at least raise their own horses. To further that purpose Uwould
emphasize the advantages of the fall colt — there are several.
First as to the use of the mare: one can usually time the
arrival of the colt so that it will come after the pressing fall work
is done. This will vary with different farms — any time between
early September and Xovember is desirable. Jn my own case
it is after the silos are filled and the winter grain sown. The

158

The HoifSK Ixdistkv i.\ A^ew YoitK State

brood mare will do much of the fall plowing, work on the drill,
make a third horse on the corn harvester, or help to haul silage
corn if the road is hard and level.

I think the best fall colt I ever raised came the last day of
August. Fig. 59 shows this colt at a year and nine months. Bv
selecting her work the mare put in full time through harvest.
She helped with the plowing, which that year was done early,
and she had a chance to lie idle for ten days after the colt was
born, before sowing and silo filling. After that she was free until
winter. Then the colt was four montlis old and eatine' like a horse.

Fui. .50. .Seven-Eighths Percherox Colt, Tjorx At^cu'st ;30, 191.3

The mare made one of a necessary team to be kept up and fed
grain to draw out manure and do other winter work. Very little
more feed kept her with plenty of milk for the colt. Separated
from the colt the last of March she was in as good condition for the
spring's work as her mate which had no colt.

Advantage io the colt
The second spring when my fall colts are eighteen months old
they have been as large and well-developed as the spring colt at
two years. This means that at three and a half years a fall

I

Fall Veksus Spkia^g Colts 15!)

colt will do as much work as a four-year-old ; thus subtracting
six mouths from the maintenance of the colt before he can earn
his keep. For this there are three reasons: the colt gets a good
start on grass in the fall when the weather is warm and there are
no flies; bj winter it is eating freely, and with a little selected
silage and roots in a comfortable stall it is easily kept growing,
instead of being weaned when flies are at their worst, and the
best of the summer feed is gone and it must subsist on dry food
until spring ; the fall colt soon gets grass after weaning and never
stops growing a day.

Colts usually shed their incisor teeth about three months before
the end of their second, third and fourth years. Fall colts there-
fore shed these teeth when grass is abundant — an important
reason for their more rapid growth.

It is of great benefit to the colt to be handled when young.
The farm is a very busy place after April first, and however good
the intent, little time can be given to such training after spring-
work sets in. In winter there is time for this training without
neglecting the putting in or harvesting of the crops.

Fig. 60. Three-Quarter Blood Perciieeon ]Mares Breaking Ground
FOR Silo Fouxdation ox the Farm op Edward van Alstyne,
KiNDERTiooK, N. Y. The Ofp Mare was a Fall Colt

]()0 TlIK lloiCSK InDUSTUY IN NeW \'()KK StATE

A GOOD PLAN TO FOLLOW

When one has two brood mares and wishes to raise two colts
a year and still have most nse of his mares, 1 have fonnd it a good
plan to have one mare foal in the fall and one in early spring.
On almost any farm where several horses are kept it is not ditti-
cnlt to have the brood mare put in full time, and at the same time
select easy work for her. It is by no means so easy to do this
with two mares. By having them foal as above this is made
possible. Often, too, there is but one suitable box stall and
paddock. By this plan one will suffice. xA.s set forth above the
pair will mate up when one is three and a half and the other
four. The pair shown in Fig. 60 were so raised. The " off
one " and the largest is the youngest and was born in the fall.
When they were broken I could have sold them for $500.

Where the mare is working, and it seems too much of a strain
to breed her every year, 1 have raised a colt from her one year
in the fall and the next in the spring, or vice versa.

THE VALUE OF SKIM MILK FOR YOUNG COLTS

Next to the dam's milk I have never found anything on which
colts grow faster than on skim milk, after they have become ac-
customed to it. It is sometimes difficult to get the colt to drink
it when on grass and its system is full of moisture, but I have
never had difficulty in getting the fall colt to take it. When
the colt has skim milk it is not so essential that the mare should
have an abundant milk flow.

TRAINING THE COLT

H. E. HoPKiis^s, Attica, N. Y.

INTRODUCTION

Training the colt for farm work is very
important, since mnch of the value of the
colt depends upon how well it is trained.
We all know it is a great pleasure to drive
or ride a well-trained horse, one that is
^^^ safe either on the road or at w^ork. The
J^^^, i^^^B farm horse should be well trained in every
' ^^^* way because he has a greater variety of

work than any other class of horses. He
guides the corn-planter, the grain drill,
spraver, and many other farm implements which must be drawn
straight and steady. In addition to this, he must be safe for the
ladies to ride and drive on the public highways. A well-trained
horse that has confidence in the driver or rider may be controlled
no matter what might frighten him.

A horse has a very keen memory, which is formed by habit.
Therefore, a trainer should be very careful not to develop any
undesirable habits, for they will be remembered quite as well as
the good ones. Be sure that the colt understands what is wanted
of him. The trainer should be firm and accomplish what he at-
tempts, but care should be taken not to attempt too much.

METHODS OF TRAINING

Training may be divided into two classes — slow method and
rapid method. The slow method depends upon repetition to fix
the ideas and commands, while the rapid method uses intensity
of impression to fix ideas. Most farmers who raise only a few
colts each year are situated so that they can use the slow method
and handle the colts from foaling time up to the age of
11 [161]

162 The Horse Tddustijy in New York State

two or three years, when the rapid method can be used if neces-
sary. The colt should be broken to both single and double harness,
and should be exercised sufficiently to make him handy and safe.
He should not be worked steadily until he is matured.

HANDLING THE FOAL

The little foal should become acquainted with his master while
he is very young. He is, by instinct, inquisitive, and will work
his way up to you ; if not frightened or hurt he can very easily
be caught and held. The proper way to catch him is by placing
one hand under the neck and the other around the buttock.
Handled in this manner he will not struggle and will soon learn
to stand quietly and fearlessly.

TEACHING THE FOAL TO LEAD

A light, well-fitted halter should be placed on the foal just be-
fore weaning time to accustom him to it before he is taught to
lead from it. Attach a small .rope, about five feet long, to. the
halter, then take a rope about twelve feet long and make a large
loop in one end that will fit over the buttocks at the base of the
hams. With a rope in each hand, give the halter rope a gentle
pull and command, " come." If he pulls back give the buttock
rope a gentle- pull ; when the pressure is felt he will naturally
step forward. After a few steps, place the hand on the nose band
of the halter and command, " whoa." Every-day lessons will
soon render him handy and he can be led without the buttock
hitch. To teach him to back, place the hand on the nose-band of
the halter and the other hand against the breast and command,
'' back." If he refuses, apply pressure on both nose and breast,
and he will quickly learn to obey.

TRAINING TO STAND TIED

The training of the foal to stand tied should come next. Place
a rope, with a ring in one end, around the loins, forming a slip-
noose, with the ring on the under side of the body. Pass the rope
between his fore legs and tie so that the pressure on the loins will
be felt if he pulls on the halter. Care should be taken not to
have too much pressure on the halter, as colts often injure their

Tkaixiao the Colt 163

I

heads or necks bv pulling. Pet and reward him when he stands
quietly, and leave him tied only a few minutes the first time.
Within a very few days most colts will stand tied anywhere.

GEXTLING THE COLT

When tied the colt should be handled from both sides; gentle
by patting and rubbing the hands about the head, neck, back and
legs. If he shows a tendency to kick, use a stick four or five feet
long. He should be allowed to examine and smell this stick before
his body and legs are rubbed. Continue with the stick until he
will stand quietly while being rubbed. The second day, tie an
old coat or rag on the end of the stick and repeat the first day's
lesson. Accustom him to strange noises, unusual sights and fur
coats and robes until he stands without fear.

At this time the feet should be handled, trimmed and kept level,
since many blemishes, such as crooked and cocked ankles, bow-legs,
side bones and interfering, are the result of ill-shapened feet. If
the colt is well trained to stand, it is a simple matter to true and
level the feet. On the other hand, if he is hard to handle he will
not be properly cared for.

DRIVING THE FOAL WITH LINES

The foal should be driven with lines at an early age. This is
not essential, but is a very good practice to add to his early edu-
cation. To do this pla^ a surcingle with line rings well down on
the colt. Hitch the lines on either side of the halter and pass
them through the line rings on the surcingle, keeping them well
down on the quarters. Standing on the near side well up to the
shoulder, with the right line drawn around the quarters and the
left line shortened, command him, " get up." If he does not
start, tighten the right line to bring pressure on his buttocks.
This will have the same effect as the rope did when teaching to
lead, and he will start readily. Circle right and left as well as
straight away. Use the command, " whoa," and stop him with a
hint from the lines and not a hard pull or jerk. Stop and start
him often to give him confidence.

After he is handy to drive, teach him to back from the lines.

164 The Horse I^Di'srin in Xkw \'()rk State

Drive him ahead a few steps, with the coiiiniaiid ''whoa," iiive a
steady pull and eommand " back." Keep straight behind him and
have him step backward a few steps, then drive ahead a short
distance. Change direction often and he will soon back without
the pull from the reins.

BITTING AND MAKING A MOUTH

The colt should be bitted at about two years of age. A good
mouth is very important to any horse. It is by means of bit, reins
and voice that we convey our wnshes to the horse. He should " go
up on the bit," but not beg or pull, and should carry his head
straight when being driven, turned or backed. A bitting harness
or dumb jockey is used at first to allow the colt to do much of
this work himself while running in the paddock.

A bitting harness consists of a heavy surcingle, back straps and
crupper, an open bridle equipped with a side draw check, a large,
smooth mouth bit, and a pair of side reins, one on either side,
running from the bit rings to the surcingle. The bit should be
well up in the mouth, but not tight. The check and side reins
should be very loose for the first few lessons. Then his head should
gradually be drawn up and the side lines shortened until he has
his head well up and straight.

As soon as he is well bitted and accustomed to the harness, re-
move the side lines and substitute the driving reins. Attach them
to the bit and pass through rings well down on either side of the
surcingle. This will keep the reins down on the quarters and
prevent the colt from turning tow^ard the trainer, avoiding mis-j
haps. Some trainers leave the " near " or left rein out of th(
ring, making it easier to control the colt in case he attempts toj
run or lunge. He should be guided from left to right, should
start at command " get up," stop at " whoa," and back straight
without being pulled back by the reins. Drive him about, and
up to strange objects and in strange places. Pass other horses
with him and have him stand while others drive by.

A complete set of harness should be used several times before
he is hitched. Attach a piece of rope to each trace, and, with the
reins in one hand and the ropes in the other, have him pull you
along by his collar. If he objects to the pull, start it gradually

Tkaining the Colt 165

while he is moving. Pole and gentle the colt well before hitching,
as many kicking and runaway horses are made the first time they
are hitched to the cart or wagon.

HITCHING SINGLE OR DOUBLE

If the colt is to be used single it is advisable to make his first
hitch single. The cart should be strong, easy running and long
shafted. The long shafts are used for two reasons — safety of the
trainer, and usually if the colt kicks and does not strike any-
thing he will not attempt again. A single safety or trip rope and
a kicking strap should be added to the harness. The trip rope
should be about fifteen feet long, one end of which should be
attached to a ring on a strap around the left front pastern. Pass
the rope through the ring attached to the belly band of the harness.
Drive him around and up to the cart and let him examine it well.
Send him into the shafts and back the cart from him as he walks
toward it.

The trainer should have a helper for the first two or three
hitches. The assistant should hold the colt by the head until all
hitched ; then the driver should take his seat on the cart, the
helper remaining at the colt's head. Give the command " get up "
after he is started. The assistant should hold the trip rope, and
if the colt makes an attempt to run or kick, he should pull up
the foot and let the little fellow travel on three legs until he slacks
his pace. Stop and start him often; it will give him confidence
in himself and master.

If the colt is to be used in a team, drive him double first.
Hitch him on the off side of a good-walking, gentle and well-
broken horse. After he is well trained to that position shift him
to the near side.

A fast walk is the most valuable gait in a farm horse, so he
should be taught to walk fast before being allowed to trot, in order
to establish the habit. Never whip the colt by objects of fear.
Let him stand and look at them and slowly work his way up. He
should face the objects, and should never be let hurry past an
object or noise that frightens, him.

When training a young horse for heavy draft do not hitch him
to a dragging load, such as a plow or harrow, but to something that

1()G The IIokse Ia'dustky in j^ew York State

will run easily after started. Increase the load, and pull with
the break on the wagon until he has the idea well fixed in his
mind. Train him to go into the collar easily, pull steadily and
regularly. The driver should adopt the signal " steady," or ri\y
like command that will warn him to square himself for a heavy
pull. Teach him to back as well as to pull loads steadily.

VICIOUS HORSES

Few horses inherit vicious dispositions. Most bad habits can
be traced to the carelessness or brutality of their trainer. A
trainer should study his animal carefully and find the cause of
liis viciousness or whim. If a horse kicks his punishment must
follow immediately to be effective. Thus it will impress on his
mind the idea that his trainer has complete control over him and
lie must obey.

There are many devices for controlling in training — different
kinds of halters, bridles and twitches, as well as self -punishing
harnesses. A device that will work on one animal will not always
help the next one. A trainer must contrive a device to meet his
needs.

A throwing harness consists of a heavy surcingle equipped
with three rings wel^ down on the side, and a pair of short straps
to buckle around the front pasterns. Attach the rope to the ring
on the off' side of the surcingle, passing the long end through the
ring on the off foot strap back to a ring on the surcingle, then to
the near foot strap, and last through the ring on the near side.
This method gives you control of both front feet. If the animal
kicks, bolts, rears or attempts to lunge, he can be pursuaded that
he is merely punishing himself, and few hard falls will usually
teach him to obey.

THE HORSE'S FEET AND THEIR CARE

Dr. C. W. Brodiiead, Montrose, Pa.

Farmers' Institute Lecturer
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HORSE

My paper at this time will be on a subject that all persons are
interested in to some extent. For who does not like to look at,
drive, or ride after a good horse? At the head of all animals
which have been domesticated by man or rendered useful to man

— whether we regard his noble form, his great sagacity, or the
manner in which he is connected with our profit and our pleasure

— stands the horse. One cannot travel to any part of the civilized
world but what he will see and have his attention called to the
horse in some way. And the one thing that either makes him more
valuable or useless is almost entirely left out of the question —
the proper care of his teeth and feet.

There are various classes and divisions of domesticated animals.
The horse ranks under the division Vertebrated; the class, Mam-
malia, suckling their young; the tribe Angulata, or the hoofed;
the order Pachydermata, or thick skinned ; and the family
Solipeda, or single hoofed. The Solipeda consists of several
species, the horse, the mule and the quagga.

First stands the Equus Caballus, or common horse. His native
country cannot with certainty be traced. He has been found
varying materially in size, form and utility in all the temperate
climes, and in most of the sultry, as well as in many of the
northern regions of the world.

In the Sacred Volume, which contains the oldest authentic
record of past events, we are told that as early as 1650 years
before the birth of Christ the horse had been domesticated by the
Egyptians ; 1450 years before Christ the horse was so far natural-
ized in Greece that games were instituted, including chariot and
horse races. We, therefore, have sufficient evidence that the
horse was at a very early period subjected to the dominion of
man, and, unfortunately, for the worst of purposes — the business
of war.

[167]

168 The House Industky in New York State

It appears remarkable that at about the seventh century of our
era horses were ahnost extinct, since when Mohammed attacked
Koreish near Mecca he had but two horses. At the close of his
murderous campaign he drove oft" 24,000 camels, 40,000 sheep
and not one horse appears on the list.

The earliest record of the horse in Great Britain is contained
in the history given by Julius Caesar of his invasion of that
island. We find that the improvement of horses began about the
eleventh century by William the Conqueror, or the j^orman.

In the reigii of Henry I, A. D. 1121, the first Arabian horse
was introduced, and from that time till now there has been a
continual improvement in the various breeds of horses. It is not
my intention to here discuss them at length, since all localities
have their admirers of the different kinds, from the Shetland
Pony to noble Clyde or Percheon.

ANATOMICAL REVIEW OF THE FOOT

In a description of the foot of the horse it is customary to in-
clude only the hoof and its contents, yet, from a zoological stand-
point, the foot includes all the leg from the knee and the hock
dowm.

The foot of the horse is undoubtedly the most important part
of the animal in so far as veterinary surgery is concerned, for the
reason that this member is subject to so many injuries and dis-
eases, which in part or in whole render the patient unfit for the
labor demanded of him.

The old aphorism " no foot no horse" is as true today as when
first expressed. In fact, domestication, coupled with the multi-
plied uses to which the animal is put, and the constant repro-
duction of hereditary defects and tendencies, has largely trans-
formed the ancient " companion of the wind " into a very common
piece of machinery which is often out of repair, and at best is
but short lived in its usefulness.

Since the value of the horse depends largely or even entirely
upon his ability to labor, it is essential that his organs of locomo-
tion should be kept sound ; and to accomplish this end it is neces-
sary not only to know how to cure all diseases to which these
organs are liable, but, better still, how to prevent them.

The Horse's Feet and Their Care 169

An important prerequisite to the detection and cure of disease
is a knowledge of the construction and function of the parts
which may be involved in the diseased process ; hence, first of all
the anatomical structure must be understood.

The bones of the fetlock and foot constitute the skeleton on
which the other structures are built, and comprise the lower end
of the cannon bone (the metacarpus in the fore leg and the
metatarsus in the hind leg), the two sesamoids, the large pastern
or suti'ragius, the small pastern or coronet, the coffin bone or
ospedis, and the small sesamoid navicular bone.

The cannon bone extends from the knee or hock to the fetlock,
is cylindrical in shape and stands nearly or quite perpendicular.
The sesamoids occur in pairs, are small, shaped like a three-faced
pyramid and are set behind the fetlock joint and the upper end
of the sutfragius, with the base of the pyramid down. The
suffragius is a very compact bone, set in an oblique direction
downward and forward, and extends from the cannon bone to the
coronet. The coronet is a short cube-shaped bone, set between
the suffragius and coffin bone in the same oblique direction. The
coffin bone forms the end of the foot and is shaped like the horny
box in which it is enclosed. The navicular bone is short, flat-
tened above and below, and is attached to the coffin bone behind.

All of these bones are covei-ed on the surface with a cartilage
or incrustation which goes to make up the joints, w^hile the por-
tions between are covered with a fibrous membrane called the
periosteum.

The points of the legs are of especial importance, since any in-
terference with their function very largely impairs the value of
the animal for most purposes. As the points of the foot and
ankle are at the center of greatest concussion they are the ones
most subject to injury and disease.

There are three of these joints — the fetlock, pastern, and
coffin. They are made by the union of two or more bones held
together by ligaments of fibrous tissues, and are lubricated by a
thick viscid fluid, called synovia, w^hich is secreted by a special
membrane inclosing the joints.

The fetlock joint is made by the union of the lower end of the
cannon bone and upper end of the large pastern bone, supplemented

170

The IIojtsK Industry in New Yokk State

?*£

The Horse's Feet and Theie Care 171

by the two sesamoids, so placed behind the upper end of the
pastern that the joint is capable of a very extensive motion.
These bones are held together by ligaments, only one of which —
the suspensory — demands special mention.

The suspensory ligament of the fetlocks, starting from the knee
extends down behind the cannon, lying between the two splint
bones, until near the fetlock, w^here it divides and sends a branch
downward and forward on either side of the joint, to become at-
tached on the sides of the extensor at the lower end of the pastern
hone. As it crosses the sesamoids on the posterior borders of the
fetlock it throws out libers which hold it fast to these bones.

The pastern joint is made by the union of the two pastern
bones. The cofHn joint is made by the union of the small
pastern, coffin, and small sesamoid or navicular bones, the latter
being set behind and beneath the joint surface of the coffin bone
in such a way as to largely receive the w^eight of the small
pastern.

Three tendons serve to move the bones of the foot, one on
another. Two of these flex or bend the joints, while the third ex-
tends or straightens the column of bones.

The flexor pedis perforans, or deep flexor of the foot, passes
down behind the cannon bone, lying against the suspensory liga-
ment in front, crosses the fetlock joint in the groove made by
the union of the sesamoids, and is attached to the bottom of the
coffin bone, after covering the navicular by a wide expansion of
its fibers. It is the function of the tendon to flex the coffin bone,
and with it the horny box.

The flexor pedis perforatus, superficial flexor of the foot, fol-
lows the course of the preceding tendon and is attached to the
middle of the ankle. The function of this tendo^n is to flex the
foot at the fetlock.

The extensor pedis runs down in front of the leg, is attached
on the most prominent point of the coffin bone, and has for its
function the straightening of the bones of the ankle and foot.

The bones, ligaments and tendons are covered by a loose con-
nective tissue, which gives symmetry to the parts by filling up and
rounding off, and all are protected by the skin and hoof.

The skin of the fetlock and ankle is generally characterized by

172 The Hokse Industry tn New York State

its thickness and the lenG;th of its hairs, especially around the
hind parts of the fetlock joints in certain breeds of horses. The
most important part of this envelope is that known as the coronary
hand. The coronary band is that portion of the skin which
secretes the horn of which the wall of the hoof is made. The
horn much resembles the nails which grow on the fingers and
toes of man. It is composed of hollow, cylindrical tubes, extend-
ing from the coronary band to the lower border of the hoof, which
are held together by tenanious opaque matter.

The hoof is a box of horn, consisting of a wall, sole and frog,
and contains, besides the coffin, navicular and part of the small
pastei'n bones, the sensitive laminae, plantar cushion and the
lateral cartilages.

The sole of the foot incloses the box on the ground surface, is
shaped like the circumference of the foot, except that a V-shaped
opening is left behind for the reception of the frog, and is con-
caved on the lower surface. The sole is produced by the velvety
tissue — a thin membrane covering the plantar cushion — and
other soft tissues beneath the coffin bone.

The horn of the sole differs from the horn of the wall in that ■,
its tubes are not straight and it scales off in pieces over the
entire surface.

The frog is a triangular-shaped body, divided into two equal
parts by a deep fissure, extending from its apex in front to the
base. It fills a triangular space in the sole to which it is ulti-
mately attached by its borders.

The horn of the frog is produced in the same manner as the
sole, but it differs from both the wall and sole in that the ho.rn is
soft and moist, and elastic to a remarkable degree. It is the
function of the frog to destroy shock and to prevent slipping.

The sensitive laminae are thin plates of soft tissue covering
the entire anterior surface of the coffin bone. They are present
in great numbers; and, by filing into corresponding grooves on
the inner surface of the horn of the wall, the union of the soft
and horny tissues is made complete.

The plantar cushion is a thick pad of fibrous tissue placed be-
hind and under the navicular and coffin bones, and resting on the
sole and frog. Its purpose is to receive the downward presure
of the column of bones and to destro\' shock.

The Horse's Feet and Their Care 173

The lateral cartilages are attached, one on either side of the
wings of the coffin bone, by their inferior borders. They are
thin plates of fibro cartilage, and their function is to assist the
frog and adjacent strnctiires in regaining their proper position
after having been displaced by the weight of the body while the
foot rested on the ground.

FAULTS OF CONFORMATION

A large percentage of the horses have feet which are not perfect
in conformation. As a consequence of these imperfections they
are especially predisposed to certain injuries and diseases.

Flat feet is that condition in which the sole has little or no
convexity. It is a peculiarity common to some breeds, especially
heavy, l_>Tnphatic animals raised on low marshy soils. It is con-
lined to the fore feet, which are generally broad, with low heels
and a wall less upright than is seen in the perfect foot.

In the flat foot there can be little or no elasticity in the sole
for the reason that it has no arch, and the weight of the animal
is received on the entire plantar surface, instead of on the wall,
as the foot rests upon the ground. For these reasons such feet
are particularly liable to bruises of the sole, to corns, pumiced sole,
and excessive suppuration when the process is once established.

So far as possible, horses with flat feet should be shod with a
shoe having a wide web, but a great many of such horses cannot
stand the pressure on the coflin bone. In such cases I shoe around
the outer edge with a narrow-web bar shoe, just paring the frog
and heels enough to give a level bearing, and to keep the frog from
turning to one side or the other. The heels of the shoe are then
a little higher than the toe, and the foot is kept as narrow and as
short as possible. In this way I have been able to greatly improve
some very bad cases of flat feet.

The walls of flat feet are generally weak, and to improve the
foot the nails should be as small as the work of the horse will
permit. They should not be driven too high, but so as to get a low
deep hold in the hoof. Never let the shoe get loose and crumble
the shell off the hoof.

Club foot is the term applied to such feet as have the walls set
nearly perpendicular. When this condition is present the heels

174 The Hokse Industry in New York State

are high, the fetlock joint is thrown forward or knuckles, and the
weight of the animal is received on the toes. Many mules are
club footed, especially behind, where it seems to cause little or
no inconvenience. As a rule special shoeing is the only measure of
relief that can be adopted. The toe should not be pared, but the
heels should be lowered as much as possible. The shoe is put
on with a long protecting toe-piece slightly turned up, while the
heels of the shoe are made thin.

