THE FARM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 45, 22 February 1905, Page 7

THE FARM.

EXPLAINING DRAUGHT HORSE POECTS. It may be taken for granted that though a young man may read a score of books on the science of equestration, each having illustrations showing how to sit under position of ease and difficulties, he will never be much of a rider till he gets on a horse's back. Hard study and theory given full consideration, one buck-jump and off goes the schoolmaster. It is a little different as

regards the picking up of the points and conformation of a horse, though a good horseman cornea to more rapid conclusions than a man who mostly stands down yet is well up in the anatomy. The horseman is apt at times lo dogmatise from his own experiences, but good judgment and horsemanship generally go very well together. As to the judging of draught horses there is no well-established rule. The chief part of education regarding this is the learned "Professor Price," for the horse that the contractor gives the money for is the one -wiiieh sensible farmers set themselves to produce. The big town gelding, with good hoofs and pasterns, and flat bones, always rea'dv to feed or to pull, is the object-lesson. We must have as many like him as we can get if we want to hold the ground against the many varieties of heavy motors now being produced, and it i*s of importance that those who mean to breed such animals should be instructed in this direction.

Of late, both in this country and abroad, it has become common for professors of agricultural colleges to take their students out for an airing accompanied by ekilled experts, or at least recognised judges of live stock and horses. The animals are generally showyard representatives of some noted herd, flock, or stud, and the best of their kind. The merits and demerits of all are expounded in turn, the latter, unfortunately, too mildly if the owner or manager is present. As regards the work horses, there is shown out clearly where one animal is better than another: Why this form of bone is better, and the sweep of hock, and this set of pastern. As the comments