Crooked feet is that condition in which one side of the wall is
higher than the other. If the inside wall is the higher, the
ankle is thrown outward so that the fetlock joints are abnormally
wide apart and the toes close together. Animals with this de-
formity are pigeon toed and are prone to interfere, the inside
toe striking the opposite fetlock. If but one foot is affected, the
other being perfect, the liability to interfere is still greater for
the reason that the fetlock of the perfect leg is more near the
center plane.

When the outside heel is the higher the ankle is thrown in and
the toe turns out. Horses with such feet interfere with the heel.
If but one foot is so affected the liability to interfere is less than
where both feet are affected, for the reason that the ankle of the
perfect leg is not so near the center line. Such animals are
especially liable to stumbling and to lameness from injury to the
ligaments of the fetlock joints. The deformity is to be over-
come by such shoeing as will equalize the disparity in length of
walls, and by proper boots to protect the fetlock from interfering.

INTRODUCTION OF SHOEING

The period when the shoe began to be nailed to the foot of the
horse is uncertain, but it is supposed that Hannibal used artificial
coverings for the horses' feet in crossing the Alps with 12,000
horses and 90,000 men on foot 200 years before the birth of Christ.
It is also believed that William the Norman was first to introduce
it in England, and it is stated that he used iron for that purpose.
In some countries other material was used, mostly rawhide.

It is sometimes argued that if you do not begin to shoe horses
when they are colts you will not need to shoe them at all. That
would obtain in some sections of our country, but I assure vou it

The Horse's Feet and Their Care 175

is not a success in any part of our state, the land being too stony
and hilly. I have seen a number of good colts ruined by running
in stony and hilly pastures. They would wear off the heel to
such an extent that it caused them to become ankle cocked, and
it also elfected the coffin joint on the hind foot. I have in my
time shod a number of two-year-olds that became lame from their
feet wearing off in the pasture.

IMPROVING shoeing

Since it is an absolute necessity to shoe horses in this part of
the country, let us see if we cannot make some improvement on
the manner in which it is being done by most of my fellow crafts-
men, especially by those that are shoeing our farmers' horses.

In my observation during the last twenty-five years while travel-
ing in this and other states, I have given particular attention to
the appearance of horses' feet on the streets of our cities as well
as on our country roads. I can safely say without successful con-
tradiction that 75 per cent of the horses are improperly shod, and
that 50 per cent of the horses in our state have their days
shortened 25 per cent by improper cutting and haggling of their
feet by incompetent persons, who nail iron to their feet — I can-
not call it shoeing in any sense.

At this point I should like to call attention to the fact that I
do not claim to be an expert in shoeing trotting horses. My time
is entirely taken up with the study and shoeing of road and draft
horses and general purpose horses that are used in our agricul-
tural districts.

Duty and justice require that as the horse increases in powers
of usefulness for all purposes of life, he deserves wiser and better
protection than is given him by those who doom him to a life of
painful labor or constant lameness.

Since a large proportion of the defects in horses' feet originate
and are developed by bad methods of farriery, it surely must be
of sufficient impo-rtance to every man who values his horse to de-
mand better service in the shoeing. At the same time he should
be willing to pay a fair price for good work if it is in his power
to get it done. Though he may be put to some inconvenience, it
will amply pay in the long run.

176

The lioKSE Industky in New York State

The Hoese's Feet axd Their Care 177

What farmer would think of going into a ten-acre lot with the
old-fashioned scythe when we have the improved mowing
machines, or into a field of the same size with such plows as* were
used fifty years ago ?

All the arts and sciences are fifty years ahead of that of horse
shoeing in the farming districts. Do not the same conditions
exist today in the majority of the rural shops as did fifty years
ago ? The old scythe blade for trimming the feet, the buttress
to cut away the heel, the shoe set on an inch or so back of the
toe, and the old scythe blade and hammer to cut off the over pro-
jecting toe ! Xumber eight nails are used in many cases, when
num-ber six are too larga But the shoers are not to blame; it is
the fault of the horse owners in not demanding a better class of
workmen to shoe their horses, and theiu unwillingTiess to pay a
fair price for the work.

IMPORTANCE OF BREEDING FROM SOUND ANIMALS

The main point I wish to bring to your attention is the treat-
ment of the feet of the horse. It has long been an observed fact
in breeding that "like begets like"; that is, that the peculiarities
of parents are likely to appear in their offspring. It follows then
that when parents are chosen, whose form, appearance, etc., are
those desired by the breeder, there is considerable probability that
their ofi'spring will be similarly characterized. Therefore, the
breeder who possesses a high ideal and wishes to realize it, will
select as sires of his future stock animals that conform to his
ideal. In other words, he will breed only from the best. He may
be able to overlook the fact that a sire or dam has not the mane or
tail he may desire, but in no case should he overlook a sire or dam
with poor feet or teeth. It has been my experience that " like
begets like " more in this respect that in any other characteristic,
since these parts are brought in action at the beginning of the
colt's existence. So the care of these parts should begin before
birth.

SHOEING COLTS

No colt should be put to pasture without having his feet pared
and leveled. This should be done regularly every six months from
the time the colt is one year old.
12

178

The Hokse Industky in New York State

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The Hokse's Feet and Their Cake 1Y9

The balance and action of many colts are impaired before they
arrive at an age of usefulness. After a colt once has been shod
it should generally be followed up. But let me urge that you
have it done by a good sheer — one who has good judgment to do
it well and at the same time educate the colt as to what is ex-
pected of him.

Do not shoe too heavily or with too thick calks. Plate shoes
are the best if the work to be done will permit. Do not let the
nails be too large or driven too high in the hoof. The best
method is not to turn the clinches down at all, but rasp them
smooth to the hoof. Under no circumstances let a rasp be rubbed
above the nails, or let the hoof be sandpapered,, since this breaks
the enamel of the hoof, causing it to become brittle, hard and
shelly, which condition will in time bring on quarter and toe
cracks.

QUARTER AND TOE CRACKS

In case of quarter and toe cracks have the bottom of the foot
well pared out and all the hard substance of the frog cut away,
so as to give elasticity to the bottom of the foot. Then with a
hot lance separate the hoof at the coronet, and soften with veteri-
nary Petrolina or some other good hoof ointment.

TREATING CORNS

There are various causes for corns appearing in the foot of
the horse, such as leaving the shoes on too long, uneven paring
of the foot, uneven shoes resting too heavily on the heels, having
the heels pared too low, high toe calks and low heel calks, driving
at a high speed down hill, causing the sensitive parts of the heel
to be bruised by coining in contact with stones and other hard
substances, and standing on hard, dry board floors. Remedy:
shoe with low toes and slightly elevated heels; cut out the seat
of the corn, and fill the cavity well with hoof ointment and okum.
Reset the shoes as often as once in three or four weeks, relieving
the pressure on the heel as much as possible at each setting. • I
sometimes fire and blister just over the heel, and that starts a
new and quick growth of the hoof.

Often the heel is cut too low and causes lameness just where
the cord runs over the nut bone. If such should be the case it

180 The Hokse Industry in New Yokk State

will show itself in this way — the horse will he lame when he first
starts off, but will get better as he warms up. Remedy : raise
the heel of the shoe and lower the toe. Pack the foot with oint-
ment and okum.

ANKLE-COCKED HORSES

Ankle-cocked horses may be benefited by paring off the toe well,
and putting on a shoe having slightly elevated heels calks with
the shoe running well back behind. Knee-sprung horses may
also be benefited by paring off the toe, raising the heel slightly and
feeding from the floor at a level with his feet.

CONTRACTION

Contraction may be relieved by paring the foot well down and
putting on a shoe with the heel bearing slightly convex so as to
have a natural tendency to press the heel open. The shoes should
be nailed only at the toe, and not farther back than the side quarter.
Only six nails should be used. A good ointment should be -applied
to hasten the growth aud soften all parts of the foot.

FORGING

One of the worst troubles caused by bad shoeing — and that
most found in horses in the country — is forging or overreaching.
This condition may be remedied by putting fair lengthed shoes
on both fore and hind feet. The heel calks should be slightly ele-
vated, and the toe on the hind foot set back so that the hoof is left
to project over the shoe about a quarter of an inch.

TREADING ON NAILS

In case a horse steps on a nail, or anything penetrates the foot,
do not delay in having it cut open so as to let the blood start
freely. Cut away the hard hoof and make a good opening and
fill with soft okum and ointment. Open it every three or four
days until all inflammation ceases ; then there will be slight danger
of lockjaw.

INTERFERING

Interfering in horses may be remedied by properly balancing
the foot. Build it up with a thick, long-sided shoe, bringing the

The Horse's Feet a^b Their Care 181

toe of the foot straight in line with the body. The inside of the
foot should be kept smooth, and the nails should not be per-
mitted to come ont of the shoes to twist across the foot, as I have
seen done in many p case. This is apt to cause sores that may
run into scratches, grease heel, big ankles and lame horses.

DO XOT BURN THE HOOF

The practice of clipping and burning the hoof is very destruc-
tive. Using the language of Prof. Russell : " Burning the sole
will in time partially destroy the sensitive laminae and impair
the membraneous lining underneath the coffin bone, as well as
closing the pores on the horn, causing the hoof to become dry,
hard and brittle. It also impedes to a certain extent, as a neces-
sary consequence, the healthy growth of the foot and hoof."

The advocates of hot-fitting present many specious reasons for
the furtherance of the practice. It is alleged that shoes cannot be
fitted so rapidly nor so closely by means other than hot fitting,
and this is generally true; for by this means the hoof is burned
to correspond with inequalities w^hich occur on the surface of the
shoes, until the latter is thoroughly imbeded in the horn. On the
other hand, this fusing of the horn is in opposition to its right
growth and operation, and it is the prolific source of many evils
and abuses. The horn, being' a non-conductor of heat, is slowly
aft'ected by it. It is said that three minutes burning of the lower
face of the sole is necessary to produce any indicatioai of increase
of temperature on its upper surface. This is a fallacy, as I have
proven many times by operating upon green specimens with soles
of varied thickness. The soles of ordinary depth were penetrated
by heat when heated shoes were applied for the time specified,
and the sensitive sole was found to be scorched. The laminae in
their connections with the sole were burned and charred. In the
living subject these effects would have brought serious results.
My experiments have convinced me that the foot of the horse may
in no sense be compared to an inanimate block of wood which
may be charred and carved as caprice may dictate. It is filled
with life and feeling, and therefore its treatment requires
thought, care and skill.

The economy of labor attained in the process of hot-fitting will,

182 The Horse Txdustky in New York State

I am sure, never coiinterbalaiicc its evil effects. While it is true
that more shoes can be fitted in a given time by the hot process
than bv the cold, this is no argument against the expediency of
the latter. I, myself, never put a hot shoe to the foot so as to leave
a mark ; neither do 1 allow my help to do this. A man who cannot
fit a shoe to a foot level with the hoof parers — round knife and
rasp — is not a fit person to be trusted to handle as delicate a
a piece of machinery as the horse's foot. So my advice is, do not
let any one put a hot shoe to your horses' feet, as it will surely
bring bad results.

CLIPS SHOULD NOT BE USED

Clipping shoes is another bad habit of our best as well as the
poorest horseshoers. It does no good, and in many cases results in
harm. In my opinion it does not add to the looks of the foot in
any way. A shoe that is perfectly level on a level foot, set on
with eight good nails driven in the foot properly, will not come
off in a reasonable time. So do not have your shoes clipped unless
absolutely necessary.

PARING THE FROG

I am very often asked the question. Do you pare the frog? My
answer is this : I do if the frog needs it ; I use just as much
judgment as when paring the hoof. So long as the frog is in good
shape I do not deem it necessary, but when it either bears to one
side or the other, or becomes hard and does not scale oft' as nature
intended, paring is required.

I
1

CARE OF HORSES' TEETH
Dr. C. W. Brodhead, Montrose, Pa.,

Farmers' Institute Lecturer

The science of horse dentistry has been sadly neglected m the
rural districts, and by that lack of knowledge on the part of horse
owners mnch of the usefulness of the horse is lost.

Xenophon said more than 2,000 years ago, " 'No foot, no horse,''
and at this time I will add, " No tooth, no horse." After forty
years of shoeing horses and thirty-six years of caring for the teeth,
having in that time been a close observer and investigator, I can
safely say that 25 per cent of the economy of the horse is lost in
this country by neglecting these two members of the body ; and it is
my design to try to give some points that may lead to the better
care of the teeth on the part of horse owners.

I often hear this remark : " Why, my father always kept
horses and he never gave any thought to the care of their teeth."
That may be true, but many a horse's days have been shortened
by not having such attention. In fact, until the last few years no
one was qualified to do anything to horses' teeth ; dentistry was
one of the last branches of veterinary science taken up by Ameri-
can colleges.

Originally, the horse's teeth were perfectly fitted for grazing
and grinding, but man has changed the food from soft, tender,
juicy grasses to hard, dry, woody, fibrous food, which taxes the
teeth more than soft food.

There have been many fakes handed down from time to time
by " boss men " which many people think are true and do not

stop to consider how inconsistent they may be such as telling the

exact age of a horse by his teeth, wolf teeth causing blindness, and
many other things I might mention.

The mare has only thirty-six teeth, as she is minus the canine
tushes or bridle teeth, as they are generally called. The male or

[183]

184

The Horse Tndtstky of New York State

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Care of Horses' Teeth 185

stallion has forty teeth. The bridle teeth in most cases show them-
selves any time from two and one-half to eight years of age —
sometimes in early castrations they may not appear in the gelding ;
I have found snch cases.

The colt begins to shed the milk teeth at the age of two and one-
half years, and should have a full mouth at five years, but that
is not always the case. I have many times taken out both the
corner incisors and the molars at six years old, and I have known
that the horse had been badly kept; hence both body and limb
had not fully developed, and the teeth were retarded likewise.

The jaws of the horse are peculiar in their makeup, the under
jaw being from one and one-half to two and one half inches
narrower than the upper jaw and forming what may be called a
convex-and-concave surface, as the long points on the upper jaw
are outside, pushing against the cheek, and the long points on the
lower jaw are inside, pushing against the tongue. Since the
sharp points do not break or wear off, they cut the cheeks and
tongue and cause sores. This can be remedied by properly floating
the long points off", thus giving the teeth a chance to get a full
grinding surface. Often when the colt begins to shed his teeth,
the shells or milk teeth will be crowded out by the permanent
teeth. Owing to the convex-and-concave surface they are fre-
quently crowded against the cheek or tongue, causing the same
trouble as the sharp points in older horses. They should be taken
out to give the new teeth a chance to come in proper line.

From many causes, horses will have split or broken teeth, others
becoming decayed and hollow. It is necessary to extract such teeth,
iind then every year or two the tooth opposite will need to be filed
or cut off ; since, if there is nothing to wear against it, it will grow
down or up, as the case may be, and wear into the cavity and
cause trouble. The teeth on the upper jaw are always growing
down and out, while the under teeth are always gi'owing up and
out. In the case of a six-year-old the teeth may set in the jaws
one and one-half inches, when at twenty they may just hang to
the jaw, and at twenty-five many of them may be entirely gone.

There are many things to be taken into consideration at this
point, since some breeds or horses have better teeth than others ;
also, horses grazing or being fed on hay that is cut from low sandy

186 The Hoese Industry in New York State

bottoms — especially that land overflowed by rivers or creeks —
will show wear on the teeth much faster than those grazing or fed
on hay cut from hillsides where there is not much grit or sand
in the grass or hay. This holds good as to both the incisors and the
molars, A horse that is generally stabled will not show so much
wear on the incisors as a horse that is in pasture a good share
of his life, for the reason that in the constant nipping close to
the earth he comes in contact with more or less stones and grit
that are not carried to the molars. In judging a horse for useful-
ness I look to the worth of his molars and how badly they are
impaired, giving very little attention to the incisors.

The wolf or rudimentary tooth is supposed by many to be the
cause of blindness. That is not generally true, as it is very rarely
that there is enough inflammation to cause impairment of the eye-
sight. Many cases that I have examined and treated were caused
by the molars crowding the cheek and causing sores and ulcers.
This trouble may be relieved by filing off the sharp points, thus
removing the cause.

The following are a few of the symptoms of conditions that may
be remedied by having the teets attended to : staring coat, hide-
bound, scouring, slobbering when being driven, dropping par-
tially chewed food in the manger, gnawing the manger, running
at the eyes, side-lining, tossing the head, periodical balking,
spasmodic colic, and many troubles I cannot here mention.

Painful mastication and resultant indigestion, the primary
cause of most stomach troubles of the horse, are due to defective
teeth. Take care of the old horse's teeth and be sure to look
well to the colts' teeth during the shedding period, as the horse is
subject to the same laws as man, and needs the care of the dentist.

FEED AND CARE OF THE HORSE

F. C. MiNKLER, New Brunswick, N. J.

Associate Professor of Animal Husbandry, New Jersey Agricultural
Experiment Station

The feeding of work horses involves
not so mnch a scientific knowledge of nu-
trition as it does the art of applying com-
mon sense methods and observations.
Given two men with two teams of work-
ing horses and all the feed and rough-
age necessary for maintenance and de-
velopment : the one who is the mere team-
ster will generally utilize twice as much
feed, and bring his charges through at
the end of the season in a less desirable condition than the
practical horseman who loves his charges and watches and feeds
them in accordance with practical common sense methods. If
the old saying that " a bushel of care is worth two bushels of
feed " applies to any line of live stock management, it is applicable
to the feeding of farm work horses. Success in the feeding of
horses is not the automatic process of putting in so many pounds
of feed and supplementing this with so many pounds of roughage,
permitting the horse to be his own judge; but rather involves
the choosing of those feeds that are useful and economical, and at
the same time feeding and selecting such products with proper
regard to the indiyidual animal, the kind and extent of the
work required, the condition, temperament and adaptability of
the man who works and the horses that are worked. A, scien-
tifically balanced ration is not essential, for chemists are very apt
in certain rations to find food nutrients that the horse cannot find.
The spirit or '* feel " of the horse, the expression of his coimte-
nance, the condition of his coat and legs, together with the con-
sistency, color and odor of the feces, are perhaps of more im-
portance to the feeder in determining kinds and amounts of feeds
than the lead pencil in the hands of the scientist who feeds his

horse from his ofiice desk.

[187]

188 The Horse Tndusrry in New York State

feeding too much roughage a mistake
The most common error, particularly in the feeding of farm
work horses, is the feeding of too much timothy hay. In the first
place, a horse does not exercise very mnch judgment if he is
required to determine for himself the amount of roughage that he
is to consume. If, by any chance, he is turned loose in a feed
room where there is a bale of hay and a barrel of oats he would
feel obliged to eat all of both if it were possible. The same rule
applies in case the thoughtless farmer feels generous enough to
keep timothy and mixed hay before his horses at all times, carry-
ing the impression that, since grain is more expensive than hay,
if a horse will eat large amounts of such roughage he will require
a smaller amount of concentrates. The reverse is often true.
Overloading the digestive system of a horse with a relatively
indigestible product results in malnutrition, and invites troubles
to the respiratory system which finally wind up with labored
breathing and heaves.

It must be remembered that a horse's stomach is relatively
small, holding only from twelve to fifteen quarts ; and, if a horse
is doing hard work, he needs concentrated feeds — the nutrients
must be digestible and easily assimilated. He should not be re-
quired to subsist largely on roughage products that require so
much time and energy in the simple process of mastication and
digestion. First, limit all the roughage to one pound per day of
average mixed hay to each one hundred pounds live weight of
the animal, and feed the bulk of this roughage at night rather
than in the morning or during the middle of the day. The grain
should constitute the bulk of the morning and noon meal.

In the selection of roughage two factors must be considered.
First, if alfalfa or clover hay is available, it must be remembered
that it is not necessary to feed as much grain. Eight pounds of
alfalfa hay will supply quite as many energy units as fourteen
pounds of timothy hay. Second, idle horses should be given
relatively the same proportion of grain and roughage as working
horses, and the amount rather than the proportion should be re-
duced on account of the idleness or irregularity of work. It is not
difficult to suggest a grain ration suitable for feeding horses that
work every day.

Feed and Care of the Horse 189

the graix ration

Five products, for the most part, should provide the basis of
the grain ration — oats, com, wheat bran, oil meal and molasses.
Under most conditions, especially those that prevail on the average
farm, a mixture of these products is more desirable than any one
fed by itself. It is generally believed that so far as the concen-
trates are concerned, oats are best adapted to the feeding of
hoTses — not only on account of their chemical analysis, but be-
cause of their physical composition as well. The relative pro-
portions of carbohydrate and protein constitute a well-balanced
lation, and it seems that horses fed largely on oats, with an appro-
priate roughage, possess more mettle than individuals fed corn in
liberal amounts. The one objection to oats is their cost, and very
often unscrupulous feed dealers mix barley with the oats when the
price of barley will enable them to make this substitution with
profit. Such a mixture is less palatable and less nutritious than
oats fed alone.

Corn is king in the com belt, not only for pigs but for horses
as well, and if alfalfa hay is used as a supplement very few ob-
jections can be made to this combination. However, the common
practice of feeding com and timothy hay in relatively large
amounts is objectionable for the simple reason tha4; there is a
lack of protein — blood- and muscle^making tissue — in such
a combination, and it predisposes the animal's digestive system
to improper functionating, and eventually the horse's wearing or
working qualities are pennanently impaired.

Wheat bran or alfalfa hay should always parallel a ration of
corn ; or, if neither of these products are available, oil meal might
appropriately be substituted. Wheat bran is always indispensable
in a ration for growing animals. Its laxativeness coupled with its
ash content suggests itself on every occasion when irregularities
prevail ; and, if it is useful for sick animals, it is certainly a safe
feed for well ones.

Oil meal is perhaps the best conditioner available for feeding
horses. The mere fact that perhaps 90 per cent of the con-
diment stock feeds that are on the market are oil meal is evidence
enough of the value of this by-product as a conditioner or tonic.

Molasses has come into use within the last few years, chiefly

lUO The House Industky in New Yoki-: State

because it is less expensive than corn, and supplies quite as much
energy. Pound for pound, its feeding value compares favorably
with corn, but this does not mean that it can be substituted pound
for pound in the ration. It is clear, however, that in case molasses
is selected as a feed for horses it should be purchased in bulk,
and not through the agency of mixed feeds. Certainly, molasses
has been used to market a great nuuiy products as horse feeds
that would not be utilized if the buyer of the feed had a definite
knowledge of the particular feed that he was buying. Again,
molasses should not be used extensively for idle horses, and in
any event not more than three pounds should be fed per day. It
is an excellent conditioner, and has the effect of smoothing the
coat, when proper grooming accompanies its use as a feed.

As suggested above, a combination of the foodstuffs named
undoubtedly makes the best feed. \'ariety should be practiced by
changing the kinds and amounts of the ingredients ; likewise it is
permissible to omit certain feeds at a season of the year when they
are expensive or are not available. A very useful combination
for work horses doing daily work would be as follows : 200 pounds
oats, 100 pounds wheat bran, 100 pounds cracked corn, 50 pounds
molasses, 35 pounds oil meal.

It would not be practical to mix the molasses with these feeds
during the warm weather, nor would it be wise to use this mixture
during the coldest winter weather. Molasses might be omitted
from the ration during this time, or it could be mixed w^th
water — five parts of water to one part of molasses — and either
poured over the grain after it is in the feed box or sprinkled
over the cut hay in a suitable manger.

SALT AND WATER

Salt should be kept before the animals at all times. Horses
should be watered previous to feeding. There is a difference in
opinion so far as this practice is concerned, but it stands to reason
that since water does not require digestion, it would be much better
to let them have their drinking water previous to feeding, and thus
enable the digestive system to work more leisurely in preparing the
grain and roughage for assimilation.

Feed and Cake of the Horse 191

CARE OF the teeth AXD PARASITES-*

At the outset two observations should be made. First, the care-
taker should make sure that the horse's teeth are in good condition
and free from annoying projections that would lacerate the mouth,
and be responsible for incomplete mastication. A float may be
used if the trouble is simple ; but, if more complicated, a veteri-
narian should be called. He should make, sure that the first step
of digestion is properly taken. In the second place, internal
parasites or w^orms sap the vitality of the animars system, and
destroy in many instances the usefulness of the animal's digestive
system. Continued annoyances and discomfort in an animal's
digestive system are responsible for ill-temper and nervousness,
and it is absolutely essential that the animal be relieved from
unnecessary disturbances. An ounce of turpentine to a quart of
raw linseed oil for a 1000-pound horse, given on an empty stomach,
will oftentimes act as a vermifuge; or, placing in the feed
twice daily for five days, a tablespoonful of a mixture made
up of equal parts of powdered gentian and powdered ferrous sul-
phate will act in the same capacity. In either case, a purge should
follow the use of such ingredients in order to make sure that the
parasites are eliminated from the system after they have been
loosened from the walls of the stomach or intestines.

The question of gTooming is of vital importance in the manage-
ment of work horses. Xot only should the stalls be roomy and
kept in a sanitary condition, but every effort should be exerted
to provide comfort for the animals. Regularity of the feeding
period as well as of the rest period is essential, and it must be
remembered that idle horses require less food units than those
working regularly. The most difiicult horse in the world to feed
and keep in condition is the animal that is overworked one day
and underworked the next. Reduce the feed in half on idle days,
and increase the grain ration when the animal is doing severe
labor. In this way the caretaker will avoid instances of indi-
gestion or the loading up of the system with surplus nitrogenous
material, which is responsible for Monday-morning disease or
azoturia. " The eye of the master fatteneth his animal " is an

* See article on care of the teeth, page 183.

192 The Horse Industry in JMew York State

/

oft-repeated proverb, and is quoted here only to suggest that even
though a ration might be scientitically bahmced and practically
compounded, it is fundamental that the feeder of horses watch
every sign that suggests comfort or distress if he wishes to have
his charges always in bloom and eager for work.

HORSES AT THE NEW YORK STATE FAIR

Dr. H. S. Wende, Tonawaxda, N. Y.

Superintendent, Horse Exhibit, New York State Fair, 1913-14

HOKSE SHOW SHOULD ENCOUKAGE BREEDING OF STATE HORSES
SUITABLE FOR THE FARM

It lias always been mv belief that the
horse show of ■ the State Fair should be
condncted with the object of encouraging
the production of more and better stock
within the borders of the state. After
being appointed superintendent of the
horse department of the fair in 1913, I
consulted Commissioner Huson with
reference to the policy to be used in re-
gard to Xew York exhibitors. He held
the same opinion — that everything possible should be done to
make the horse show attractive for resident exhibitors.

I do not believe that the horse breeding interests of this state
are best served by catering to the professional exhibitors of horses,
most of whom are importers rather than breeders and whose stables
are shipped from one big fair to another, equipped and con-
ditioned in a way to make any competition on the part of the
farmer breeder fruitless. This refers mainly to the heavy draft
classes. I think the correctness of this last statement was demon-
strated by the exhibits in the heavy draft classes at Syracuse in
both 1913 and 1914.

NEW YORK HORSE MARKET SUPERIOR TO THAT OF ANY OTHER

STATE

No other state in the Union imports so many horses from its

neighbors yearly as does jSTew York. For the last few years about

80,000 horses bred in other states have yearly found purchasers

in jSTew York State; the total value of this importation amounts

13 tl931

194

The Horse Ikdustky in New York State

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HoKSES AT THE XeW YoKK StATE FaIK

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to between sixteen and eighteen million dollars annually. The
books of the two big concerns of East Buffalo — the Crandall
Horse Co. and the Bailey Horse Co. — show that during the last
tive years their sales of horses have amounted to $25,000,000, an
average of $5,000,000 a year. There is no valid reason why at
least 75 per cent of this number of horses, which breeders out-
side the state furnish, should not be produced on the farms of
Xew York. Xo better grazing lands or those adapted to the
raising of forage and grain are to be found than those in New

Fig. 66. Prize-Winning Percheron Stallion, Shown at New York
State Fair, 1914.

York State, and in no other state do the farmers have a market
for more than 75,000 horses annually right at their doors.
Despite these facts, however, horse breeding in this state has been
at a low ebb for several years. The farmers make no effort to
supply the commercial interests of this state, and it is not far out
of the way to say that 75 per cent of them do not raise the
horses which they need on their own farm. At the time I was

196 Tjie Hokse Industry in New York State

appointed superintendent of the horse department of the State
Fair, it was mj opinion that the horse exhibits should be of such
a character as to awaken the interest of New York State farmers
to the importance of horses as a profitable adjunct to their farm-
ing, and after two years experience as head of the horse depart-
ment I am more than ever convinced that my conclusions were
correct.

SPECIAL CLASS FOR NEW YORK STATE HORSES

In both 1913 and 1914 special classes were made for horses
owned by residents of the state of New York ; the horses entered
in these classes were also eligible for entry in the open classes.

Fig. 67. Gbade Champion Belgian Stallion, Richelieu.
Shown at State Fair

How appreciative the breeders of this state were of the encourage-
ment extended them may be gleaned from the statement that
never in the history of the State Fair had there been so many
entries in the Percheron and Belgian classes as in 1914, and that
every animal shown in these classes was owned by a resident of
New York. Forty-five horses representing nine New York State

Horses at the Xew York State Fair 197

owners were shown in the Percheron chisses at last year's fair;
it may well be doubted if an exhibit of higher character was made
at any state fair held last fall, even where the big professional
stables which toured the country were shown. The Belgians, too,
were a most notable exhibit, thirty representatives of this breed
from the stables of six Xew York State owners being shown.

The exliibits of these two breeds by the Adirondack Farms
and Heart's Delight Farm were of exceptionally high character,
and they furnished an object lesson to the hundreds of farmers
who w^atched the judges place the awards — a lesson that will
make itself felt in a substantial way in the near future. This
proof that Xew York can produce horses of equal quality to those
produced in any other state resulted in the purchase of stallions
of those breeds by a large number of farmers, during or directly
after the fair. These stallions, going to different parts of the
state, will stimulate draft horse breeding in a degree not hereto-
fore noticeable.

1 cannot forego, in this connection, mention of the instructive
exhibits showing the utility qualities of heavy draft horses in
business, made by the George Urban ]\rilling Co. of Buf-
falo. This firm showed, in the single, double, triple, four-in-
hand and six-in-hand hitches, heavy draft horses such as the
market in the cities of this state are calling for. In answer to
queries made by farmers as to the prices paid for these horses, it
was stated that they cost from $275 to $375 each in the open
market, solely for business purposes. The lessons demonstrated
by this company's exliibit in the breeding classes were driven home
in no uncertain manner.

LIGHT HARA'ESS HORSES

The breeding classes for light harness horses at the State Fair
did not attract so many entries as the heavy draft classes, for
the reason that the advent of the automobile has, to a very great
degree, destroyed the market for road horses. While the Stand-
ardbred trotter will ever be bred for turf purposes, it will be
principally by breeders who possess a thorough knowledge of the
principles of breeding and their relation to the production of
speed. More and more this branch of horse breeding will be

198

The Hokse Industry in New York State

HOKSES AT THE XeW YoRK StATE FaIK

199

confined to men who will make a specialty of speed horses — men
who are able to equip their breeding farms with everything neces-
sary for the production and development of that racing qualifica-
tion.

While few in numbers, the trotting-bred horses shown were
bred in most advanced lines. A. R. Gillis of Syracuse, S. C.
Pendergast of Phoenix, Lyndon Farm of Syracuse, John C.
AJdrich of Bath and John McMahon of Syracuse were the prin-
cipal exhibitors, and the exhibits represented the best trotting
families of this period of advanced breeding.

Fig. 69. Perfection — Winner of Silver Ctjp at New York State
Fair. 1914. Best Foal in all Breeds — Belgian Filly Foal
Raised at Heart's Delicht Farm, and Sired ry Richelieu

saddle iior.ses
There is another branch of horse breeding, however, to which
recognition has not been extended in the breeding classes of the
State Fair — one that promises to become a profitable branch of
horse breeding. That is the production of saddle horses.
Xever during the last quarter of a century have so many busi-
ness men taken to riding as during the last three or four years.

2U0

The Horse Iwdustey in New Yokk State

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HOKSES AT THE ^^KW YoKK StATE FaiR

201

Since the automobile came into general use, walking is rapidly
becoming a lost art in the cities. The saddle horse has been
found to be the ideal instrument to give the torpid liver a shak-
ing up, and to force the lungs to inhale the necessary amount of
fresh air to supply the system with its needs.

Saddle horses are in active demand and at good prices, and it
seems as though it would be a wise act on the part of the State
Fair management to give the saddle horse a place when arrang-
ing the classes for the next fair.

PEKCHEROX

In the Percheron classes the outstanding individuals were
found in : Merau, a two-year-old stallion of surpassing excellence
showm by Adirondack farms, winner in his age class and also in
the Champion class ; Mouche, a two-year-old mare from the
same farm that won first in her age class and championship ;
Incidentei', winner of the first in the class for three-year-old
stallions from Heart's Delight Farm, and Coquette of Heart's
Deliffht, who won first in the class for three-vear-old mares for
the same farm.

Fig. 71. Two-Year-Old Percherox Stalliox, Ixvocatiox, Exhibited
AT New York State Fair

202 The Horse Industry in New York State

The stallion Heristal, owned hy William Luckluini of Church-
villc, was another especially i>-ood representative of the breed,
winnina, first in the class for stallion fonr years old or over and
for stallion and three of his get.

Other commendable exhibits in the Percheron classes were made
by C. M. Cronse of Syracnse, S. C. Pendergast of Phoenix, James
McNamara of Baldwinsville, Carl Amos of Syracuse and J. A.
Jackson of Hollev.

Fig. 72. Yearling Belgian Stallion Sired by Richelieu
BELGIAN

In the Belgian classes the championship honors went to
Adirondack Farms Major d'Appel, a fonr-year-old stallion of
exceptional type, and to Bienvenne, a mare of rare make-np.
Argentine, a mare shown by Heart's Delight Farm, was almost
the equal of Bienvenne.

The last mentioned farm also showed a grand colt in Digiiitaire,
winner in the class for stallions one year and under two, and in
Urane, a mare of the same age. This farm also showed the
winner in the class for stallions three and under four in the

Horses at the New Yok'k State Fair 203

splendidly built young horse, Troubadour of Heart's Delight. In
the class for stallions two and under three, Adirondack Farms
won the honors with Orange de Bruchoin, a very high-class colt.
Other exhibitors who showed Belgians of high type and merit
were John Clary of Seneca Falls, whose stallion Bicaldo, was
second to Major d'Appel; E. S. Akin of Syracuse, Elbert Roos
of Walden, and A. C. HirzeLof Syracuse. The Clydesdale and
Suffolk breeds also made a commendable exhibit, all being owned
by residents of ]^ew York State.

CLYDESDxVLE

In the Clydesdales the contests were mainly between the ex-
hibits from Adirondack Farms and those of Hugh J. Chisholm
of Port Chester. In the class for stallions three and under four,
Kelvindale from Adirondack Farms was judged superior to Mr.
Chisholm's Apollo by a narrow margin ; this horse also won the
championship. In the class for mares of the same age Mr. Chis-
holm's won first and second with a typical pair, Lily and Rosie
Bloom. Wattie Yet, owned by L. F. Empy of Williamstown, won
first in stallion four years and over, having no opposition.

In the Suffolk classes Adirondack Farms had no opponents,
but it would have required high-class representatives of the breed
to have robbed some of those shown of the honors they carried oft".

draft colts
Perhaps one of the most interesting competitions in the draft
class during the fair of 1914 was a special class for registered
draft colts of either sex and breed, foaled in 1914, for a silver
cup offered by Mr. E. S. Akin of Syracuse. Nearly a score
of weanlings lined up for the judges to pass on. There was not a
colt in the lot that would have been out of place in any show ring-
in the country, and there was not a single one but that was an
illustration to the attending farmers of the possibilities before
them in the way of breeding high-class draft horses to supply the
ready and profitable market, which their home state affords for
this class of horses.

204 The Hokse Industry in New York State

good horses tend to keep the boy on the farm
Eight here it may he stated that horse hreediiiii; has an intimate
connection with another subject much discussed at present in the
agricultural press — that of keeping the hovs contented on the
farm. No other way of accomplishing this has been so pro-
ductive of the desired results as by getting the boys interested
in breeding good stock ; and the fact that nine out of ten boys on
the farm take pride in driving a good horse makes horse breed-
ing the ideal branch of live stock production to attract their
attention and to add to their contentment, at a time in their lives
when, unless life on the farai is relieved of some of its monotony,
discontent creeps in and they drift away from the farm in the
mistaken belief that other lines of work offer better opportunities.

NECESSARY i:srPROVE:MP.NTS

The greatest immediate need to insure the continued success
of the horse department of the State Fair is the erection of
modern barns to stable the horses exhibited. Those which have
been used during the past several years are unsanitary, and so
poorly arranged that it is with the utmost difficulty that the
patrons of the fair can see the horses when they are in the stable,
with any degree of satisfaction. Modern, sanitary and well-
lighted barns would not only add much to the pleasure of the
persons who attend the fair to sea the horses with the idea of
learning something, but it would also add immensely to the value
of the exliibits, and thus attract a constantly growing list of ex-
hibitors. Such barns^ too, would of themselves be a valuable edu-
cational feature to farmers in a direction which is demanding the
attention of everyone who is giving any study -to farming uplift.

Another most desirable addition to the exhibition equipment
would be a covered show ring, if it were no more than a pavilion.
Under present conditions the exhibitors and judges have to work
in the direct rays of the hot sun when the weather is good; and,
if stormy, the exhibition must be abandoned altogether.

The vast opportunities which present themselves to the farmers
of this state in the hors'e breeding field are too important to
J3ennit this branch of breeding to be neglected by our State Fair,

HOKSES AT THE NeW YoRK StaTE FaiR

205

the principal object of which is to encourage agricultural pur-
suits and animal husbandry in ever)' direction. In the western
states every effort is being made to encourage horse breeding.
Draft horse futurities are features of several of the western state
fairs and the entrants in those event's are largely owned by
farmers who make horse breeding only an adjunct to their farming
operations.

EUROPEAN war WILL CREATE A SCARCITY

In view of the fact that the war in Europe has entirely killed
horse breedino- in Belgium, has reduced that industry to small

H. S. Allen, Buffalo, X. Y. A. W. Lawrence, Le Roy, N. Y.

Fig. 73. Judges at New York State Fair, 1914

proportions in France, and greatly restricted the breeding studs
of England and Scotland, I believe that the introduction of
futurity events for draft colts, bred by residents of this state
would, in a marked degree, increase the interest in horse breeding
throughout the state, which is, after all, the principal object of
this department of the State Fair. It is claimed by even the
casual observer of public affairs that not only will the countries of
Europe, which have heretofore supplied this country with stallions

206 The Horse Industuy in New York State

and mares of the draft breeds for breeding purposes, be unable
to do that after the war conies to an end, but that they will have
to come to this country to get breeding stocks to reestablish the
breeding industry in those countries. It is even probable that
after the close of the war there will also be a great demand made
upon this country for horses for commercial purposes, so depleted
will the horse stock of the warring countries have become.

It is plain, therefore, that the horse breeding industry in this
country wi'll enjoy an extended period of unprecedented pros-
perity, and it is in the power of the New York State Fair to do
much to awaken the farmers of this state to the opportunities
draft horse breeding holds for them, by adding to the prize list
for horses features which will add to the size and attractiveness
of the exhibits in that department by residents of the state.

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD JUDGES

I should be lacking in appreciation, in speaking of the horse
exhibits during the two State Fairs while superintendent of the
horse department, if I fail to mention the good work of the judges
who made the awards. Ijelieving that there was no necessity to
go outside the state to secure competent judges, I engaged the
services of A. W. Lawrence of LeRoy and Henry L. Allen,
Editor of The Horse World, Buffalo ; and how conscientiously
these gentlemen did the work assigned to them during the fairs
of 1913 and 1914 may be inferred from the fact that there was
not a single protest at either fair, and so far as the officials could
learn, there was not a single expression of dissatisfaction heard
from any exhibitor. This strengthens my belief that a fair may
secure a large number of high-class exhibits and still have the
exhibit ruined by the work of incompetent men as judges.

THE NEED OF A STALLION LAW

De. W. G. HOLLINGWOKTII, UtICA, N. Y.

The inquiries of owners of brood mares
as to the whereabouts of a pure-blood stal-
lion are constantly increasing. They find
that the prices paid for suitable horses make
colt raising of the right kind a profitable
business. The only way to stimulate such
breeding is to have an efficient stallion law,
through which the scrub stallions will grad-
ually be eliminated and be replaced by
pure-bloods. Such a law would be educa-
tional ; and, if passed by the legislature, the breeding from pure-
blood sires would be the topic of discussion in every farming
community. This, if nothing else, would be considered a most
valuable eft'ect of the new legislation ; it would be educational to
all those interested in breeding, selling, buying and using the
horse.

■So long as we are satisfied to run along in the same old rut that
we have for years, little can be accomplished ; but when we come
to realize the importance and need of study, the employment
of modern means and the eradication of our faulty conditions,
changes for the better will be forthcoming. The farmers' methods
and ideas in regard to horse breeding must be improved, and a
stallion law would aid materially in this direction.

HOW AN EFFICIENT STALLION LAW CAN BE BROUGHT ABOUT

All who are interested directly or indirectly should urge the
breeding of suitable mares to pure-blood stallions. The stallion
laws of the difi^erent states in which such a law has been passed
should be studied and their weak points strengthened. If such a
law is passed it should be a good and workable one.

An efiicient law and a campaign of education would show the
farmer in dollars and cents the profit there is in raising colts

[207]

208 The Hokse Industry in New York State

from such sires as wfll transmit type to their offspring. Our
agricultural societies can be a great help by devoting more
thoiight to the horse exhibits at their fairs. A sufficient amount
should be given in premiums to encourage a friendly rivalry
among the farmers in colt raising. They should refuse an appli-
cation of entrance to any but pure-blood stallions with certificates
of registration.

^Yith the development of agriculture, the demand for the farm
type of horse is increasing, and this need is met by a scarcity.
Why is there a scarcity ? This is a big question to answer. First
of all is the lack of a proper law to eliminate the scrub or grade
stallion, the offspring of which are of poor type and unmarketable.
It costs no more to raise a colt from a pure-blood sire than from
a scrub or grade. We must add the service fee, of course, but
the colt from the pure-blood is much more valuable and will bring
a higher price. This should be taken into consideration.

The horse breeding industry is and has been carried on very
unintelligently, and the results have been very unsatisfactory.
We have depended too much upon the other fellow. Now this indi-
vidual has failed to meet the expectation, and the result is an
extremely high price for the popular work horse, and no market,
so far as revenue is concerned, for the colt from the stallion with
no breeding. To this very individual is due the undesirable state
of aff"airs in the breeding operations of this state ; and this con-
dition has been augmented by the presence of hereditary un-
soundness, lack of discrimination and judgment in mating, and
inattention to adequate feeding and suitable sanitary stabling.

great opportunity for new YORK STATE HORSES

We should realize the advantage of growing our own horses.
It is estimated that New York State requires 10,000 horses
annually to meet its demands ; and, if we put the average price at
$200, which is low, think what that amounts to — $20,000,000 !
And most of that goes out of the state. With our rich pastures and
excellent facilities, we should be an exporting instead of an im-
porting state — not only of horses but other agricultural products.
Of our 214,650 farms, 93.6 per cent, or 200,989, reported
domestic animals; 86.7 per cent, or 186,164, reported horses, and

The I^eed of a Stallion Law 209

during the last decade there has been a decrease of 38,288 horses.
But the value of our horses has increased. The value of our
horses in 1910, as compared with that of 1900, was $30,912,000
more — an increase of 66.5 per cent. This should be encouraging
to breeders, since it shows a steady advance in the face of the
automobile as an efficient competitor.

The census also shows how few colts are being raised in this
state. In 1910 only 3,613 spring colts were reported, which would
indicate that only 1.5 per cent of New York State farmers were
interested in colt raising. One reason for this is that many of
our good breeding types of mares have been sold to go back into
the West.

patterx after europeax horse breeders

The stallion situation abroad before the present conflict was a
monument to the different countries. Each country took pride
in specializing in certain breeds in certain localities, and the
breeders were stimulated by government and county grants of
money. If a certain sire developed certain merit, he had to re-
main in the country for a specified time. All horses were in-
spected by government veterinarians* and were classed accordingly.
This has practically eliminated the undesirable ones, and the
farmer finds by this pix)cess that it pays to breed from suitable
sires and dams.

With conditions as they are at present, and as they will be for
some time to come, this country ought to put itself in the position,
to Europe that Europe has beerf to the United States. We will
have to be the exporter, and there is no reason why we cannot do
it. One thing that will help a great deal is satisfactory stallion
laws in this and other states.

The following is a copy of the Laws of Xew Jersey relative to
public service of stallions:

LAWS OF NEW JERSEY
CHAPTER 212
An Act to regulate the public service of stallions in New Jersey.
Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the >S7afe of A^ew
Jersey :

1. Every person, firm or company standing, traveling or offering for use
any stallion or jack in this state shall cause the name, description and
pedigree of such stallion or jack to be enrolled by the Stallion Registration
JBpard hereinafter provided for, and shall secure a license from said board as

14

210 The IIokse Tndustky of 'New Yoiik State

provided in section three of this act. The enrollment and verification of
pedigree and the issuing of license certificates shall be done by the Animal
Husbandman of the State Experiment Station.

2. In order to carry out the provisions of this act, tlie active members of
the Live Stock Commission, namely, the Animal Husbandman of the State
Experiment Station, who shall be secretary and executive officer, a graduate
veterinarian and a prominent breeder of live stock, shall constitute a Stallion
Examining and Registration Board, who.se compensation shall be while en-
gaged in personally examining stallions and jacks five dollars per diem and
traveling expenses in addition to the regular compensation, as provided for
by the law establishing the Live Stock Commission; to pass upon certificate
of veterinary examination; to provide, when necessary, for veterinary inspec-
tion; to issue stallion license certificates; to make all necessary rules and
regulations, and to perform such other duties as may be deemed necessary
to carry out and enforce the provisions of this act.

3. In order to secure the license certificates herein provided for, the owner
of each stallion or jack shall present his candidate for an examination, to-
gether with all necessary papers relative to his breeding and ownership, at
the county seat of each county, or such other place and at such times as
may be fixed by said board. Three insertions in one or more newspapers in
each county constituting a legal notice to the owners of sires. It shall be the
duty of this board to personally examine each stallion or jack and determine to
the best of their knowledge and belief whether said stallion or jack is free
from infectious, contagious or transmissible diseases or unsoundness, and their
findings shall be final. Upon verification of pedigree and certificate of
breeding (in case of pure-bred stallions or jacks), and providing said stallion
or jack has satisfactorily passed said veterinary examination, a certificate
shall be issued to the owner. The presence of any one or more of the follow-
ing named diseases shall disqualify a stallion or jack for public service, and
are hereby defined, as infectious, contagious or transmissible diseases" or
unsoundness for the purpose of this act:

Cataract; amaurosis (glass eye); periodic ophthalmia (moon blindness).

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; utheral gleet; mange; melanosis.

Osteoperosis ; canker of the foot; laminitis.

The Stallion Examining and Registration Board is hereby authorized to
refuse a certificate of enrollment to any stallion or jack affected with any
one of the diseases specified and to revoke a previously issued license at any
time if upon examination a stallion or jack is found to be so affected.

4. The Stallion Examining and Registration Board is authorized in case of
emergency to name a committee in each county, consisting of a graduate
veterinarian and a practical horseman whose compensation shall be ten dollars
per diem and expenses while making such examinations, who shall examine
the various stallions or jacks in said county, and issue to the owner of said
animals, under oath, a certificate stating that said animals are free from
infectious, contagious and transmissible diseases or unsoundness, as herein
defined. The owner shall forward the same, together with all necessary
papers, relative to the breeding or ownership of said animals, to the secretary
of the examining and registration board, who in turn shall issue the proper
certificate.

5. The owner of any stallion or jack used for public service in this state
shall post and keep affixed, during the entire breeding season copies of the
license certificate of such stallion or jack issued under the provision of
section six in a conspicuous place, both within and upon the outside of every
stable or building where said stallion or jack is used for public service, at
his home or elsewhere. Such copies shall lie printed in iKild-faced and con-
spicuous type, not smaller than " long primer," and the words " pure bred "
or " grade " must precede the name of the stallion or jack, as the case may be.

The Need of a Stallio.n Law 211

6. The license certificate issued after proper examination of the stallion or
jack, whose sire and dam are of pure breeding, and the pedigree of which is
registered In a stud-hook recognized by the United States Department of
Agriculture, shall be in the following form:

Stallion Examining and Registration Board.
License Certificate of Pure-Bred Stallion.

Tlie pedigree of tlie stallion or jack I name)

owned by bred by described as

follows color breed

foaled in the year has been examined at the

State Experiment Station by the Animal Husbandman, and it is hereby
certified that the said stallion is of pure breeding and is registered in a
stud-book recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture. The

above-named stallion has been examined by and is

reported as free from infectious, contagious, transmissible disease or un-
soundness, and is licensed to stand for public service in the state of New
Jersey.

Signed

Animal Husbandman and Secretary of the

Stallicm Examining and

Registration Board.

7. The license certificate issued after a proper examination for a grade
stallion or jack (the term "grade" being herein defined as a stallion or a
jack having for its sire or dam a pure-bred individual registered in a stud-
liook recognized by the I'nited States Department of Agriculture) shall be as
follows :

The license certificate issued after proper examination for a stallion whose
sire or dam is not of pure breeding shall be in the following form :

Stallion Examining and Registration Board.
License Certificate of Grade Stallion.

The pedigree of the stallion or jack (name)

ownea by bred by described

as follows color breed

foaled in the year has been examined at the

State Experiment Station Division of Animal Husbandry, and it is hereby
certified that the said stallion or jack is not of pure l)reedirtg, and is,
therefore, not eligible for registration in any stud-book recognized by the
United States Department of Agriculture.

The above-named stallion or jack has been examined by

, and is reported as free from infectious, contagious or transmissible

disease or unsoundness, and is licensed to stand for public service in the state
of New Jersey.

Signed

Animal Husbandman and Secretary of the

Stallion Examining and

Registration Board.

8. Every bill, poster or advertisement issued by the owner of any stallion
or jack, licensed under this act and used for advertising such stallion or
jack sliall contain a copy of his license certificate and shall not contain
illustration, pedigree or other matter that is untruthful or misleading.

9. A fee of five dollars shall be paid to the secretary of the Stallion
Examining and Registration Board for the examination and enrollment of
eacli accepted pedigree, after wliich he shall issue a license certificate in
accordance witli the breeding of the animal as above recorded. A fee of
two dollars shall be paid annually for the renewal of pedigree certificate and
service license. Stallions shall be examined every year until ten years of

212 The lloitsE I.xdistry of New York State

ao-e, and after the first examination shall be exempt if ten years of age
or over.

10. ITpon the transfer of the ownership of any stallion or jack, licensed
under the provision of this act, the license certificate may be transferred by
the secretary of tlie board to the transferee upon presentation and surrender
of the license certificate and upon the payment of one dollar.

11. Any person who shrll violate any of the provisions of this act shall
be liable to a penalty of fifty dollars for ilie first ofi'ense, and to a penalty
of one hundred dollars for the second and each subsequent offense. Such
penalty shall be recovered in an action of debt at the suit of the Live Stock
Commission of the State of New Jersey. AH penalties and fees collected
under any of the provisions of this act shall be paid by such Live Stock
Commission to the Treasurer of the State of New Jersey.

12. This act shall take efi"ect September first, one thousand nine hundred
and eight.

Approved April 13, 1908.

EFFECTS OF THE WISCONSIN STALLION LAW

Dr. a. S. Alexaxbek, M. I). C, AIadisox, Wis.*
Senior Professor of Veterinary Science, University of Wisconsin.

The effects of the stallion law of Wiscon-
sin have been so good that I am snre that a
siniihir huv would be equally eifective in the
state of Xew York.

BENEFITS OF THE LAW

A stallion law is not an imposition upon
any stallion owner. It does not prohibit
the standing of a stallion for public sei*vice
if he is sound; it requires that each stal-
lion offered for service shall be sound —
free from certain serious hereditary and communicable or con-
tagious diseases — and shall be correctly labeled as to breeding.
This is for the protection of the owner of mares, who will be able,
by reading the license certificate of the enrolled stallion,
to learn whether the horse is "■ pure-bred/' " cross-bred," " grade ''
or '' scrub." Many stallions now accounted pure bred in Xew
York will be found to have registry certificates from stud books
not recognized as standard, or to have fictitious or even fraudu-
lent pedigrees or registry papers. If a stallion law^ w^as passed,
such stallions, if permitted to stand for service, would be correctly
labeled as grade or scrub as the case might be.

A stallion law quickly prevents all fraud in stallion pedigree
and registry matters, drives out the notably unsound sires, and in
time tends to eliminate grade and scrub stallions. Such has been
the eftect of the law^ in Wisconsin, where it is approved by edu-
cators, legislators, horse breeders and fanners.

THE WISCONSIN LAW

The Wisconsin stallion law was drawn up by the writer of this
article, was enacted by the legislature of 1905 and Avent into

* Dr. Alexander drafted and had enacted the first stallion enrollment law in
America. It was enacted in 1905 and went into effect January 1, 1906, in
Wisconsin.

[213]

214 Tup: Hokse Industry in jSTew Vokk State

effect January 1, .15)0(j. That year many stallions were enrolled,
and the following year practically every stallion in Wisconsin
was on the official list. So wc have made comparisons with the
condition in 1907 instead of in 19(3'6 in compiling annual statistics
showing the results of the law. The law is enforced by the De-
partment of Agriculture of the College of Agriculture of the
University of Wisconsin, in charge of the writer.

The forthcoming annual report of the Department of Horse
Breeding will show that, despite a somewhat depressed condition
of the horse breeding business during the past year, substantial
progress has been ma.de in the elimination of undesirable sires.

WEEDS OUT SCRUBS

In 1907 the percentage of grade and scrub stallions was 65,
now it is 41.8, compared with 45 in 1914. Pure-bred stallions
now number 1,771, gTade stallions 913 and scrubs 345. Grades
numbered 1,019 and scrubs 404 in 1914. Since 1907 pure-bred
stallions have increased in 60 out of the 71 counties of the state,
decreased in 9 and remained the same in 2 counties. During the
same time grade and scrub stallions have decreased in 56, in-
creased in 11 and remained the same in 4 counties. In 1907, 11
counties had fifty per cent or over of pure-bred stallions. In
1915 over fifty counties show that proportion. Notable increases
of pure stallions since 1907 have been 28 head in Barron county,
26 in Brown, 24 each in Wahvorth and Monroe, 22 in Chippewa
and 21 in St. Croix. The most notable decreases in grade and
scrub stallions have been 69 head in Grant county, 56 in Dane,
45 in Monroe, 30 each in Brown and ^lanitowoc, 28 in Fond du
Lac and 25 each in La Fayette and Trempealeau.

INCREASE OF PURE BREEDS

Of the draft breeds, pure-bred Percherons number 1,052 ;
Belgians, 166; Clydesdales, 74; French drafts, 64; Shires, 46,
and Suffolks, 1. Of the light breeds there are 276 Standard-
bred trotters and pacers, 17 French coach, 19 German coach, 6
Hackney and 22 Morgans. Registered jacks number 16, and
there are also 8 non-standard bred and 5 cross-bred stallions in
service.

STALLION ENROLLMENT LAW

E. S. Akix, SYRAcrsE, N. Y.

Since 1912 there has been a strong movement in this state
favoring a law to regulate the public service of stallions. Such
a law has been freely discussed, and resolutions passed by the
New York State Breeders' Association, Xew York State Agri-
cultural Society and ]^ew York State Draft Horse Breeders' Club
in favor of a rational stallion enrollment law. Government con-
trol by inspection and licensing of stallions is not an untried ex-
periment. For many years the governments of Belgium and
France have required the inspection of all stallions offered for
public service, .and have refused license to stallions lacking in
soundness, breeding and physical conformation. While the laws of
these countries are more stringent than would be possible in this
state, they have been the means of creating and maintaining two
superior breeds of horses, the Belgian and Percheron.

Wisconsin was the first state to pass a stallion enrollment law.
Since then some twenty other states, besides Canada, have stallion
laws on somewhat similar lines. The following is a brief sum-
mary of a stallion enrollment law suggested for H^ew York:

1. The addition of a bureau of horse breeding to the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, with a chief in charge appointed for his
practical rather than his technical knowledge.

2. The enrollment of all stallions required.

3. Inspection of all stallions, and issuing certificates of en-
rollment for stallions not disqualified by incurable, infectious or
contagious diseases.

4. All stallions enrolled to be advertised under tlieir true
division as pu^-e-bred, g'rade, standardbred, non-standard find
scrub; and the condition of soundness indicated.

The benefit of such a law would be a knowledge of the number
of pure-bred and scrub, sound and unsound stallions in the state.
Only by publicity and education can the number of scrub and un-
sound stallions be reduced, and the number of sound pure-bred
sires increased. The small fee paid by the o^vner of each stallion
would cover all expenses of a bureau of horse breeding, which
would have charge of the inspection and enrollment, and would
tax no other industry for the benefit of horse breeding.

[215]

COMMUNITY EFFORT IN DRAFT HORSE BREEDING

J. L. Edmoxds, Ukbaxa, 111.
Assistant Professor in Horse Husbandry, University of Illinois

IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY BREEDING

Community effort is of fundamental im-
poTtance to successful draft horse breeding ;
in fact, no other class of live stock breeding-
is quite so much benefited bv united effort
in breeding operations as is the draft horse.
All of our wide and favorably knovv^n Euro-
pean and British breeds of drafters attest
the truthfulness of this statement. When
one considers the relatively small area in
those countries which have produced many
of the sires used here for breeding purposes, the significance of
this statement is still further emphasized. Acquaintance with
producing sections in this country indicates that it is true here
as well as in foreign lands.

Local fairs generally furnish excellent criterions of horse
breeding conditions in the vicinity from which they drav; exhibits.
These smaller fairs serve well not only to show the important
benefits to be derived from community efforts, but also, on the
other hand, show as well the kind of horse which is produced
where there is altogether a lack of such effort. The production of -■
" top-notchers " demands the use of high-class sires, dams of merit,
considerable numbers available for selection, and liberal feeding
which is wisely done. These factors are, by all odds, most likely ■
to exist where the right sort of community spirit prevails.

OWNERSHIP OF GOOD SIRES IS MADE POSSIBLE

Ownership of really good draft sires is not profitable without
opportunity to use them on a considerable number of mares at
least approximating them in merit. It generally seems to be the
case that only such mare owners will pay a high enough service
fee to make the o\vning of a high-class draft sire at all remuner-
ative to his owner. Some of the best sires have been entirely, or

[216]

CoMMUXiTY Effort in Draft Horse Breeding 217

nlmost entirely lost to their breeds because of having been sold
to individuals or companies who stood them in out-of-the-way
neighborhoods which did not possess any good draft mares. This,
however, is not so likely to happen now as formerly. Even the
good stallion cannot do it all; the dams must be right as well.
The practice of selling off all the mares that the horse buyer will
take at a good price and preserving the culls for breeding pur-
poses, makes for inferiority in the succeeding generations. In
the corn belt, the best heavy geldings are produced in those sec-
tions where it has been difficult to buy the best of the mares on
account of their value being properly appreciated. One section
in Illinois, with which the writer is familiar, is justly famous for
producing good, big horses, because they have not only used the
best sires that could be gotten, but because a concerted effoit has
been made by the local horsemen to prevent the good producing
mares from being shipped out of that locality. Other sections
containing as good or better land, and fully as good sires, have
not been so successful beca"'jse of failing to keep the mares that
were capable of producing round draft horses of the correct type.

NUMBER HIGHLY IMPORTANT

The number of draft horses in one community which are
similar in type and breeding is an important factor. The selection
of the tops from a few good ones is not nearly so efficient in the
work of improvement as is the selection of tops from a large
number of good individuals. In a progressive breeding com-
munity, affording as it does a chance to use choice pure-bred sires,
the best of drafters can be produced by the small farmer who does
his work with a few brood mares. Furthermore, such a system
means cheaper production than can be the case where breeding is
conducted on such a scale as necessitates the keej)ing of a large
numbers of mares idle. Again, the idle draft mare is not likely
to be so regTilar a breeder as is her sister that is regularly worked
— with proper judgment, of course — on the land. When the
number of sires is such as to enable the mare o-^mer to have the
choice of several cood breeding horses with which to mate his dif-
ferent mares, he will then have opportunity for the greatest success,
provided the mating'is skillfully done. It is well known that even

218 The Horse Industry of New York State

Community Effort i.n Draft Horse Breeding 219

many of the best sires can be crossed much more successfully
with some mares than with others. Then again, the production of
good things in considerable quantity in one locality brings the
right sort of buyers, thus making for better prices and a better
appreciation of values generally.

KXOWLEDGE OF CORRECT TYPE AND EIGHT BI.OOD LINES IS MADE

ACCESSIBLE

When pure-breds and grades of one draft breed are handled in
a community to the practical exclusion of the others, the matter
of the right type or correct pattern is a matter of much more
general knowledge; and, after a few generations of striving, will
be " bred in the bone," so to speak. Furthermore, a knowledge of
blood lines is also a matter of easier g'rasp. Such communities
can, with success, gradually take up the production of registered
stock and grow breeding stock to sell to other communities. The
best route by which to reach the production of pure-breds is by
the one having been a successful producer, of grades.

LIBERAL FEEDING NECESSARY

Feeding naturally is of vital importance and has to be con-
sidered all along the line. Keeping young stock thrifty and in
salable shape at all times makes more for profit than is often
realized. Quite frequently the well-fed pure-bred yearling will
bring more than a two-year-old which is similar except with
respect to feeding. Good breeding will not succeed unless backed
up by liberal feeding.

ORGANIZATIONS

Organizations other than fair associations help much, although
they are not absolutely necessary. Good feeling and true public
spirit are, however, of basal importance to community work.
There are not a few neighborhoods which owe their present high
standing, with respect to draft horse j)roductiGn, to the advice and
timely effort of a few far-seeing pioneer breeders of good stock.
With an increasing number of county organizations and of county
agents, the opportunity foi- useful societies for furthering the
efforts of the local breeders is measurably increased. It is marvel-
ous how much publicity of the proper sort may be had through

220 The House Industry of New Yokk State

such channels. As a model might be cited the work of the Taze-
well County Illinois Percheron Breeders' Association.

What changes will help in local fairs? First, probably, would
come a systematic overhauling of classification lists. Those
classifications are best which give most prominence to the kinds
of horses for which there is the most profitable demand on the
market. Such classes are found to be more educational, and,
furthermore, give money to the sorts the production of which
should be encouraged. It should be needless to argue that at
com belt fairs the owner of a valuable pure-bred draft stallion
ought to have a chance to win more money than the owner of a
light-leg stallion that could not be sold for tw.o "bills" on the
market. Then again, a greater number of prizes ought to be pro-
vided in classes filled by youngsters. A first and second premium
are not nearly enough for a class of fifteen or twenty foals.
Superfluous it is to say that the separation of the different breeds
and their grades into classes by themselves in so far as is
possible, makes for tranquillity. Quite often this could be accom-
plished by discarding useless classes. The classification list all
through ought to cater to the community specialty if it is worthy
of such attention. It would help some, too, if a brief but clear
description of what the class called for might be printed in the
premium list.

In some instances, and at very little cost, better locations could
be secured for showing the drafters. Many people are interested,
and it should be so arranged that they will have opportunity for
observation without being in danger of getting stepped on. A
rectangle of level gTound sixty by two hundred and twenty-five
feet, or thereabouts, will answer well for quite a show of drafters
on hand. iSTow is a good time to start plans for next fall's fair
and colt shows.

t

HORSE BREEDING IN THE WEST AND EAST

Forest HexXky, Dovek, Mixxesota

Farmers" Institute Lecturer
SUPPLY OF GOOD HORSES SMALL

In the West, as a whole, there is but a
limited supply of really good horses.
'There is a goodly number of work horses
for home use, but many of these would not
be a desirable kind to put oai the market.

There are many reasons for this inade-
quate supply of good horses. First, beef
and pork have ruled high for several years,
and grain has been selling for a good price.
Farmers have been, able to secure quicker
returns by selling their grain on the market or feeding it oait to
hogs and steers, and make quite as good money at a less risk than
growing horses for the market, especially when many thought
that horses must be lower in price on account of the displacement
of many horses in city and country by motor trucks and gas
tractors. So far this has not proven true, notwithstanding the
fact that many motor trucks and tractors are in use. A really
good horse sells just about as well today as at any time in .the past ;
the commoner sort are changing hands at a less price.

THE AUTOMOBILE CRAZE

Another thing that has not added to the horse breeding industry
in the West is the automobile craze. It can hardly be called any-
thing else. While the automobile is all right in its place, a man
cannot be thoroughly interested in horse raising — and he must
be if he is to make a success of it — when his head is full of
automobiles and automobile appliances.

Again, when a man is spending his last dollar for an auto-
mobile he is not able to stock up with better mares or sires. In
fact, he is often tempted to sell something that he should really

[221]

222 The Hokse Ixdistk-y oe New York iS'tate

keep to improve liis stock of horses to buv that new model auto
that is just one year newer than the one his neighbor owns. There
surely has l)een less iiitei'est taken in hoi-se breeding- since the
advent of the automobile. A fe.w men are lc\-el headed enough to
have looked ahead and anticipated the demand there will be for
horses in the near future and will be ready to meet that demand,
but these are in the minority. There never was a time when the
future looked brighter for the really good horse.

the EUROPEAN WAR IS CONSUMING MANY UNDESIRABLE HORSES

Hundreds of thousands of the lighter sorts that could not be
styled as draft horses have been bought up on foreign orders for
use in the armies of Euro|)e. This has been a great blessing for
the western horse raiser, for they have taken just the type of horse
that is not making the breeder any profit.

The supply of horses in Europe was short before the war broke
out. Since the struggle began hundreds of thousands have been
destroyed — the life of an army horse is at best only a few brief
weeks. If the struggle continues, hundreds of thousands of horses
must come from America to till the places of those destroyed ;
there is no other source to draw from.

The entire horse supply of the German Empire before the war
was less than 4,000,000 ; that of France was only about 2,500,000,
and of the Ih-itish Isles, 3,000,000. Russia had the largest supply
of all the warring nations.

When the war is over and the soldiers return to the farm, they
will find themselves wath less than a half supply of work horses.
The fields will have to be tilled, and they must have horses to
till them. They will naturally turn to America for their supply —
and Europe always buys the best.

THE FUTURE BRIGHT FOB HOESE BREEDING

Is it not time for the American farmer to grasp the situation
and put himself in a position to supply this demand ? Horses
that are really good will bring a splendid price — a price that
v/ill pay the breeder a splendid margin of profit if he has bred
the right kind and grown them economically.

HoESE Breedixg IX THE West and East 223

GOOD CARE XECESSAR\

A really good horse must be bred right, fed right and handled
right. He cannot l)e neglected while young, and must improve
eveiy moment growing it" he is to till the market demand later.
One cannot starve money into a draft colt. He must be fed.

One thing our best horsemen are learning to do, which lessens
the risk in horse raising, is giving the colts plenty of range with
a goodly supply of feed winter and summer. A colt should not
be closely housed if he is to be keep sound and thrifty. He will
stand a great deal of cold after the first winter, if he can get out
of the wind, and out of the rain in stormy weather. Our very
best horsemen throughout the West, let their colts run on pasture
the entire year. In winter they are fed plenty of grain to keep
them in good growing condition, and are given clover hay when
they cannot pick their roughage. They are never confined in the
barn or small yard. Under these conditions they get their regular
exercise, keep healthy and are very much less liable to injure
themselves. I can show hundreds of our best pure-bred animals
in the West that have never seen the inside of a barn since they
were weanlings. With this system it costs a little more for grain
feed, possibly, but there is far less risk, whicb means nearly as
much as the feed bill ; and one gets a better development, which
is what he is after. Keep the colt growing, and fatten him only
once — just before he is put on the market.

NEW YORK SHOULD RAISE ITS OWX HORSES

I have always wondered as I have traveled through i^ew York
why the farmers did not raise more of their work horses. I have
come to this conclusion : that while land was so very cheap in the
West and grain also w^as very cheap, making the cost of production
so very low, farmers got in the habit of buying from tliB West
simply because they could buy cheaper than they could grow their
own, which was tiiie in the past. The same law does not hold true
today. Land is much higher in the West than in the East, conse-
quently it costs very much more to grow a horse there now than
it did years ago. There are, in New York State, thon sands of
acres of reasonably cheap land that ife- capable of growing splendid
pasture grasses. These should be utilized in part by raising
horses.

224 The House Imdistuy i\ New Yoim< State

There is one thing the eastern farmer should take into con-
sideration when he is figuring the cost of his horse. When an
animal is bought from the West, there is always an element of
risk that has to be figured in the deal, that the eastern farmer
has to pay for when he purchases.

There is also some risk after the animal is taken to the farm —
he has to be acclimated. In other words, he is usually not at his
best the first season, and frequently the buyer is not fully satis-
fied with his purchase. This could be eliminated by the farmers
growing their own horses.

Another point that is of still greater moment : for a man to get
the greatest possible service from a horse at the least amount of
risk, he must be thoroughly acquainted with the animal. He
must know his peculiarities, just as one must be thoroughly
acquainted with a man to fully appreciate him.

o^B beco:mes attached to a horse raised ox the farm

Again, one becomes attached to a horse raised on the farm, and
will give him better care. The horse, in turn, will be in shape to
render moTe and better service. When one goes out and buys a
horse on the market he is very apt to think of him and use him
as a machine rather than an animal.

There is no other farm animal that has such an influence over
the farmer and his children growing up as the really good horse
raised on the farm. Good horses have kept more than one man
on the farm when he has been tempted to move to town. Hun-
dreds of boys that have now grown to manhood, were they to give
their life history, would say that no one factor had so much to
do with holding them on the farm as the horses. The writer is
one of these. The good horse is what kept him on the farm when
he was tempted to leave — not the horse bought and brought on
the farm, but the horse grown on the far.m — the horse his own
hands had fed and cared for. If we are desirous of having the
boys stay on the old farm, get them a good matched pair of mares
of quality. It will do more than any amount of persuasion on
our part, and at the same time will stop a big leakage in the
operating expense of the farm — buying horses from the West.

Jf GLANDERS OR FARCY

Dr. Ciiarj.es Li.xcii, Alba.w, X. Y.
First Assistant Veterinarian, State Department of Agriculture

Glanders, or farcy, is one of the most
important diseases of horses. It has
long been recognized as a specific infec-
tions disease, dne to the growth and de-
velopment within the body of the animal
of one specific kind of germ or bacteria.
It affects horses and mnles principally.
Dogs and cats are said to be somewhat
susceptible, and may become affected by
eating the flesh of glandered horses.
Cattle, sheep, swine and goats are almost immune. Men some-
times contract the disease, usually with fatal results.

Glanders has been known to exist for hundreds of years. It
has been fomid to spread more rapidly after wars, due to selling
the horses at the close, thus scattering infected animals over the
country.

CAUSE

Glanders is an infectious . disease caused
by the hacilTus mallei. While due to a cer-
tain distinct organism, there are neverthe-
less certain conditions which may be said to
predispose the animal to the disease, such as

insanitary conditions, dark, damp stables

, „ ' -1 • n J" • 1 Fif'- ^^- Bacillus Mal-

ancl tauity ventilation — = all lavoring bac- lei, Magntfied 1,050

terial life. Theee conditions, together with Times.
overwork and lack of nourishing food, render the animal more
liable to contract the disease, if exposed, by lowering its vitality
and resistant powers.

SYMPTOMS

Glanders, like tuberculosis, is often present in an animal with-
out showing any noticeable symptoms ; horses may be badly
affected and yet appear to be in perfect health. For our purpose
15 [225]

226

The IIokse Industky in' New York Statp:

consider the disease to be divided into three chisscs — glanders
of the lungs, nose and skin. It must he hoi'ne in mind, how-
ever, that these forais merge into each other, and that one or all
of them may be present in the same animal at one time. Glanders
of the lungs may present no noticeable symptoms for morths that
would lead to suspicion. The first thing noticed may be a sudden
bleeding from the nose or a discharge of bloody mucous ; some-
times a loss of flesh and an unthrifty, run-down condition with a
short, dry, hacking cough, accompanied by a slight rise in tem-
perature to 101 to 103 degrees F. The animal may remain in
this unthrifty condition without any apparent cause for months,
and die without showing any definite symptoms.

Fig. 7(3. (;la.\iii.i:s I i.ckiis oi: I".\H( y Bids

Glanders of the nose usu;illy begins with a watery discharge
from one or both nostrils, wliich later becomes thicker and more
abundant, and may be streaked with blood. This discharge is
odorless, sticky iu character and adheres to the sides of the nostrils.
It has a tendency to glue together the long hairs and margins,
forming hard, dry crusts. Tf the mucous membrane has a large
number of ulcers, the respiration may become wheezing, a sound
recognized at once by the experienced veterinarian, which is
caused by the swelling of the nasal cavities. Often there is only
a dark, reddish color to the mucous membrane. The glands
between the jaws (submaxillary) are usually enlarged on the
afi'ected side, the swelling being nodular in character and pain-
less, adhering to the skin and jaw bone.

GrLAXDEKS ()I{ FarCY

227

Glanders nodules, rani>ing in size from that of a pea to a
liiekorv nnt, may appear on the skin of the different parts of the
l)()d_v. 'rii(>se ]i()dnles tend to hi-eak down and form ulcers, coni-
nioidv called farcy buds, and discliarge more or less bloody liquid,
leaving a ragged-edged, unhealthy sore, which may heal and leave
a bare spot or scar. Iliese ulcers occur mostly on the inside of
the hind legs and abdomen, or on the sides of the thorax. There
may be swelling of one or both hind legs, with or without ulcers.
The inner sides of the fetlock and hock joints are favorite places
for them, l»ut they may occur at any point. In acute cases there
is usually a high temperature of lOo or 104 degrees F., accom-

Fli.. //. (iLANDERS UlCER.S OF THE XaSAL SePTT'.M

panied by great prostration, stifl'uess, erection of the hair, loss of
appetite, etc. Animals showing suspicious indications of glanders
should be examined by the subcutaneous or opthalmic mallein
test, or bv some of the blood tests.

POST ^rORTEM

The most frequent and characteristic lesions in physical cases
are nodules, or ulcers, of the nasal passages and skin. These
ulcers may be superficial or deep, their edges giving the mucous
membrane the appearance of having been gnawed, being ragged
and irregular. They are also slightly raised. These most often
appear on the septum of the nose, and may be situated so high that

228

The lloi.'si.; I,^|)|■s^I;^■ i.\ Xkw \'<)i;k State

Glanders ok Farcy 229

they cannot be seen except on port-mortem- examination. Lesions
of the nose are most commonly accompanied by enlargement of the
submaxillary glands of the affected* side. On post-morten ex-
amination the lungs are found affected, almost without exception.
Small nodules are seen, which are gray to grayish-white and firm,
and vary in size from that of a mustard seed to that of a pea.
JS'o matter how the glanders germ enters the body, it is likely to
find its way to the lungs and form nodules, which are by far the
most important lesion of this disease. These nodules may run to-
gether and form large diseased areas, which can best be located by
paseing the lingers over the lungs with gentle pressure. They feel
much like small shot under the fingers, are grayish-white in color,
have a yellowish center, and are of a cheesy consistency. These
enlargements may reach the size of a walnut and project from the
lung, giving it a nodular appearance.

Lesions of the skin consist of nodules, commonly called farcy
buds, which are described above. White or grayish nodules of
cheesy consistency and varying in size may occur in the liver and
spleen. The lymph glands are often affected, showing small
grayish or yellowish spots on the cut surface.

DIAGNOSIS OR TESTS

There are a number of tests for the detection of glanders, but
the ophthalmic or eye test is probably the most desirable, having
the advantage, over other tests of ease of application. This test
can be made bv any competent veterinarian. The results are
obtained in a comparatively short time, and are usually well
marked and definite. Temperatures need not be taken, and
the examiner need not remain in constant attendance. Anyone
familiar with the subcutaneous mallein test will readily appre-
ciate the simplicity of the ophthalmic test method. The procedure
consists in dropping two or three drops of ophthalmic mallein
inside the lower lid of one of the eyes. It may be put in with an
eye-dropper, or it can be readily applied with a cameFs-hair
brush. The reaction begins in fi-om five to six hours after ap-
plication, and may last two or three days. The best time to
make the examination of the eye is from the fourteenth to the

230 TiiE Horse Industry in ]^ew York State

eighteenth hour after administration of the mallein. The re-
action depends npon the araonnt of inHannnation, discharge and
swelling present in the eye. Healthy horses are in no way
affected. The suspicions horses can be retested in a few days,
nsing the other eye. Tt is recommended by the Bureau of Ani-
mal Industry that the results be reported as follows i

N. Negative — Eye unchanged.

S. Suspicious — Seromucous discharge.

Px. Positive — Seromucous discharge with purulent flakes.

Pxx. Positive — Distinct purulent discharge.

Pxxx, Positive — Purulent discharge with swelling of eyelids.

Pxxxx. Positive — Strong purulent discharge with swelling
or gluing togetlier_of both lids.

The subcutaneous mallein test is similar to the tuberculin test
in cattle. Two or three preliminary temperatures are taken ; f rQm
two or three c. c. mallein is injected in the side of the neck;
temperatures are resumed at the eighth hour after injection, and
continued from eighteen to twenty-four hours. In glandered
horses there is usually a fever reaction as in tuberculous cattle
— a rise from two to four degrees or higher, and sometimes a
pairiful swelling from three to twelve inches in diameter appears
at the point of injection. There is often a marked constitutional
disturbance or physical depression, shown by loss of appetite,
dullness and stiffness. Should these all be present it would be
considered a characteristic reaction.

Cases showing a profuse discharge from the nose, with ulcers
and enlarged painless swelling of the glands just inside the lower
jaw, or a swollen leg with a chain of farcy buds or ulcers are
easily diagnosed. There are other cases, however, in which the
symptoms are not well marked, and, since the symptoms of many
diseases closely resembles those of glanders, it is doubly difficult
to make a diagnosis and the veterinarian is forced to make use of
some test.

now THE DISEASE IS SPREAD

It was formerly believed that this disease was spread directly
from the infected to the healthy animal, but it has been found
that it is frequently spread by contact with contaminated objects.

Glanders or Farcy

231

It may be contracted in a stable where glandered horses have been
kept. Pnblic watering troughs and public feeding and hitching
letables are thus important in the spread of the disease in districts
where it is prevalent. It is probable that when the germs of the
disease gain entrance into a susceptible animal, thev pass to the
intestines and thence to the blood, and may lodge in the capillaries
of the lungs, liver or other organs. When the germs gain en-
trance into the body of the slightly susceptible or innnune animal,

J'iG. 79. Siiowixc; Reacttox to Optiialmic Test

AND SWELLIXI; ON XecK FROM SUBCUTANEOUS IN-
JECTION

they may be destroyed; but when introduced into a highly suscep-'
tible animal, or one with low vitality, the disease is likely to be
produced.

It is believed that the entrance of the genns into the alimen-
tary tract is the most common means of infection. This may
occur from the feed and water becoming contaminated by the dis-
charge from the nose or farcv ulcers. Once the germs have

232 TriE HoKSE Industry in New York State

gained entrance into the body and lodge at a certain point, they
begin to mnltiply, and the strnggle begins between the organisms
on one hand and the tissues on the otlier. If the invading organ-
isms prove the stronger, infection takes place, and the result is
the formation of a glanders nodule.

METHOD OF HANDLING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

In a reported outbreak of glanders, if verified, the clearly clin-
ical cases are slaughtered, and the mallein test applied to all
exposed or contact horses. All positive reactors are slaughtered
or isolated. Stables are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. If
it is not possible to make a mallein test at once, the common
watering trough should be closed and an individual pail fur-
nished for each horse. The suspicious and contact animals show-
ing negative results at first test are placed under provisional
quarantine, furnished with individual pails, the same to be used
in stable and on road, and animals held for further retest before
being released. If no animals react at the second test, all are
released. If reactors are found they are slaughtered and the
stables again disinfected. There is a belief that only those
animals showing marked clinical symptoms of glanders, as pro-
fuse nasal discharge or farcy buds, are capable of transmitting
the disease. Such cases no doubt are more dangerous, yet many
animals showing no external symptoms may be affected high up
in the nasal tract or in the lungs, and still be capable of dis-
tributing the disease to healthy animals. These cases are more
dangerous than the open cases which can be seen and avoided.

DISTRIBUTION

Glanders is more prevalent in large cities for a number of rea-
sons. Public drinking troughs and hitching and feeding stables,
collecting large numbers of horses together, give great oppor-
tunity for its spread. The stables in which city horses are kept
are often insanitary, with insuflicient light and air, which favors
the development of bacterial life, and tends to lower the vitality
of the animals. This makes them more susceptible to the disease.

Glaxdeks (h; Farcy 233

COXTKOL

The control of this disease requires the combined action of the
owner, the local veterinarian in reporting ontbreaks, and prompt
action on the part of state officials. Jnst so long as glanders is
as prevalent as at present, it is verv difficult for the most careful
owner of horses and mules to fully protect himself against the
disease. Ghuiders may be introduced by purchasing animals
suffering from the malady in the latent or hidden stage, or, the
horses may become infected from the public driuking troughs.
Mangers used in another stable where badly diseased horses have
been fed or watered, may be the source of infection. When
purchasing additional animals to replace others, they should be
promptly mallein-tested. Ordinarily there is but little danger
in purchasing young horses from country districts, but it is not
wise to purchase old horses from cities, commonly knowTi as
" seconds,"' unless they are first mallein-tested by a competent
veterinarian. In this way one is able to protect the rest of the
horses to a large measure.

DISIXFKCTIOX

Before disinfecting, give the stable a thorough cleaning. The
ceiling and walls should be swept free of cobwebs and dust, and
any accumulation of rubbish removed. Decayed wood or man-
gers and floors should also be removed. All filth and dirt should
be scrubbed from the woodwork, etc., with a hot soda solution.
All manure and refuse should be removed and buried or saturated
with some good disinfectant. Any of the better disinfectants can
be used for this work, but probably either cresol I". S. P. in
a three-per-cent solution, or carbolic acid five-per-cent solution
will answer as w^ell as any other. The former can be prepared by
mixing four ounces of cresol to each gallon of water, the latter
by adding six and one-half ounces of carbolic acid to each gallon
of water. They can best be applied with a spray pump.

DISEASES OF THE LIMBS AND BONY STRUCTURE
Dr. J. F. DeVine, (joslieii, X. Y.

Formerly State Veterinarian, Now 'S'ork State Department of Auriciiltiirf

The horse, more than any other of
our domesticated animals, shares witli
his master the liability to accident and in-
jur!: ; incident to civilized life. Today
we find him under fire on the battle field ;
tomorrow he is exposed to mimberless
mishaps in the congested streets; even
in the rural districts he is not free from
dangers in giving service on hard roads
or tilling the soil to feed mankind.
The purpose of this article is to classify and suggest the care
and treatment of some of the most common accidents, injuries and
nnsonndnesses (either hereditary or accidental) that are met with
under ordinary conditions, with the hope of lessening the suf-
fering of man's faithful servant, and mitigating the torturing
quackery that still obtains in some communities.

LAMENESS MAY COME FKOM IX.UKY OR HEREDITARY WEAKNESS

The legs and feet of the horse are important organs, both in
his work of hatiling heavy loads and in rapidly conveying his
master from one place to another. As a consequence of this, it
is generally known that lameness is one of the most common ail-
ments of the horse. In some cases lameness or blemishes are
not intimately associated with ovei-work or abuse, the animal
being born with what is termed a hereditary predisposition. With
this predisposition blemishes and unsoundnesses develop from
very slight exciting causes. This is true with sidebones, com-
monly seen in the heavy horse, and it is equally true in some
cases with ringbones, spavins, curbs, navicular disease, etc.

[234]

Diseases of the Limbs AT«fD Boxy Structukk 235

KNOWLEDGE. XOT WiSDoM, .XEEDKJ)

It is not the thonght of the writer to make a diagnostician of.
I'nyone by this article, but the article will not have been written
in vain if we are successful in disabusing some of the ridiculous
teachings and theories that have been forced upon the public for
years by the self-styled "• horse doctor," and the doubly-wise lay-
man of the past. Like with "hollow horn" and ''wolf in the
tail," we have much to undo and then start anew. '

The writer has often thought that humane societies in many in-
stances were watching the mouse and letting the lion run ram-
pant, when we have been repeatedly called to see the poor lame
horse that had been lame perhaps for weeks, getting no better, and
rind him suffering with a suppurating corn of the foot, and being
tortured by a rowel in his shoulder that the wise " quack " had
placed there, knowing of course at once without making any ex-
amination, that the '' boss was lame in the shoulder." Similarly
we have removed nails from the hind foot after the owner's pa-
lience had been exhausted, and the poor animal's whirlbone or
stifle blistered and scarred by one who should have been styled
" the nuisance of the neighborhood."

Lameness is one of the very important branches of veterinary
science. Obscure lameness is one of the most difiicult things to
locate that the veterinarian has to contend with, and it is ridicu-
lously absurd for one not skilled in the knowledge of anatomy and
locomotion to think of making an accurate diagnosis.

We appreciate that in order to make this article of value to
its readers, a methodical review of the extremities laust be made.
But it M^O'uld be well to preface such a review with all possible
force — that the same principles apply in lameness as in sick-
ness. When you are not reasonably certain of what the trouble
is, do nothing ; give Is^ature, the goddess of all medicine, a chance.
If you must do something, then apply simple remedies, such as
Jiot or cold water, poulticing and the like. Never apply blisters,
burning liniments, or similar aggravating things, without know-
ing positively that they are necessary.

Keep in mind that a horse is less liable to be lame in the
shoulder than below the knee ; and, notwithstanding the traditions

236 The House IiNdustky in New York State

that have bcoii luinded down, horses are rarely himc in the whirl-
bone and very rarely in the stille. When one is lame in the stifle
or hip, it requires a skilled man to know. Any oiie may guess,
but there is a difference between guessing and knowing.

The extremities are made up of bones, muscles, tendons, liga-
ments and cartilages. Where bending and friction occur, Nature
has wisely arranged for an oiling system, and hence we have
articular synovia (joint oil) and tendoiwus synovia (tendon oil).
These are yellowish, oily or glary secretions which facilitate the
play of the joints, and the tendons over the joints and certain
points of the bones.

There are, of course, other minutiffi concerning the arteries and
veins which nourish the parts, and the nerve system which sup-
plies sensation and motion, that would be interesting as an ab-
stract study, but are not of sufficient practical value to deserve
space here. In fact the nerve system of the extremities would
not be of interest to the layman excepting under unusual con-
ditions, where the removal of a section of a nerve would relieve
sensation and attendant pain or inconvenience, all of which would
require the advice and skill of a trained veterinarian.

TREATMENT OF HEMORRHAGES

The blood vessels would be of interest principally when large
enough to cause a dangerous hemorrhage occasioned by acci-
dent. The rule in all such cases is to apply something clean in
the way of cotton or cloth to the wounded parts and then apply
a strong bandage over this, making it quite tight above and below
the injury if possible; so that in case of a venous hemmorrhage,
the bandage or part of the bandage on the side farthest from the
heart would be controlled, and likewise the pressure on the side
of the wound nearest the heart would control arterial hemor-
rhage. Never use cobwebs or dirty material.

If it is impossible to bandage the parts, as is sometimes the case
when the injury is imder the shoulder or between the hind legs,
place a twitch on the horse's nose so as to make him stand quiet,
and control the hemorrhage until help is obtained by holding
cloths or cotton tightly against the wound. After the animal be-
comes quiet the twitch should be removed.

Diseases of the Limbs and Boxy Structuke 237

lamexess of the joixts axd muscles
The preferable way to review the accidents and ailments oc-
curring in the various structures of the extremities would be to
take up each set of organs separately and recite the various path-
ological conditions met with, but to do this with any detail would
preclude the possibility of publishing any other information con-
cerning the horse, in a medium-sized bulletin. A physiological,
histological and pathological discourse of the bony structure alone
would require many pages of dry reading. We will, therefore,
content ourselves by mentioning the symptoms and results most
commonly associated with periositis (inflammation of the skin
of the bone), ostitis ( inflammation of the bone), exostosis (bony
growth), and sprains of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Perhaps the simplest way to cover the structures involved
would be by regional discussions. Let us begin at the shoulder
joint, keeping in mind that we have all the structures mentioned
above involved at this joint. Consequently we may have sprained
muscles or ligaments and open joint (scientifically known as
suppurative synovitis) cuts, bruises, etc. Horses ordinarily are
not lame above this joint in the true sense of lameness. It is true
that an animal may suffer a fracture of the shoulder blade or have
a deep-seated abscess, such as the formation of a fistulous whither
or other injuries between the shoulder blades, but there is no
joint at the top of the shoulder as we have heard some describe,
neither does the shoulder blade play any important part in loco-
motion, simply being attached to the anterior sides of the body as
a mfeans of support.

In treating lameness or injuries of the shoulder, when it is
plainly evident that the shoulder is involved, the following rule,
which applies to sprains and strains generally, should be followed:
Bathe the parts with either very hot or very cold water ; heat when
properly applied is more soothing than cold. A very efficient way
of applying heat to the shoulders or legs is by what the horsemen
term " steaming." The parts are bathed with very hot water,
as warm as the hand can endure; a woolen cloth or blanket is
wrung out of water equally as Avarm and this is covered by either
a rubber, canvas or dry blanket. In this way the heat is forced
into deeper structures, and is very soothing. In such cases a
mild liniment applied after bathing is often beneficial.

238 TirE HoK'SK Industry in New Yo];k State

The foregoing treatment will apply to the elbow joint, but
occasionally we have, in addition, the formation of cysts at the
point of the elbow, which is known as "• capped elbow " or " shoe
boil.'' This condition is caused either by the animal lying on its
heel calk en- by biiiiipiiig the har(l floor with its elbow when
about to rise. The first thing to do is to remove the cause. If
we cannot remove the calk or the hard floor, then the shoe boil
should be covered with a thick covering. If it does not subside
rapidly with hot applications in three or four days it should be
opened and properly treated by a competent veterinarian to avoid
the formation of a fibrous tumor. When allowed to go on to a
fibrous formation the growth may be enucleated by surgical in-
terference.

TROUBLES WITH THE LEGS AND FEET

The forearm is not so commonly predisposed to injuries as are
the parts below the knee ; but in the thoroughbred, the trotter and
the hunter we frequently have speedy-cuts affecting the lower ex-
tremities of the forearm and involving the knee. These injuries
are more generally found in a horse used for speed on circular
tracks. Soothing applications are of great value in these cases.
An effective way is to use the hot water applications in the day
and to cover the parts with a medicated poultice, such as anti-
phlogistine, during the night.

Beginning with the knee and hock, the horse is more likely to
bony, tendonous and ligamentous trouble in the lower leg. We
will consider the bony ailments first. They are ordinarily class-
ified as splints, spavins, ringbones and sidebones. They are all
practically the same in structure — differing only in location —
being the result of an inflammatory process, and a deposit of lime
salts very similar in their pathology to what occurs in the healing
of a broken bone, with a primary callous and a permanent thick-
ening of the parts.

Ringbones are by far the most serious, owing to the fact that they
are apt to involve articulations, and, where they do, ankylosis or
stiffening of the joint occurs, resulting in a more or less perma-
nent mechanical interference with locomotion.

The same treatment is applicable to all these conditions in the
early stages, but we find that the splints yield more readily to

Diseases of the Limbs a^vd Bony Stkuctuke 239

treatmeut than the others, and ofteu aii ice pack applied for a few
days, followed by a mild blister, will relieve the lameness and
absorb the splint before the latter becomes truly ossified.

RingboiR's and sideboncs are not so amenable to treatment;
they are rarely absorbed when they once become evident. We
.-honld k(>ep in mind first, last, and always, that when a bony
growth lias once become established, snch as a chi'onic spavin or
splint, it is j\ist as much ti'ue bono as the limb of a tree is part of

Fig. so. a Xi;(;LECTr:i) Cask of LY:MriiAX(;iTis

the tree, and we should never countenance the argument of the
fakir who tells us he has a substance or mixture that will remove
it. When cold a]:)pli('ations. followed by blistering, fail to give
relief in the case of spavins, splints, ringbones and sidebones, a
veterinarian should be consulted as to the advisability of having
the parts fired with a pin-point cautery.

Injuries and accidents to the feet proper are extremely common,
and early attention of the right character is positively essential.

240 The Hokse Industry in New Youk State

Hot applications in the way of hot water and poultices, with
mild but eificient antiseptics, are two agents to be kept constantly
in mind. To be effective, the antiseptics must, of course, reach
the injured parts. In case of puncture wounds by nails or other
sharp bodies, the hoof should be softened by hot applications and
pared away so as to expose the affected parts for treatment.
Peroxide of hydrogen, carbolic acid, iodine, creolin, etc., are
reliable agents, the necessary strength of the solution being de-
termined by the case in hand.

Corns are bruises of the heels, usually due to neglect of shoeing
or bad shoeing. The treatment is to poultice the foot and pare
away the heel so that it is lower than the frog. Shoe with a
bar shoe or rubber pad and repeat this treatment every three or
four weeks until the corns have disappeared.

Laminitis, or founder, is an inflammation of the sensitive struc-
ture {lamina) of the foot. The aniniars front feet should be
bound up in poultices and placed in a tub of hot water, and the
services of a veterinarian secured at once.

LYMPHANGITIS

Lymphangitis or Monday morning leg, is an affection appearing
suddenly in the form of a swelling, usually affecting the hind leg.
Like laminitis it requires early attention. Place the affected leg
in a tub or half-barrel, and bathe it constantly with water as hot
as the hands can stand, and send for a veterinarian. Never use
turpentine, liniments, etc.

In lymphangitis, as in laminitis, a veterinarian can accomplish
more in relieving the suffering of the poor animal and restoring it
to usefulness the ffrst three days than he can in three months
after the animal has been maltreated or neglected.

DISTEMPER AND DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY

ORGANS

Dr. E. L. \^olgexau, Buffalo, N. Y.

Before entering upon a discussion
of the diseases of the respiratory ap-
paratus, let us brietly consider which
organs or parts are involved in the
function of breathing.

In the horse, mouth-breathing is
verv rarely seen. The air passes
through the nostrils into the nasal
chambers and sinuses in the head,
where it is slightly warmed, thence
past the pharynx, through the larynx, which is situated at the top
of the trachea or windpipe. The windpipe, in turn, divides into
the bronchi, of Avhicli there are two, one leading to each lung.
These bronchi are divided into what are known as the bronchial
tubes, which penetrate every portion of the lungs.

The entire tract is lined with delicate mucous membrane, which
may suffer injury from many causes, giving rise to the various
disorders which form the theme of this paper. Some of these
causes are : cold draughts on an overheated body ; irritant gases
from decomposing manure; hot, badly ventilated stables; over-
work or overexertion when the animal is in poor condition ; sudden
change of climate and surroundings, such as a change from the
farm to the city ; and infection from cars or dealers' stables.

DISTEMPER

This is an infectious disease, usually of young animals, but may
aft"ect horses of any age. One attack usually renders an animal
immune to future attacks.

Symptoms: Fever, diminished appetite, weakness, rapid pulse
and respiration, redness of visible mucous membrane, cough, dis-
charge from the nose — at first thin and watery, later becoming
thicker, yellowish in color and greatly increased in quantity, with
swelling of the submaxillary glands, due to abscess formation.
Sometimes we find abscess formations in other superficial glands,
J6 f241]

242 TiiK ll()i;sK Ia'j>usti;v ix X kw \'oi;k State

and occasionally, in the more malignant form, in deep-seated
lymphatics and in internal organs.

Distemper nsnally runs a reasonably regular course with a ten-
dency to recovery with comparatively simple treatment. ]\Iild
eases require nothing further than a mild laxative with soft feed,
such as mashes with sliced carrots, apples or potatoes; protection
against sudden changes in temperature by blanketing and a lib-
eral allowance of drinking water. In more severe cases febri-
fuges will have to be given. One-half ounce doses of nitrate of
potash and epsom salts in soft feed, or in the drinking water, will
be found of marked benefit.

When abscess formation is taking place, warm fomentations or
poultices may be vised. As soon as fiuctnation is felt, the sup-
purating glands shonld be opened at the most dependent part,
curetted and washed out with a mild antiseptic solution, followed
by the injection of one-half ounce of tincture of iodine or Lugol's
Solution.

A rest of from one to tw^o weeks, with a gradual return to work
will prevent relapse or complications. The complications which
may occur are laryngitis, pharyngitis, severe bronchitis and some-
times pneumonia.

Abscesses may form in the brain, media-stinum or abdominal
cavity. Roaring, as a result of severe inflammation of the throat,
is occasionally an annoying sequel. Chronic bronchial cough is
a frequent complication and calls for special treatment. ^lost of
these conditions may be prevented by rational treatment during
the acute attack, and the protection of the animal against draughts
or a sudden chilling of the body.

COKYZA (COIJ) IN THE IIEiU))

Coryza is inliammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and
sinuses of the head and eyes. It is very common in young, green
horses, and develops shortly after their arrival after having under-
gone the ordeal of a long shipment in cars, with the attendant ex-
posure en route.

Symptoms : Sneezing, fiery red condition of the mucous mem-
branes (congestion), discharge from nose and eyes, slight eleva-
tion of temperature, with partial loss of appetite and general
appearance of dullness. While coryza in itself is not a serious

Diseases of the Hesptuatoky Ohcjans 243

disease, it must be constautlv borne in mind that if impropei-
treatment is given or the condition neglected, there may be an
extension of the inliammatory process to the sinuses of the head,
or to the delicate lining membranes of the throat, bronchi or lungs.
Many people believe that it is best to keep an animal affected with
a respiratory disease at work ; but it is a safe rule to follow that
whenever there is fever, indicated by elevation of temperature,
the animal should be kept at rest. Fresh air and sunlight are of
great importance in the treatment of all respiratory affections, but
draughts must be guarded against.

Treatment: Laxative diet. Inhalations of steam, slightly
medicated by the additiou of a coal-tar antiseptic to boiling water,
soothe the irritated membrane, and are always of benefit. These
inhalations may be repeated three or four times daily. A^ run at
pasture during summer months will aid recovery. During the
winter the animal should be wannly blanketed and given a well-
ventilated box stall.

Medical treatment should be of the simplest kind. The pow-
ders advised for the treatment of distemper may be given in the
drinking water to stimulate the action of the kidneys and bowels.
If this treatment is followed, the discharge from the nose should
uraduallv disappear, and the animal entirely recover. Sometimes,
however,"^ the nasal discharge instead of drying up becomes
thicker and obstinately continues. We then speak of the condi-
tion as chronic catarrh or nasal gleet.

CHRONIC CATARRH OR XASAL GLEET

This is verv apt to occur as a result of exposure or overwork
while the horse has been suffering from common cold. There are
many other conditions which may have as a symptom a chronic
discharge from the nose, some of which are: decayed teeth, pus
in the sinuses, disease of the turbinated bones and glanders. A
chronic nasal discharge is always a cause for suspicion, and a
veterinarian should be called in to make the diagnosis and advise

treatment.

The treatment will depend upon the cause. If due to a dis-
eased molar, the offending tooth should be extracted. Tus m the
sinuses must be treated by trephining and irrigation. In fact,
the cause must first be discovered and removed before much prog-
ress will be made in treatment. Tonics are always indicated,

244 The Horse Industry in New York State

either vegetable or mineral. Fowler's Solution in one-ounce
dosage twice daily is a convenient mode of administering arsenic,
which is a drug of great value in this condition. It will, however'
as a rule be wise to consult a competent veterinarian rather than
attempt to treat chronic catarrh empirically.

OBSTkUCTIONS IN THE NOSE

These may be due to polypus or tumors of the lining mem-
brane, thickening of the lining membrane itself, or disease of the
turbinated bones, due to injury from either external or internal
causes. All these conditions call for surgical treatment, so are
simply enumerated as factors in the diseases of the respiratory
apparatus.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LARYNX AND PHARYNX LARYNGITIS AND

PHARYNGITIS

These conditions are described together because the parts are
closely adjacent, and inflammation of the one is usually accom-
panied or complicated by involvement of the other.

Symptoms: Difiiculty in swallowing, fever, increased respira-
tion, soreness on pressure, cough, redness of visible mucous mem-
brane and discharge from nose. If the pharynx is involved, it
will be noticed that, when the animal is drinking a portion of the
water is returned through the nose. The appetite is usually
fairly good; but the pains caused by attempts to swallow fre-
quently deter the animal from eating very much.

Treatment: Feed light, easily digested food, such as bran
mashes, scalded oats, oatmeal gruel or grass in season. Cover
with a warm blanket, bandage the legs to equalize circulation,
apply liniment to the throat once or twice daily, steam out nos-
trils and head as advised for sore throat, and give every two to
four hours, in one-ounce doses, a fever mixture composed of equal
parts of tincture belhidonna, tincture cinchona, sweet spirits of
nitre and acetate of annnonia. The application of a hot kaolin
poultice to the throat, well covered by cotton and bandage to re-
tain heat, frequently gives prompt relief.

If breathing becomes very difficult due to swelling in throat,
tracheotomy will have to be resorted to ; but this again is an oper-
ation which should not be attempted by a layman.

Diseases of the Respiratoky Organs 245

The clirouic cough which sometimes persistently remains after
the acute symptoms have subsided may be treated by cough mix-
tures, or, if these fail, by iodide of potassium in one drachm doses,
ihree times daily in the drinking water, one hour before feeding.
A blistering ointment composed of biniodide of mercury, one
drachm, and vaseline one ounce, may also be rubbed into the
swollen glands and throat. This must be used with caution,
however, as it will blister quite severely.

ROARIXG

Roaring is caused by some obstruction to the free passage of
air. It occurs usually as a complication of one of the respiratory
disorders. If due to sore throat, the noisy breathing will disap-
pear promptly after the cause has been removed. The noise
usually accompanies the inspiration, when the air is drawn into
the lungs, and only in advanced cases is it heard when the air is
expelled.

The only treatment which appears to hold out any hope of cure
in a chronic roarer is an operation for tbe removal of the lining
membrane of two little sacs called the ventricles, situated above
and behind the vocal cords. This is an operation of great deli-
cacy, and should be attempted only by an expert.

BROXCIIITIS INFLAMMATIOX OF THE BRONCHI

This occurs in two forms — acute and chronic. The latter
may follow the acute fonn, or chronic bronchitis may develop into
the acute fonn.

The symptoms are: fever; short, dry, smothered and painful
cough in the early stages, which later has a tendency to become
moist, due to exudation ; wheezing or whistling sounds, detecta-
ble when the ear is placed over the trachea and sides of the chest.
When exudation has taken place, there are heard what are known
as moist rales (giirgling sounds which can be heard very dis-
tinctly over the trachea). There is always dullness, increased
respiration and pulse, with partial or complete loss of appetite.
It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between bronchitis and
pneumonia, as a severe attack of the former is frequently com-
plicated by involvement of the lung tissue.

246 The Horse Industry in New York State

The treatment of bronchitis is not radically different from that
of other diseases of the respirjitorv apparatus — that is to say,
rest; fresh air; hviiienic siu'roinidiiiiis ; l»hniketiiii>- to protect the
animal from dranaht and sndden clianoc in toni|)eratnre ; liijht,
easily digested food, and a lil)eral supply of clean drinkino- water,
which may be kept constantly before the animal in a pail set in
the manger.

As medicinal treatment, the fever mixture prescribed for laryn-
gitis, continued as long as the temperature remains above nor-
mal, should be given with half-ounce doses of nitrate of potash
three times daily in the drinking water. As an alterative and
Tonic, Fowler's Solution in ounce doses two or three times daily
will be found of marked benefit. This may be given in the drink-
ing water if prepared without the addition of lavender. Counter
irritation in the form of mustard paste applied to the chest and
covered with newspapers to protect soiling of the blanket, may
be given in many cases ; but severe blistering should be avoided,
as the pain and inconvenience suffered as a result of drastic
measures more than counteract the beneficial effects derived
therefrom. Thorough daily grooming of the body, and friction
applied to the leg;s, with bandages to equalize the circulation, fre-
{piently have a marked effect upon the temperature and general
condition of the animal.

When the appetite is capricious, an effort should be made to
stimulate the desire for food by giving the animal two or three
apples, carrots, two or three ears of corn, steamed or scalded
oats, or oatmeal gruel.

The return to work should be gradual, since the animal has
been suffering from a debilitating disease and overexertion or
exposure may lead to serious lung involvement.

congestiox of the luxgs
By congestion is meant an increased flow of blood to the parts.
This is usually induced in the horse either by exhaustion in an
animal which has not been accustomed to hard work, or by a sud-
den chilling of the surface of the body when the animal is heated.
Hard or fast work means increased functional activity, and a

DisEAHKs OF THE Respiratoky Organs 247

great portion of the strain indneed by overexertion devolves upon
the lungs, which are the essential organs of respiration.

It can be readily understood that, when an animal is perspiring
and the pores of the skin are open, the capillary blood vessels are
engorged. If such an animal is rapidly cooled off, the pores close,
the capillaries and blood vessels contract, and the blood is forced
in increased volume to some internal organ. This may produce
congestion of any internal organ ; but, in an animal which has
done hard and fast work, it is most apt to cause congestion of
either the lungs or laminse of the feet (founder).

The symptoms are usually first oliservcd after the animal has
been returned to the stable, and are ushered in by a fit of trem-
bling (chill). If this passes by unnoticed, the attention of the
o^\^ler will probably first be attracted by difficult and rapid breath-
ing. If the temperature of the horse is taken at this time the
thermometer will register between lOi and 106 degrees. In the
early stages the body is covered with perspiration, which may,
however, soon evaporate, leaving the body, legs and ears cold.
The pulse is full and hard, and may vary from 80 to 110 per
minute. If the hand is placed on the left side of the chest, the
heart will be found to be beating violently. Upon placing the
ear to the side of the chest, a fine crackling sound will be heard,
with marked increase of the respiratory murmur.

Treatment: In the early stages, the first effort should be di-
rected toward a renewal of functional activity of the skin. If the
animal is perspiring he should be rubbed dry with wisps of hay or
straw and immediately blanketed. If the weather is warm, the
verv^ best place for him is out in the open, where plenty of pure
air can be obtained. The legs should be well rubbed with the
hand, or mild liniment applied, and then bandaged. Stimulants
in the form of alcohol, v/hisky, brandy or aromatic spirits of am-
monia well diluted should be given at frequent intervals until
relief is obtained. A one-ounce capsule of acetanilid may be
given by month, and repeated in tweh'e hours if the temperature
remains very high. Treatment, to be of avail, must be promptly,
energetically and intelligently carried out, as it must be borne in
mind that the condition described is the first stage of inflamma-
tion, and, if neglected, will terminate in pneimionia.

248 IIoKSE 1 xitrsTUY i.\ Xkw \'()i;k State

r.NEL'MOMA

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. Two foiTQS are
ordinarily recognized as occurring in horses, namely, catarrhal
or bronchial pneumonia, and fibrinous or croupous pneumonia.
The distinction between these two forms of inflammation de-
pends upon the character of the exudate. In the first form, the
exudate is of a catarrhal nature, and in the second fonn the
fibrin of the blood exudes through the injured blood vessels, co-
agulates and plugs the air cells and bronchioles, causing solidi-
fication of the lungs. It is for this reason that lungs removed
from an animal suffering from croupous pneumonia will not
float, the affected portion being of the consistency and general
appearance of liver.

The early symptoms of pneumonia are those described luider
congestion of the lungs, this stage being known as engorgement.
Several distinct stages of the disease are recognized and described
as : red hepatization, at which time the lungs have the appearance
of liver ; gray hepatization, which is the later stage when resolu-
tion or breaking down of the exudate takes place and recovery is
about to ensue, and the last stage known as the period of resolu-
tion when the expectoration and reabsorption of the broken down
exudate is well established.

Symptoms : During the period of congestion and engorgement,
the s\miptoms differ in no respect from those described under
congestion of the lungs, as this is really the first stage of pneu-
monia. During the stages known as red and gray hepatization,
there are symptoms of suffocation, difficult breathing, cough, ele-
vation of temperature, partial or complete loss of appetite and
evidence of great weakness and prostration. The animal usually
remains standing throughout the entire time. If he lies down at
all, it is always on the affected side, the purpose of this very evi-
dently being to afford more breathing space on the healthy side.
When both lungs are involved the condition is much more seri-
ous and results are frequently fatal. The lung usually fills up
from the bottom, the anterior or posterior lobes being first af-
fected. If the chest is tapped with the fingers a dull sound is
heard, with increased resonance over the healthy portion of the
lung. The respiratory murmur is very much diminished, or
altogether absent in the consolidated portion.

Diseases of the Kespikatouy Ok(;axs 249

When the inflammatory exudate breaks down, mucous rales are
heard. As a rule, the pleura or covering membrane of the lung,
and lining membrane of the chest, are also involved, the condition
then being known as pleuropneumonia. With pleurisy as a com-
plication, there is usually a straw-colored fluid thrown out into
the pleural sac, known as pleuritic fluid, and this fluid is found
on bo-th sides of the chest at the same level, whether only one or
both sides of the lungs are involved.

The treatment will depend wpon the stage at which the disease
is first seen and the severity of the attack. In the stage of en-
gorgement, efl^orts should be directed toward aborting the disease
if possible ; but frequently, in spite of every eflort, the disease
cannot be stopped at this stage. It imperceptibly goes on to the
stage of inflammation which is the cause of the exudate ; this in
turn causes the consolidation of the lung tissue. This exudate
must be broken up and either discharged from the nose or coughed
up, what remains being reabsorbed. This reabsorption, however,
never takes place completely, and usually leaves traces of the
disease in the form of consolidated areas, new tissue formations
and adhesions.

Pneumonia is a disease which requires very careful nursing.
The animal should be placed in the cleanest and airiest quarters
procurable, as it will be found that horses suffering from pneu-
monia, particularly in the early stages, usually stand with their
heads toward the air. The food should l)e light and easily di-
gestible; the water supply clean, fresh and frequently renewed.
The body should be covered with a blanket of texture suitable to
the season, in order to protect the surface o.f the body against
sudden draughts or chills. The legs wnll be found to be cold
below the knees and hocks, and should therefore be rubbed with
liniment about once a day and covered with woolen bandages
evenly applied, in order to equalize the circulation. The body
should be carefully groomed daily in order to keep up elimination
from the skin.

Salines in the drinking water, in half- to one-ounce doses,
markedly stimulate the kidneys and favor elimination. While it
is not advisable to give an animal suffering from pneumonia
drastic cathartics, a half dose of cathartic medicine is frequently
indicated, and helps to remove toxic materials from the bowels.

250 'J' HE HoKSE Industry in New York State

Following the giving of a cathartic, much benefit is derived from
the use of intestinal antiseptics, among which the compound
sulphocarholates have served me best,

The fever mixture, for which the formula is mentioned under
laryngitis, can be given throughout the attack, the period being
graduated according to the temperature. In the early stages,
while the fever runs very high, it may be given as often as every
hour or two, day and night.

Liniments applied to the chest are of value, ])ut the use of
strong vesicants should be avoided. Mustard pastes are fre-
quently applied and are of undoubted value in many cases.
Within recent years, bacterins, which are prepared from killed
bacteria of the kind usually found present in pneumonia, sus-
pended in saline solution, are given hypodermically in the treat-
ment of this condition, but their use at present is contined to
veterinarians.

Recovery in uncomplicated cases usually takes place in about

two weeks, after which the animal may be given walking exer-
cise if the temperature is nearly normal ; but work should be very
gradually resumed and be of a character suited to the weakened
condition of the animal, as relapses are frequent and may prove
fatal if care is not taken in this regard. In fatal cases, abscess
formation and gangrene sometimes occur. In gangrene of the
lungs, the inflammation has been severe enough to cause the death
of a portion of lung tissue which sloughs away, imparting
a highly offensive odor to the breath and a characteristic greenish
discharge from the nose. This condition invariably terminates
fatally.

In closing this article on respiratory diseases, the writer is well
aware that he has only superficially touched iipon the various
affections usually classed with the disorders of this apparatus.
It is not intended to furnish complete information to. enable the
layman to treat the more serious affections described ; but is sub-
mitted with the hope that something therein contained may be
of service, and coaitribute in a small way toward a better under-
standing of these common affections of the horse.

COLIC AND AZATUREA

I)K. M. Hamilton, Delhi. X. V.
Veterinarian and Farmers' Institute Lecturer

COLIC

Colic is a general term often applied to all affections of the
digestive apparatns. It is always accompanied by pain, which
mav he jnst no.ticeahle, moderate, or very intense. It is a very
convenient term for the veterinarian, for he considers his diag-
nosis correct, he the tronble in the stomach, ca'cnm, or small
or large intestines. \^eterinary writers, however, describe a num-
ber of kinds of colic, but a discussion of each in an article of this
kind would be far too complicated for the average layman.

The horse seems to be predisposed to this disease. In his
natural state he ate often and in small quantities, so that his
oroans were never overloaded ; and, through the ages of evolution,
his digestive apparatus gradually adapted itself to that condition.
Xot manv centuries ago man discovered that the horse could be
made a useftd beast of burdeu, consequently his environment was
changed. Instead of roaming the fields and partaking of his
food at pleasure he has been forced to feed less often and in
larger amounts.

Causes of Colic

Anything that arrests or suspends digestion may cause colic.
The causes may be divided under two general headings:

1. A diseased or disturbed condition of the animal's digestive
apparatus so that he cannot properly digest the food that is given
him, be it ever so wholesome.

2. Anything that renders the food difficult of digestion; as,
for example, nuisty or moldy feed.

Several factors may be included under the first heading :
(a) Poor teeth, long teeth or teeth with long corners that cut
o.r lacerate the cheek and tongue, induce the horse to swallow his
food with as little chewing as possible. This leaves the food in
such hard masses that it is rendered less capable of being
thoroughly acted upon by the digestive juices.

[251]

252 Horse Industry in New York State

(b) Ice-cold water and apples, potatoes, roots or ensilage that
are frozen, may suddenly chill the stomach and intestines, and
canse a suppression of the juices,

(c) Extreme fatigiie or exhaustion, especially after a very
hard day's work, reduces the power of the digestive organs. There-
fore a very tired horse should never he fed his grain at night until
he is partially rested. Let him eat hay for a couple of hours, and,
instead of making him a present of an extra quart or two of oats
for his hard day's work, give a little less than the usual amount.

(d) Fast driving and very heavy hauling immediately follow-
ing a meal often impedes digestion.

(e) Ravenous eaters that bolt their food render the food in
about the same condition as a horse with imperfect teeth.

(f) Irregular feeding hours. A horse can tell almost to the
minute when feeding time arrives. If feeding is deferred for an
hour or two hours he becomes uneasy and often paws and neighs
for his food, thereby causing a general disturbance of the entire
body.

(g) Sudden changes in food. We always have more cases of
colic at haying and threshing time, when farmers are changing
from the old to the new hay and from the old to the new oats.
We should always make changes in the ration gradually by mix-
ing a small amount of the now oats and hay with the old. If
obliged to make a sudden change in the ration better give a
smaller amount and add a pinch of salt. The salt greatly aids in
checking fermentation and, at the same time, slightly increases
the secretions.

Under the second heading we may include foods that are hard
to digest, or that do. not seem to be especially adapted for the
horse when fed in large (quantities, such as rye, barley, buckwheat
and beans. Over-ripe, coarse fodders and musty, moldy or par-
tially spoiled fodders of any description are especially dangerous
for horses. Musty or moldy ensilage is very dangerous.

Green foods, as clover and alfalfa, and foods recently harvested,
such as new oats, corn and hay, are covered with bacterial growth
that causes a rapid fermentation. If taken in large quantities
when a horse is not accustomed to them they prove a very fre-
quent cause of colic. Wet ground feed that has been left from
a preceding meal, if allowed to remain in the feed box, soon

Colic and Azaturea 253

sours and proves a source of o-'-eat flan,2;er. Overfeeding mav
cause colic, as when a horse is accidentally fed twice or gets loose
and finds the grain l)in.

A large drink of water immediately after eating may canse
colic. The stomach of the horse is so small (holding only six or
seven gallons), that a large amount of water is apt to flush out
some of the food into the intestines before it has been acted upon
by the gastric juice. The system of the horse can ordinarily
adapt itself to almost any condition, and many farmers let their
horses have practically all their drinking water after eating, and
yet they seldom have a case of colic. I believe, however, that
many cases of colic are due to drinking too much water soon after
eating. Do not scrimp your horses on water ; give it often and
in small amounts.

I believe if we could divide colics under the following three
general classifications as to kind, we could diagnose our cases with
a fair degTee of accuracy, and in that way intelligently treat and
prevent a much larger proportion of them :

1. Excess of gas in the digestive tract.

a. Acute indigestion is the name applied if the fermenting
mass is confined principally within the stomach.

b. Flatulent colic is the name applied when the fermenting
mass has passed along into the intestines.

2. Excess of partly digested food and fecal matter in the di-
gestive tract. This condition is often called impaction or ob-
struction colic, or constipation or stoppage of the bowels.

3. Conditions which interfere with the nervous mechanism of
the digestive tract. This condition is designated as spasmodic or
cramp colic.

In order to treat a case of colic intelligently we should be
able to distinguish with a fair degree of accuracy which one of
these conditions we are dealing with. It frequently happens that
two, or possibly all three conditions are operating at the same
time.

Excess of Gas in the Digestive Tract

This is by far the most common and fatal of all colics with
which the horse is affected. I believe that in the country more
horses die directly or indirectly from this form of colic than
from all others combined.

254 The Hoksk rxnusniY i.\ New York State

Si/iii]>loiiis. 'Dip ])aiii is coiitimions, thouuli more at one time
than at another. IJloatinii- is the characteristic symptom. If the
intestines are the principal part infected (tlatukMit colic), the
hloatini*' is verv prononnced, especially on the rii>'ht side. AVhen
the stomach (acnte indig'estion) is the essential seat of the tronhle,
it is greatly over-distended with gas and the fermenting mass of
food. Yet on acconnt of its distance from the ahdominal wall,
and being incased on each side of the ribs, it hardly ever shows
from the ontside.

Unless a person is somewhat familiar with acnte indigestion it
is sometimes rather hard to diagnose. Usnally acnte indigestion
occurs soon after partaking of a fnll meal. It is sndden in its
onset and gradually grows worse. As the over-distended stomach
is in close contact M'ith the Inngs, breathing is greatly inter-
fered with, so the horse often sits on its hannches lihe a dog. The
nostrils are greatly dilated to facilitate breathing. Occasionally
he will make desperate efforts to vomit. Since the stomach of
the horse mnst be stretched to a dangerons condition before he
can vomit, we always regard vomiting in a horse as a sign of
rnptnred stomach. If vomiting of the stomach occurs without
rnptnre it affords great relief. As the disease progresses the
abdomen enlarges, due to the stomach forcing the other organs
backward and also dne to the disturbance in the intestines.

Treatment. Acute indi2;estion and flatulent colic, if not too
severe, and taken in time, will often respond to some of our
simple home remedies. Turpentine, three to six tablespoonfuls,
according to size of the horse and severity of the case, given in a
pint of raw linseed oil is a good home remedy. One-half to a
teacupful of baking soda, given alone, or, better still, combined
with one or two tal)lespoonfuls of ginger, is often very effective.
Two or three tablespoonfuls of creolin in a quart of water is very
good. Salicylic acid in one-half ounce doses is considered a specific
for acute indigestion. If a horse is badly bloated never let him
throw himself violently on the ground, as he is apt to rupture the
stomach or intestine. If he will lie down and remain so, that is
ideal, but do not let him be continually lying down and getting
up. If necessary take a whip to keep him on his feet, and make
him walk around. Very often medicines are of little or no use
and the only thing that will save the horse is the prompt use of

Colic a.nd Azatikea 255

the stomach pump or the trocar. These two operations should
be employed only by veterinarians, but the results are woiu'erful
if administered in time.

Excess of Paiihj Digested Food and Fecal Matter in the Digest-
ive Tract

In addition to some of the general causes for colic mentioned
above we find that certain specific conditions predispose a horse to
this form of colic. Old, worn-out horses, or youni>' horses that
are out of condition, are more subject to impaction on account
of scanty secretions, loss of elasticity, and lack of nervous tone
to the bowels. Horses that are ravenous feeders and big hay eaters
— that eat their bedding in addition to their hay — are more
subject to this trouble, especially if they are light drinkers. It
occurs very fre(|uently during the winter months when, on ac-
count of less work for the horse, we feed less grain but increase
the amount of coarse, dry, bulky fodders. Horses that are fed
large quantities of straw are subject to this form of colic, hence
it has been called straw colic. Failure to drink enough water in
cold weather, or at any time of the year, is often the essential
cause, since a lil)eral amount of water in the digestive tract is
absolutely necessary for good digestion and to soften and moisten
the excess of dry food. In this way it assists in removing the
waste matter from the body. Lack of daily exercise conduces to
sluggish bowel action.

Symptoms. These may be very slight or entirely absent at
first. As the excess of fecal matter may have been accumulating
for several weeks the horse is rarely stricken with intense pain
at first. The first day or two, and sometimes for a week or more
he may show colicky pains, manifested by pawing at intervals,
lying down and getting u}), lying down more than ordinarily, or
frequently lying out flat with head and limbs extended. There
is seldom much bloating, although the abdoaiien often presents
a general fullness throughout ; yet the reverse is often the case,
especially if the horse has eaten but little, when the a-bdomcn
appears puckered up. Sometimes the horse will seemingly pass
the ordinary amount of manure, though usually very little or no
manure starts, and this is often hard and sometimes coated with
a white, slimy mucus. In cases that set in rather abruptly

250 The IIokse JxDrsTKv i\ New Yoi;k State

diarrhea often precedes the attack. This condition frequently
causes a mistaken dia,2,"nosis. As conditions ^c;row worse the pain
continues, though decidedly worse at certain times. He may sit
on his haunches like a doi>- to relieve the pressure on the heart and
lunijs. The runihle (peristalsis) in the bowels practically ceases,
pulse beco.mes rapid aud weak. Stretching' out on all four limbs
and making small amounts of urine is a very characteristic
symptom. This condition is caused by the over-distended bowel
pressing directly on the bladder, causing an irritation and often-
times a slight inflammation of the bladder. Farmers are very apt
to call this condition kidney or bladder troiible. Kidney and
bladder trouble is very rare in horses.

Treatment. In mild cases, a change to a laxative diet such
as bran mashes, roots, one pound of linseed meal per day or one
pint per day of stock molasses, will often prevent or overcome
the less severe attacks. In the more severe cases our line of treat-
ment must aim to overcome the following conditions : ( a ) Soften-
ing of the dry, hard contents of the digestive tract; (b) overcom-
ing the paralysis that has been produced by the prolonged over-
distension; (c) expulsion of the contents.

The softening of the contents is the first and most important
consideration. Induce the horse to drink large amounts of
water. This will macerate and soften the contents in the
anterior portion of the digestive tract. The only way to make
the horse drink is to give him plenty of salt. Give a small pinch
on the tongue every little wdiile until he has had a half-pound, or
dissolve one-fourth of a pound in a quart of water, and give two
or three doses a few hours apart. Rectal injections of warm
water are very important as the impaction is very often near that
portion of the bowel. When the hand is introduced with the
hose or syringe, the over-distended bowel can often be felt, thus
confirming our diagnosis.

Various drugs are used to overcome the paralyzed condition
of the bowels. Fluid extract of nux vomica given three or four
times a day in doses ranging from one-half a teaspoonful to one
teaspoonful is the safest thing a farmer can give. When very
large doses of this drug are given, twitching or jerking of the
muscles is sometimes seen. That means that the dose should bo
reduced. It should also l)e borne in mind that large doses of iiux
vomica often cause abortion in pregnant animals.

Colic and Azaturea 257

A good dose of physic to expel the contents should be given
early. Veterinarians often give one ounce of aloes if there is no
tendency of inflammation of the bowels. One quart of raw lin-
seed oil is about the safest physic a farmer can give a horse.
Large doses of physic often cause abortion in brood mares, so
always tell the veterinarian if the mare is pregnant.

Some horses are very subject to impaction, and in such cases
the diet of coarse fodder should be restricted and a more laxa-
tive one provided, such as an occasional bran mash, a daily feed
of roots, a 'pound of linseed meal added to the other grain ration,
or a pint or more of stock molasses added to the grain once a day.
It is very important that we prevent the brood mare from being
constipated by giving a laxative diet, since the dose of physic
given for impaction colic is liable to result in either abortion or
death.

Spasmodic or Cramp Colic

This is not so common nor so dangerous as the other two forms.
The nervous, high-bred road and saddle horses are more subject
to this condition than the quiet, docile drafter.

Though we have enumerated most of the causes of colic under
our general heading, yet with this form we must lay special
emphasis on the action of cold substances in the horse's stomach.
This is especially true if the horse is very warm or very tired.
Therefore never give a horse a large amount of very cold water
when he is heated or very tired. Water that has stood in the
sun and thus has been rendered a few degrees warmer is much
safer, since spasmodic colic is frequently seen immediately after
drinking.

Symptoms. Spasmodic colic is very sudden in its onset. The
horse stops eating, begins to crouch, kick at his belly, and turn his
head toward the side. The pain is usually more or less intermit-
tent. It may be intense for a few minutes and then suddenly
cease and the horse appear normal. Soon another spasm occurs,
however, and the horse is in greater agony than before. The ear
applied to the side of the bowels usually detectsi an increased
rumble, while in the other forms of colic, the rumble is usually
decreased. The pulse is strong and breathing is natural.

Treatment. Anything to relieve the spasm is indicated. • A
hypodermic injection of two or three grains of morpine sulphate

258 The Hoese Industky in New York State

in the neck will usually brinj^ relief. Two or three tablespoonfuls
of laudanum, given by the mouth, while not so rapid, generally
effect a cure in a few minutes.

general conclusions on the treatment and prevention of

COLIC

Very little has been said in the foregoing article about preven-
tion of colic, although it is the essential thing in caring for horses.
Since a somewhat lengthy discussion of the causes of colic has been
given, it would be but a repetition of what has already been stated
to include them again under the subject of prevention. A few
suggestions that apply to all forms of colic are offered.

When horses are recovering from colic, farmers often tempt
them to eat hay or grain. This is wrong. When a horse cannot
digest his food, and colic results, he should not have more food,
since that aggravates matters and often causes a relapse. Wait
at least a couple of hours after all pain has subsided and then
feed only a little hay, wheat bran, or possibly a very few oats.
Horses that have had long sieges should be fed sparingly for
several days. If they do not respond to treatment in a reasonable
time a dose of physic should ordinarily be given. Usually about
one quart of raw linseed oil is the safest thing for the layman to
give. It usually takes from twenty-four to thirty-six hours, and
often longer, to physic a horse, so do not make the mistake of
repeating the second dose too soon, as it might kill the horse.

Rectal injections are very benelicial. Three or four gallons of
water heated to body temperature, or even a little warmer if it
does not inconvenience the patient, can be injected every hour or
two. A cupful of raw linseed oil or glycerine, or even a little
hard soap, is often added to the water. A very simple device on
the farm is to use a rubber hose and a funnel. Care should bo
exercised to see that the hose is well oiled and is inserted into the
rectum carefully. If much force is used the rectum may be
ruptured.

In many cases the farmer does not know which kind of colic the
horse has. He perhaps does not see the horse when first taken, and
finds him suffering from pain, and, being somewhat nervous and
excited, does fairly well if he will call it under the general name

Colic and Azaturea 259

colic. In siicli conditions a combination of drugs is indicated.
A pint or even a little more of raw linseed oil is practically always
good. To this add four tablespoonfuls of turpentine (the turpen-
tine is for any gas that may be present or forming), and three
tablespoonfuls of laudanimi (the laudanum is to overcome the
pain or any spasm of the bowels). Chloral hydrate has the com-
bined action of the laudanum and turpentine, and, if used, both
of the latter should be omitted. The dose is one ounce, or a
level tablespoonful. This should be given in a quart of water,
since it is very burning to the mouth. It makes the horse unsteady
in his limbs and sleepy. The chloral may be repeated in about
forty minutes if there is no improvement, but if repeated, give
only one-half the amount. I think chloral hydrate is about the
best all-around drug the farmer can keep for colic. There are a
score or more of drugs used for colic, and if you have any par-
ticular drug or prescription that always cures and never fails by'
all means make no change.

Veterinarians today treat most of their cases with hypodermics
that cause a rapid evacuation of the bowel and removal of gas.
They should not be recommended for use by the average lay-
man, because in some cases they would do serious injury.

AZATUREA BLACK WATER MONDAY MORNING DISEASE

This is a disease that primarily affects the well-fed and well-
cared-for draft horse. x\mong farmers it is often considered a
kidney trouble, owing to the thick, dark, coffee-colored urine,
while in some localities it has been called paralysis or spinal
meningitis, owing to the partial or complete paralysis of one or
both posterior limbs.

Cause of the Disease

The causes of this trouble are not thoroughly understood, but

self-poisoning from the blood is generally considered to be the
principal one. The disease attacks the thriving, well-conditioned
horse who has remained idle for one or more days without the
customary amount of food being decreased. Usually the horse is
fat, though this is not always the case.

One theory, and perhaps the most plausible one, is that during
the days of idleness, the blood becomes charged with albumenoids,

260 The Horse Industry in New York State

due to high protein feeding without exercise. A large proportion
of this over-rich blood remains in the liver, spleen, etc. Then,
when the horse is taken ont, the active exercise increases the
heart and Inng action and carries this torpid ])lood throngk the
system too fast. As a result the system cannot accommodate
itself to this sudden oversnpply and take care of the excess of
albumenoids, and so self-poisoning takes place. This is manifested
by paralysis and a disturbed nervous condition. Exercise is
always necessary for the development of this affection, so that a
horse is never stricken in the stable, but on the road when he is
being ridden or driven, A horse that is out of condition, with a
rough, hide-bound skin, is practically never affected, neither is
one that remains idle for long periods.

Symptoms
Usually when the horse first leaves the stable he feels unusually
active and spirited, owing to his previous rest, but before he
travels very far — sometimes not more than thirty or forty rods,
though usually one or two miles — marked symptoms are ob-
served. Horses have been known to travel several miles and be
put into a stable and then come down with the disease. About
the first noticeable symptom is that the horse suddenly begins to
lag, does not drive up, and fails to respond to the whip. In the
majority of cases he begins to sweat, sometimes very profusely.
The characteristic symptom is the paralysis or loss of control of
one or both hind limbs, though occasionally it is the fore limbs
that are affected instead of the posterior ones. He begins to get
stiff and drag one or both limbs. In the more severe cases, the
affected parts are unable to sustain their share of the weight of
the body. If both hind limbs are severely affected the horse
goes down behind and may sit on his haunches like a dog. The
muscles on the affected side along the loins, croup and buttock
are dense, rigid, and hard, and can hardly be dented on pressure
with the fingers. The rectum and bladder are usually paralyzed.

Treatment
Stop the animal at once on the appearance of the first
symptoms, letting him stand thirty to forty minutes, which is
usually long enough to afford time for the system to neutralize

Colic and Azaturea 261

and carry off the auto-intoxication. Keeping him perfectly quiet
Avith as little movement of the aifected muscles as possible will
do more towards recovery than all the medical treatments we can
render the animals. If the patient is down and unable to rise, he
should be drawn to a near-by barn on a stone boat and made as
comfortable as possible by being placed in a box stall, or on the
open bam floor. In cases where the horse is down, or stands with
difficulty, the services of a skilled veterinarian are needed as soon
?fs possible, as the bladder usually needs to be emptied. The urine
has a thick, coffee-like color from whence the disease gets its name,
black water.

Until the arrival of the veterinarian the patient's suffering can
be greatly relieved by applying some form of heat over the rigid
muscles of the loins, croup, and thighs. Put a bushel of salt in
pans and heat it in the oven ; put it in sacks, and apply to the
affected muscles. If hot water is used, care should bo taken to
see that the parts are well dried by rubbing with straw or clothes
and then covered with, blankets. A pail of hot water to which
a cupful of salt is added is very effective.

It is very esential that we keep the patient quiet. If he gets
uneasy and commences to toss his head up and down and tries to
keep changing his position, he will soou end in a speedy death. A
tablespoonful of potassium bromide given in a pint of water, and
about half that amount repeated every hour or two until the
patient isi quiet and assumes a sleepy titttiude, is very effective
treatment. Fluid extract of canabis indica can be given in the
same way and in the same sized doses as the potassium bromide.
Drinking water given every hour in reasonable amounts is recom-
mended. Laudanum, though it would quiet the animal, is too
constipating to be used. Bleeding, if it can be done at the onset,
is one of the quickest ways to relieve the system of the over-rich
blood. The rectum should be emptied by hot water injections.
A good dose of physic and some medicine to stimulate the kidneys
is usually recommended, but their use should be left to the judg-
ment of the veterinarian.

Prevention

Since one attack of this trouble predisposes to others, it is essen-
tial that we avoid those things that favor its onset. Regular work
every day is the surest way to prevent it. Though the system may

262 The Horse Industry in New York State

be rendered in such a condition by high feeding during a period
of idleness as to predispose an attack, yet exercise is absolutely
necessary to its development. Therefore on Sundays, holidays,
and in stormy weather, when the horse does not receive exercise,
it is important that we decrease the amount of grain, giving,
perhaps, only half the usual allowance. A laxative diet, as a
bran mash, on every Saturday night, or a small dose of physic
during a period of rest is beneficial.

Since horses appear to be more subject to azaturea in the spring
of the year, when farmers begin to increase their grain rations and
get them into condition for the spring's work, a half to a table-
spoonful of saltpetre in a bran mash every Saturday night for
several weeks assists greatly in warding off an attack.

The driver can prevent the great majority of. cases by making
the horse walk the first half mile, and even if the work is severe,
let him rest frequently during the first twenty minutes; or,
better still, lead him a few minutes by the halter before putting
him to severe exercise. Starting the horse in easy when he
commences his day's work and letting him warm up slowly is
advisable at all times, but it is very important if he has been
standing for several days.

HORSE COMPANIONSHIP*

Fraxk Sherman Peer, Ithaca, IST. Y.
Author of " Soiling, Ensilage, and Stable Construction."

" When you are hot and thirsty

And' you stop to get a drink,
Or seek'a friendly shade tree,

Do you ever stop to think
That horses which have labored

In the dust and heat for you,
May feel the same as you feel,

And would like some water too?

It takes but little effort

For a man to till the soil.
If we compare his labor

With the way a horse must moil.
The liorse serves well his master,

Although oft in need of rest :
The man who treats him kindly

Is the man he serves the best."

I have had a great deal to say about confidence and companion-
ship between rider and mount, which I have deckired to be better
understood in England than in America. The average Ameri-
can seems to look upon a horse as simply a convenience, like the
bicycle or the trolley cars — a means by which he may reach his
destination sooner and with less fatigue than by walking. He
presses a button and the horse is brought to the door, and when
he is through with him a groom takes him away again. The
horse does not attain to the confidence of his master as he does in
England, where he becomes part of the family. There is noth-
ing degrading in the idea of companionship with a horse. When
one comes to think of it, many men and some women not in-
frequently have about them less edifying associates of their omi
kind. '^0 man, woman or child was ever the worse for an
intimate association with a well-bred horse or dog.

It cannot be too much insisted on that this companionship be-
tween horse and rider is the very essence of cross-country riding.
Whoever has failed to secure the confidence of his mount and his
mount's in himself has failed of enjoying the best half of the
game. The right sort of man, even if he may hardly be feeling

* Extracts (by permission of the author) from Cross Country ivith Horse
and Hound, by F. S. Peer.

[263]

264 The IIokse Ixdustey in New York State

well enough for a day's liiinting, will go out rather than deprive
his horse of the pleasure — a bit of self-sacrifice which some-
times happens in England, unusual as it may be on the other
side of the Atlantic. The love of animals, especially of horses,
is born and bred in the English people. Unlike some Americans,
they one and all care enough for a horse that has given them a
most glorious day's sport to stay at the stable and see him done
up properly and fed before they dine themselves. In England
the children are brought up from infancy to consider the feelings
of all domestic animals. An old favorite mare soon to have a
foal is talked over again and again, and the expectant mother has
the best of care. Love and respect increase as the eventful time
approaches. She is turned out on the lawn in front of the house
where the grasses are tenderest and sweetest, and the best of
everything is none too good for her. The children divide with
her their candy ; the baby is held up and taught to caress and love
her. The dear old mare's matronly appearance is never a cause
of shame, but a pride ; and when at last she has produced her foal,
the entire family, down to nurse and the baby, must all go down
to the stable to see it. With such instincts, is it any wonder that
Englishmen and Englishwomen love a horse? Is it any wonder
that there exists between an English rider and his mount a
potent feeling of companionship ? Is it any cause for question
why in England and Scotland there are a hundred and thirty-
eight packs of hounds ? Xeed one long inquire why this sport
has such a powerful hold that it is followed unceasingly through
yonth, manhood and old age ?

There seems to exist between man and beast a certain force
by which the former is able to exert over the latter some subtle
influence to which various names such as ^' bond of sympathy " or
" an indefinable something " are occasionally given. So far as I
am aware, no writer on hunting has attempted to advance any
hypothesis which may reasonably account for the source of this
power or define its scope and limitations.

We hear it said that dogs and horses love certain people be-
cause these people love them, and that this love itself explains
their control over horses or dogs. ^'All dogs take to me," one
person says ; '^ I don't know why it is, but I can make them do
almost anything." And, indeed, some persons easily teach a dog

Horse Companionship 265

or a cat or a bird a trick which another would require weeks to
instruct them in, if he did not fail altogether. Yet, while it is
true that a person who loves animals is more likely to train them
easily, the power cannot be attributed to love, for often an entire
stranger can make an animal do things which the o\\^ier, who
loves the creature dearly and is in turn dearly loved, fails to
accomplish. One man will take a horse that he has never seen
or ridden before through a cross-country run to hounds, and
bring him in at the death without exhausting him as much as his
owner would, although the latter may be as good ai horseman and
lighter in weight. Every hunting field aifords examples of this,
which cannot be accounted for by difference of horsemanship.
Writers on hunting all agree that some men can make a horse do
most incredible things, and attribute this wonderful power of
control to " better hands," " better seat," or what not. It must
be admitted that a person with very bad hands or a bad seat, or
both, may irritate a horse and take more out of him in a run than
a man with perfect hands and seat ; but an explanation on this
basis does not account for the fact that a better rider and a lighter
can come through a run with the better-conditioned horse pumped
to a turn, while another man who has ridden the same line brings
his horse in comparatively fresh ; or that two such men may
change horses in the next run and find the results change too.
The fact has been demonstrated so often in every hunting-field
that I need not enlarge upon it, except to say we must look further
than any theory as to hands and seat, or the power of love, in ex-
planation of such phenomena.

Most of my readers have doubtless seen, at exhibitions through-
out the country, examples of the wonderful control some men have
over animals, the wild becoming tame, the nervous quiet, and the
vicious tractable under their magic influence. Such things are
sometimes explained by the skeptics as the result of " doping."
From personal knowledge, however, as a pupil of Earns, and
from personal acquaintance with the late Professor Xorris, and
since with his son Mr. Stuart Norris, who is following in the
footsteps of his illustrious father in the training and exhibition of
trick horses, I am positive in saying that there is absolutely no
foundation in attributing to this " doping '' theory the wonderful
power of control which these men display.

266 The Horse Iistdustry ix New York State

Let us see if an attempt to puzzle out or analyze this power
will not result in establishing its source. We may start with the
assumption that the numerous terms in common use to define this
power — charm, gift, personal magnetism, will power, natural
instinct — go to show that its existence is recognized beyond
doubt or question. An analogous power of control exist-
ing between man and man is familiar under the names of
hypnotism, magiietism, mesmerism, or kindred mind-power mani-
festations. All mind-power manifestation, under whatever name,
is, I believe, subject to one universal condition, namely, consent.
The resemblance between the terms generally adopted in attempt-
ing to describe the power that some men have over their mounts,
and the terms by which wo try to describe hypnotism and other
mind-power manifestations between men and men, is significant.
One set of words applies just as fairly to the power some men are
capable of exerting over some other men as they do to the powers
which great animal tamers or our peculiarly gifted horsemen have
over the animals they bend to their wills. That some men possess
this power over animals and are unconscious of exerting it is no
proof that the power does not exist. Hypnotism, though old in |
essence, is in practice very lately out of its infancy, yet making
vast progress. Several physicians of my acquaintance are mak-
ing use of it with most satisfactory results, even employing it in
place of antiseptics when performing dental and surgical opera-
tions. So rapidly has this subject developed of late in the medi-
cal world that one of the most successful physicians of today
says : '^ Within ten years from now no student of medicine will
be considered master of the profession unless he is able to com-
mand this power." If this mind power between man and man is
the same as that between man and beast, we have probably what
may be termed a w^orking hypothesis covering the whole field and
reasonably accounting for many otherwise unaccountable things
in the way of horsemanship.

We noticed, under the subject of mind-power manifestations
as between man and man, that the one common factor prevailing
in all is consent, which has its parallel in the relatiou between
man and beast, called by whatever name. In all hunting coun-
tries there is a saying that in order to be successful in horseman-
ship one must first get on good terms with one's mount. Getting

Horse Compaxioxship

267

on good terms with a horse is merely obtaining his consent to be
governed. If these things be true, it brings us to the conclusion
that this power emanates from the same source, whether exer-
cised between man and man or between man and beast, and the
working hypothesis we have set out to establish may be summed
up as follows: (1) There exists a mind-power control between
man and man; (2) there exists a mind-power control between man
and beast; and (3) the power of control is the same in both cases.
This brings us to another point purposely omitted until now;
namely, that while a person or a horse may be willing to be acted
upon, the person seeking to control him must l^e desirous of doing
so. In all hypnotic demonstrations there must be harmony, ac-
cord, or what the French term rapport. Further, this power, or
desire, (1) exists in every person to a greater or less degi-ee; (2)
it is, like other faculties of the mind or body, subject to cultiva-
tion or development, and, like them, increases with use; (3) its
manifestation is in a degree proportionate to the will of the one
or the faith or confidence of the other.

THE NEW YORK STATE DRAFT HORSE BREEDERS

CLUB

Realizing that an improvement in horse hreeding conditions in
this state conld only be secured by cooperation, concentrated
effort, education and publicity, a few draft horse breeders who
met at the State Breeders' meeting at Utica, 'N. Y., in 1912, gave
their support to this movement. Three annual meetings of this
club have been held and the membership now comprises fo.rty-two
representative draft horse breeders. This organization has ad-
vocated and recommended that horse breeding be among the sub-
jects- discussed at the State Breeders' and Farmers Institute meet-
ings ; that a rational stallion enrollment and inspection law be
passed ; that a liberal classification and premium list be made for
draft horses at our State Fair, and have advocated a combina-
tion in advertising, buying and selling of breeding stock so far
as might be practical. The membership of this club is not re-
stricted in any w^ay. The name and influence of every draft
horse breeder in the state is desired. This club advocates no
one breed of horses and desires to benefit no one set of men or
breeders, but is working for state-wide improvement and condi-
tions, in the bro.adest and most practical way. The officers of
The ]^ew York State Draft Horse Breeders' Club are: President,
E. S. Akin, Glens Falls, N. Y. ; Secretary, E. E. Horton, Lester-
shire, N. Y. ; Executive Committee, Darwin Rumsey, ISTewfield,
X. Y., Dr. J. S. Wilder, Akron, N. Y. and S. A. Ritter, Geneva,
N. Y.

CLUB MEMBEES SEPTEMBER 1, 1915

Adirondack Farms, Glens Falls Marshall, W., Aurora

Akin, E. S., Syracuse Miller, C. L., Xew York

Amos, C. L. Sj-racuse Miller, C. P., Byron

Andrews, B. B., Weedsport Miller, G. W., Byron

Baker, C. H., Mohegan Lake Miner, W. H., Chazy

Bennett, C. O., Hilton Newman, A. W., Phelps

Chapin, R. E., Batavia Xewman, R. C., Phelps

Cooley, A. H., Little Britain Phetteplace, G. E., Norwich

Craig, J. L., Ogdensbiirg Quimby, J. G., New York

Grouse, C. M., Syracuse Ritter," S. A., Geneva

Deni.ison, L. O., Buffalo Rumsey, Darwin, Newfield

Doremus, G. S., Merrifield Sisson," G. W., Jr., Potsdam

Bold, J. C., Buffalo Stone, G. F., Norwich

Foran, John, Merrifield Swain, W. E., Swains

Gray, G. F., Lima Tavlor, C. C., Lawtons

Harder, E. L., Philmont Virkler, C. F., Lo^\•ville

Hillman, W. M., East Bethany Virkler, W. F., Castorland

Horton, E. E., Lestershire Ward, F. D-., Batavia

Jackson, J. A... Holley Weaver, G. H., Watertown

Johnson. A. B., Caledonia Wendt, W. F., Buffalo

La Grange, C. C., Slingerlands Wilder, J. S., Akron

f26S]

New York State Draft Horse Breeders' Club 269

STATISTICS RELATIVE TO HORSES ON FARMS IN NEW YORK STATE
(Taken fkom U. S. Census, 1910)

Total

County number

Albany 8,780

Allegany 13,542

Broome 8,672

Cattaraugus 13,888

Cayuga 15,540

Chautauqua 17,363

Chemung 5, 431

Chenango 10,493

Clinton 10,415

Columbia 9, 050

Cortland 7,033

Delaware 12,022

Dutchess 10,945

Erie 20,839

Essex 5,907

Franklin 9. 262

Fulton 4,064

Genesee 12,988

Greene 6,174

Hamilton 816

Herkimer 8,213

Jeft'erson 17, 746

Kings 221

Lewis 8,037

Livingston 13,598

Madison 11,282

Monroe 20,639

^Montgomery. . . .' 7, 639

Nassau 3,860

New York 383

Niagara 15,510

Oneida 16,252

Onondaga 17,128

Ontario 15,620

Orange 10,723

Orleans 10, 924

Oswego 13,529

Otsego 13,258

Putnam 2,195

Queens 1,914

Rensselaer 9. 666

Richmond 378

Rockland 2,040

St. Lawrence 22, 665

Number
Mature
Horses

Number
Yearling

Colts

Number
Spring
Colts

Value

8,470

255

55

$1,273,692

12,627

810

105

1,839,085

8,238

387

47

1,087.782

13,040

756

92

1,792,192

14. 767

689

84

2,071,776

16,440

831

92

2,288,348

5, 104

277

40

648, 199

10,055

397

41

1,338,033

9,676

690

49

1,310,434

8,827

194

29

1,244,941

6,685

321

27

890,897

11,582

404

36

1,584,680

10. 546

341

58

1,505.709

19,980

728

131

2,891,072

5,534

349

24

779,847

8,580

641

41

1,137,482

3,851

198

15

543,860

12,271

597

120

1,766,628

5, 982

165

27

857,034

783

32

1

126,107

7,868

307

38

1,144,576

16, 70S

892

146

2, 192, 669

221

44,247

7,711

288

38

1,059,416

12. 700

780

118

1,919,251

10,724

509

49

1,468,716

19,675

784

180

3,233.135

7,221

327

91

1, 065, 093

3.817

36

7

759.364

380

3

48,975

14,583

738

189

2,300,416

15,738

470

44

2.363,190

16,373

676

79

2,351,464

14,732

746

142

2. 132,928

10,366

293

64

1,619,266

10, 285

521

118

1,681,456

12.846

629

54

1,682,653

12,673

519

66

1,658,469

2,138

42

15

344,234

1,912

1

1

378,784

9,373

273

20

1,337,347

377

1

73,020

2,008

29

3

318,605

21,235

1,281

149

2,694,836

270

The Hoese Industry in New York State

Total

County number

Saratoga 8, 115

Schenectady 3, 162

Scholiaiie. 8, 237

Schuyler 5,392

Seneca 7 , 879

Steuben 20,506

Suffolk 6,347

Sullivan 7,215

Tioga 6,619

Tompkins 8,120

Ulster 9. 724

Warren 3,221

Washington 10,070

Wayne 15,373

Westchester 5,392

Wyoming 11, 732

Yates 7,270

The State 591. 008

Number
Mature
Horses

Number
Yearling

Colts

Number
Spring
Colts

Value

7,870

217

28

$1, 066, 762

3,045

93

24

428,430

7,919

270

48

990, 987

5,090

270

32

667,213

7,365

414

100

1,039,821

19,226

1,130

150

2,613,884

6,273

66

8

904,696

6,823

321

71

945.919

6,191

382

46

798. 691

7,718

351

51

991.995

9,576

127

21

1,354,656

3,066

147

8

428,997

9,614

423

33

1,337,332

14,590

679

104

2,099,853

5,274

90

28

1,052,720

11,117

551

64

1,586.543

6,851

346

73

984.895

562,310

25,083

3,615

$80,043,302

INDEX

A

Abdallahs, origin of, 23, 24.
Acute indigestion, 253, 254.
Akin, E. S., Belgian, The, 82-90.
Draft Breeds of France, 71-81.
Draft Breeds of Great Britain,

91-103.
Stallion P^nroUment Law, 315.
Alexander, Dr. A. S., Effects of the
Wisconsin Stallion Law, 213, 214.
Alfalfa as feed for horses, 188, 189.
American Saddle Horse, Mrs. E. C.

Railey, 47-56.
Anatomy of horse's leg and foot, 168-

173.
Ancestry, imjiortance of, in breeding,

15, 41.
Ankle-cocked horses, how benefited,

180.
Ankylosis, cause of, 238.
Arab Horse, The, H. K. Bush-Brown,
27-36.
anatomy, 27.
capacity, 29, 30.
characteristics, 36.
foundation of thoroughbred, 37.
heredity, 30-32.
history, 32-36.
origin, 27.
Ardennais horses, 72, 73.
Artificial breeding, 147.
Ass, breeding of, 121-123.

history of, 120, 121.
Asses and ]Mules, Dr. C. W. Brod-

head, 119-128.
Atavism in breeding, 15.
Automobile in relation to the horse,

25, 44, 221, 222.
Azaturea, 250-262.
cause, 259, 260.
prevention, 261, 262.
symptoms, 260.
treatment, 260, 261.

[271

B
Belgian, The, E. S. Akin, 82-90.

at State Fair, 202, 203.

characteristics, 87.

demand for, 89.

destruction of by war, 90.

develoj^ment, 82.

exhibitions, 84, So.

government subsidies, 83, 84.

importations, 88.

types, 85, 87.
Best Horse for the Farmer to Breed,

J. H. S. Johnstone, 134-140.
Bitting, harness, 164.

method of, 164, 165.
Black water, 259-262.
Bony Structure, Diseases of Limbs

and. Dr. J. F. DeVine, 234-240.
Boulonnais horses, 73.
Breeders' Club, Xew York State

Draft Horse, 268.
Breeding, artificial, 147.
Breeding Horses, Principles of, M. W.
Harper, 14-19.

care of mare, 18.

fall foals, 19.

individuality, 15.

mating, 15.

pedigree, 15.

jDerformance, 15.

prepotency, 16.

selection, 14.

soundness, 17.

spring foals, IS, 19.

sterility, 16.

young fillies, 18.
Breeds of horses, 20-119.

American Saddle, 47^56.

Arab, 27-36.

Ardennais, 72, 73.

Belgian, 82-90, 202, 203.

Boulonnais, 73.

Breton, 72.

]

272

Index

Breeds of horses — Continued:
Cleveland Bay, 110-118.
Clydesdale, 9t)-99, 203.
French Coach, 112-114.
German Coach, 114-110.
Hackney, 104-109, 111-113.
Xivernais, 73.
Percheron, 75-81, 201, 202.
Standardbred, 20-26.
Suffolk, 91-96.
Thoroughbred, 37-45.
Breton horses, 72.

Brodhead, Dr. C. \V., Asses and
Mules, 119-128.
Care of Horses' Teeth, 183-1 86.
Horses' Feet and Their Care,
107-182.
Bronchitis, 245, 246.
Brood Mare, Care of, and Her Colt,
L. Roudebush, 148-154.
age to breed, 148.
care, 149, 151,
feed, 149.

drying up, method of, 151.
period of gestation, 149.
requirements, 148.
suitable place for foaling, 149,
151.
Burning of hoof, 181, 182.
Bush-Brown, H. K., The Arab Horse,
27-36.

C
Capped elbow, treatment for, 237,

238.
Capsule, use of, in breeding, 147.
Care of Brood Mare and Her Colt,
L. Roudebush, 148-154.
of Horse, Feed and, F. C. Mink-

ler, 187-192.
of Horses' Feet, Dr. C. W. Brod-
head, 167-182.
of Horses' Teeth, Dr. C. W.

Brodhead, 183^186.
of the StaUion, J. Gelder, 141-
147.
Chronic catarrh, 243, 244.
Chunk, the farm, 131-140.
desirable size, 139, 140.
market for, 138, 139, 140.

Cleveland Bay horse, 116-118.
characteristics, 116, 117.
history, 110.
registration, 118.
utility qualities, 118.
Clipping of shoes, inadvisability of,

182.
Clul) foot, treatment, 173, 174.
Clydesdale horse, 90-99.
at State Fair, 203.
characteristics, 99.
distribution of breeding stock,

97.
history, 96.

importation to United States, OS.
Coach Horses, DeVoe Meade, 110-
118.
Cleveland Bay, 116-118.
French Coach, 112-114.
German Coach, 114-116.
Hackney, 110-112.
Cold in head (Coryza), treatment

for, 242, 243.
Colic, and Azaturea, Dr. M. Hamil-
ton, 251-262.
causes of, 2.51-253.
excess of gas in digestive tract,

253-255.
excess of undigested food in di-
gestive tract, 255-257.
flatulent, 253, 254.
prevention, 258, 259.
spasmodic or cramp, 257, 258.
Colt, breaking to halter, 151.
care of young, 151-154.
feed and care, 152, 153.
feeding box, 151.
nursing of, 151.
shoeing, method of, 177, 179.
Training the, H. E. Hopkins,

161-166.
treatment of, if mother dies, 151.
weaning, 152.
Colts, Fall Versus Spring, Edward
van Alstyne, 155-160.
advantages of fall, 157-159.
plan for raising two per year,

160.
profit in raising, 155.

Index

273

Colts — Continued :

spring most i)()pular, 156, 157.
value of skim milk for, 160.
Community Effort in Draft Horse
Breeding, J. L. Edmonds, 216-
220.
knowledge of correct type, 219.
liberal feeding necessary, 219.
number of sires available, 217,

219.
organizations, 219, 220.
ownership of good sires possible,
216.
Congestion of lungs, 246, 247.
Contraction, how relieved, ISO.
Corn as feed for horse, 189.
Corns, treatment of, 179, 240.
Coryza, symptoms and treatment,

242, 243.
Crooked feet, treatment of, 174.

D

Dentistry, horse, 183-186.

DeVine, Dr. J. F., Diseases of Limbs

and Bony Structure, 234-240.
Digestive apparatus, diseases of, 251-

259.
Diseases of horses, 225-262.
azaturea, 259-262.
colic, 251-259.
distemper, 241, 242.
glanders, 22.5-233.
of limbs and bony structure,

234-240.
of respiratory organs, 242-250.
Diseases of Limbs and Bony Struc-
ture, Dr. .J. F. DeVine, 234-
240.
hemorrhage, treatment of, 236.
lameness, causes of, 234, 235.

treatment for, 235, 236.
of joints and muscles, 237,
238.
treatment for, 237.
lymphangitis, 240.
trouble with legs and feet, 238.
Diseases of Respiratory Organs, Dis-
temper, and, Dr. E. L. Volge-
nau, 241-250.
hronchitis, 245, 246.

Diseases of Respiratory Organ — Con:
congestion of limgs, 246, 247.
coryza (cold in head), 242.
chronic catarrh or nasal gleet,

243, 244.
laryngitis and pharyngitis, 244,

245.
obstruction of nose, 244.
pneumonia, 248-250.
roaring, 245.
Distemper, 241, 242.
symptoms, 241.
treatment, 242.
Draft Breeds, of France, E. S. Akin,
71-81.
Ardennais, 72, 73.
Boulonnais, 73.
Breton, 72.
Xivernais, 73.
Percheron, 75-81.
of Great Britain, E. S. Akin,
91-103.
Clydesdale, 96-99.
Shire, 100-103.
Suffolk, 91-96.
imported in 1913-14, 103.
Draft colts at fair, 203, 204.
Draft Horse Breeders' Club, New

York State, 268.
Draft Horse Breeding, Community
Effort in, J. L. Edmonds, 216-220.
Draft horses on farms, 129-140.

E
East, Horse Breeding in West and,
F. Henry, 221-224.
advisability of raising our own
horses, 223, 224.
Edmonds, J. L., Community Effort
in Draft Horse Breeding, 216 220.
Effects of \Yisconsin Stallion Law,

Dr. A. S. Alexander, 213, 214.
European War as incentive to horse
raising, 36, 43, 44, 134, 136-139,
155, 156, 205, 206, 222.
Evolution and History of the Horse,
M. W. Harper, 11-13.
natural causes of evolution, 13.
prehistoric development, 11, 12.
Exercise, need of, 18, 19, 141, 149,
223.

274

Index

F

Fall Colts, Versus Spring, Edward
van Alstyiie, 155 lliU.
advantages of, 157-159.
care of, 19.
Fairs, need of change in classifica-
tion of horses at, 220.
Farcy. See Glanders.
Farm horse, 129-133.
Farmer, Horse for the, to Breed, J. H.

S. Johnstone, 134-140.
Farriery. See Shoeing.
Feed and Care of the Horse, F. C.
Minkler, 187-192.
care of teeth and parasites, 191.
conditions governing amount of

feed, 187.
grain ration, 189, 190.
grooming, 191.

inadvisability of too much rough-
age, 188.
salt and water, 190.
Feed for, the brood mare, 149.

the stallion, 142, 143.
Feet, Horses', and Their Care, Dr.
C. W. Brodhead, 167-182.
anatomical review, 168-173.
change in, 11, 12.
faults of conformation, 173.
club foot, 173, 174.
crooked feet, 174.
flat feet, 173.
heredity in relation to. 177.
shoeing, 174, 177, 178.
treatment of conditions, 179-
182.
Feet of, farm horse, 132, 133.

stallion, 145.
Fillies, breeding young, 17, 18.
Flat feet, treatment of, 173.
Foals, spring, 18, 19, 156, 157.

fall, 19, 157-159.
Forging, shoeing to prevent, 180.
France, Draft Breeds of, E. S. Akin,

71-81.
French Coach horse, 112-114.
characteristics, 113, 114.
history, 112, 113.

French Coach Horse — Continued:

registration, 114.

utility qualities, 114.
Frog, paring of, 182.

G
Gay, Carl W., The Standardbred

Horse, 20-26.
Gelder, J., Care of the Stallion, 141-

147.
German Coach horse, 114-116.
characteristics, 114-116.
history, 114.
types of, 114, 115.
Gestation, period of, 149.
Glanders or Farcy, Dr. C. Linch,
225-233.
animals affected by, 225.
cause of, 225.
control, 233.

diagnosis or tests, 229, 230.
disinfection, 233.
distribution, 232.
how spread, 230, 232.
method of handling cases by de- |
partment, 232. "1

post-mortem examinations, 227,

229.
symptoms, 225-227.
Grass, value of, for young foal, 19.
Great Britain, Draft Breeds of, E. S,

Akin, 91-103.
Grooming, importance of proper, 191.
Gunner type of horse, 136.

H
Hackney horse, 110-112.
characteristics, 112.
history, 110, 112.
registration, 112.
utility qualities, 112.
Hackney Breeding in America, R. C.
Vanderbilt, 104-109.
crossing with other breeds, 107,

108.
improvement of breed, 104.
on Pabst Stock Farm, 104-109.
rearing young stock, 108, 109.
utility qualities, 109.

Index

275

Hamilton, Dr. M., Colic and Aza-
turea, 251-262.
The Horse on New York State
Farms, 129-133.
Hambletonian, origin of, 23, 24.
Harper, M. W., Evolution and His-
tory of the Horso, 11-13.
Principles of Horse Breeding, 14-
19.
Henry, Forest, Hor.se Breeding in

West and East, 221-224.
Heredity, importance of, 15, 30, 31,
41.
in relation to feet, 177.
Hinny defined, 119.
History of the Horse, Evolution and,

M. W. Haiper, 11-13.
Hitching, method of, in training colt,

165, 166.
Hollingsvvorth, Dr. W. G., Need of a

Stallion Law, 207-212.
Hoof, burning of, 181.

composition of, 172.
Hopkins, H. E., Training the Colt,

161-166.
Horse, Breeding, in the West and
East, F. Henry,
221-224.
Principles of, M. W.
Harper 14-19.
Companionship, F. S. Peer, 263-

267.
for the Farmer to Breed, Best,
J. H. S. Johnstone, 134-
140.
desirable size and conforma-
tion, 139, 140.
European demand, 136-139.
importance of proper feed-
ing, 135.
uniformity of type and size,
135, 136.
market ofi'ered in New York

State, 194-196.
on New York State Farms, Dr.
IM. Hamilton, 129-133.
limbs and feet, 132, 133.
points of excellence, 131.
Standardbred and road
horses, 129, 130.

Horse Breeding on New York State
Farms — Continued:
unsoundness not a bar, 132.
weights of, 130, 131.
Horses, at New York State Fair, Dr.
H. S. Wende, 193-206.
Belgian, 202, 203.
Clydesdale, 203.
draft colts, 203, 204.
fair should encourage pro-
duction of farm horses,
193.
importance of good judges,

206.
light harness, 197, 199.
needed improvement.s, 204.
Percheron, 201, 202.
saddle, 199, 201.
special class for state horses,
196, 197.
breeds of. See Breeds of horses.
Coach, Devoe Meade, 111-119.
Feet and Their Care, Dr. C. W.

Brodhead, 167-182.
Teeth, Care of. Dr. C. W. Brod-
head, 183-186.
value of, in New York State, 209.
Hot fitting of shoes, inadvisability of,

181, 182.
Hunter, The, F. S. Peer, 57-66.

adaptability of horses to hunt-
ing, 58-60.
back, 64.

brains and intelligence, 57, 58.
conformation, 57.
disposition, 65, 66.
hips, 63.
legs, 64.

neck and carriage of head, 60, 61.
position of rider, 61-63.
proportions, 64, 65.
shoulders, 61-63.
size, 65.

suitability of horse to rider, 58,
66.

I
Importations of draft breeds in 1913-

14, 103.
Individuality in breeding, 15.
Interfering, how remedied, 180, 181.
Introduction, 9, 10.

276

Index

Jacks, breeding, 121-123.
Johnstone, J. H. S., Best Horse for
the Farmer to Breed, 134-140.

Knee-sprung horses, how benefited,
180. ^

Lameness in horses, causes and treat-
ment, 234-236, 237, 23S.

Laminitis, 240.

Laryngitis, 244, 245.

Light harness horses at State Fair,
197, 199.

Linch, Charles, Glanders or Farcy,
225-233.

Lungs, congestion of, 246, 247.

M

Mambrinos, origin of, 24.
Mare, brood, care of, 148-151.
age to breed, 148.
feed and care, 18, 149.
foaling, 149, 151.
conditions governing conception
of, 147.
Market, horse, offered in New York

State, 194-196.
Mating, suggestions as to, 15.
Meade, DeVoe, Coach Horses, 110-

118.
Messenger, importance of, in horse

history, 24, 3'2.
Milk, skim, substitute for mother's,
151.
value of, for young colts,
160.
Minklor, F. C., Feed and Care of

the Horse, 187-192.
Molasses as a feed, 189, 190.
Monday morning, disease. 259-262.
cause, 259, 260.
prevention, 261,

262.
symptons, 260.
treatment, 260, 261.
Minday morning leg, 240.
Morgans, history of, 24, 25.
Motors, influence of, on horse indus-
try, 25, 42.

Mule, breeding of, 125, 126.

castration of, 126, 128.

defined, 119.

disposition, 125.

early history of, 121.

longevity of, 123.

reaching and trimming, 128.

shoeing, 128.

value of, for labor, 124, 125.
Mules, Asses and, Dr. C. W. Brod-
head, 119-128.

N
Nasal gleet, 243, 244.
Need of a Stallion Law, Dr. W. G.

Hollingworth, 207-212.
New Jer.sey stallion law, 209, 212.
New York State, Draft Horse Breed-
ers' Club, 268.
Fair, Horses at the, Dr. H.

S. Wende, 193-206.
Farms, The Horse on. Dr. M.
Hamilton, 129-133.
Nick, what constitute a fortunate, 15.
Nivornais horses, 73.
Nose, obstruction in, 244.

O

Oats as feed, 189.

Obstruction in nose, 244.

Oil meal in feed, 189.

Ophthalmic test for glanders, 229,

230.
Overreaching, shoeing to prevent, 180.

Pabst Stock Farm, Hackney breeding

on, 104-109.
Parasites, internal, treatment for, 191.
Pedigree, importance of, in breeding,

15.
Peer, F. S., Horse Companionship,
26.3-267.
The Hunter, 57-66.
Percheron horses, 75-81.
at State Fair, 201, 202.
breeding of, in America, 81.
characteristics of, 79.
early importations, 78, 79.
exhibitions, 76.

Index

277

Perclieron horses — Continued:
government control, 75.
origin of, 75.
Period of gestation, 149.
Pharyngitis, 244, 245.
Pneumonia, 24S-250.
symptoms, 248.
treatment, 249, 250.
Pony, The Shetland, Miss J :M. Wade,
67.
The Welsh, Miss J. M. Wade, 68,
69.
Prepotency, factors influencing, 16.

of Ai-ab horse, 41.
Principles of Horse Breeding, M. W.

Harper, 14-19.
Puncture wounds, treatment of, 180,
240.

Q
Quarter cracks of foot, treatment of,
179.

R
Railey, Mrs. E. C, The American

Saddle Horse, 47-56.
Respiratory organs, diseases of, 241-

250.
Reversion in breeding, 15.
Ringbones, 238, 239.
Roaring, cause and treatment, 245.
Roudebush, L., Care of Brood Mare

and Her Colt, 148-154.
Roughage, inadvisability of feeding
large amounts of, 188.

S
Saddle Horse, American, The, Mrs.
E. C. Railey, 47-56.
care of, 55, 56.
derivation of, 47-53.
exhibits at State Fair, 199, 201.
notable horses, 54, 55.
points of exciellence, 54.
utility qualities, 55.
Salt for horses, 190.
Scrub stallions, elimination of, 207,

214.
Service of stallion, 142.
Shetland Pony, The, Miss J. M. Wade,
67.

Shetland Pony — Continued :
characteristics, 67.
importations, 67.
origin, 67.
Shire horse, 100-103.
characteristics, 101.
distribution, 101.
importations to America, 102,

103.
origin, 100.
Shiverick, X. C, The Thoroughbred,

37-45.
Shoe boil, treatment for, 237, 238.
Shoeing, 174-179.

improvement in, 175.
introduction of, 174, 175.
mules, 128.
poor, as cause of defects in feet,

175, 177, 180.
to prevent forging, 180.
Sidebones, treatment of, 239.
Skim milk for young colts, value of,

160.
Slanting shoulders in a hunter, 61-

63.
Soundness, importance of, in breed-
ing, 17.
Spavins, 238.
Splints, 238.

Spring Colts, Versus Fall, Edward
van Alstyne, 155-160.
advantages of, 19, 157.
care of, 19.

popularity of, 156, 157.
Stallion, Care of the, J. CJeldcr, 141-
147.
avoid excess of fat, 143, 145.
desirable characteristics, 145,

140.
handling of, 146.
light work desirable, 141.
scrub, elimination of, 207.
stabling and feed, 142.
Stallion Law, Enrollment, E. S. Akin,
215.
Need of a. Dr. W. G. Holling-
worth, 207-212.
how to bring about an effi-
cient, 207, 208.
in European countries, 209.

278

Index

Stallion Law — Continued:

in New Jersey, 2U*J-212.
Wisconsin, Effects of, Dr. A. S.
Alexander, 213, 214.
Standardbred Horse, Carl W. Gay,
20-26.
characteristics, 25.
history, 21.
notable centers of breeding, 21,

22.
notable strains, 23-25.
on New York State farms, 129,

130.
recognition of, 22, 23.
State Fair, New York, Horses at, Dr.

H. S. Wende, 193-206.
Statistics, 269.
Sterility, causes of, 16, 17
Structure of leg and foot, 168-173.
Subcutanous niallein test for gland-
ers, 230.
Suffolk horse, 91-96.

breeding encouraged by wealthy

men, 93.
characteristics, 94.
color, 93.
exportations, 94.
importation in New York State,

96.
origin, 93.

T
Teeth, Horses', Care of. Dr. C. W.
Brodhead, 183-186.
change in formation of, 11, 12,

183.
conditions caused by imperfect,

186, 191, 251.
filing off of, 185.
shedding of milk, 185.
wolf or rudimentary, 186.
Thoroughbred, N. C. Shiverick, 37-45.
care of foal, 45.
characteristics, 37-39.
foundation stock, 37.
intelligence, 41, 42.
prepotency, 41.
true type, 40, 41.
value of, for army purposes, 43.
Toe cracks, treatment for, 179.
Training the Colt, H. E. Hopkins,
161-166.

Training the Colt — Continued :

bitting and making mouth, 164,

165.
driving with lines, 103, 164.
formation of habits, 161, 166.
gentling, 163.
hitching, 165, 160.
methods of, 161, 162.
teaching to lead, 162.
teaching to stand tied, 162, 163.
Trotting breeds, 20-26.

V
Van Alstyne, Edward, Fall Versus

Spring Colts, 155-160.
Vanderbilt, K. C, Hackney Breeding

in America, 104-109.
Volgenau, Dr. E. L., Distemper and
Diseases of the Respiratory Organs,
241-250.

W
Wade, :\Iiss J. M., The Shetland Pony,
67.
The Welsh Pony, 08, 69.
War, European, as incentive to horse
raising, 36, 43, 44, 134, 136-139,
155, 156, 205, 206, 222.
Water, dangers of ice-cold, 252, 257.

necessity of sufficient, 255, 256.
Watering horses, best time for, 190.
Welsh Pony, The, i\Iiss J. M. Wade,
68, 69.
characteristics, 69.
history, 68.
in United States, 69.
origin, 68.
Wende, Dr. H. S., Horses at New

York State Fair, 193-206.
West, Horse Breeding in East and, F.
Henry, 221-224.
limited supply of good horses in,

136, 137, 221.
price of land higlier, 223.
Western horses, supply of, low, 136,

137, 221.
Wheat bran as feed for horses, 189.
Wilkes strain, origin of, 23, 24.
Wisconsin Stallion Law, Effects of.
Dr. A. S. Alexander, 213, 214.
as means of increasing pure-

breds, 214.
benefits of, 213.

/ebster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine
ummings School of Veterinary Medicine at
utts University
00 Westboro Road
lorth Grafton, MA 01536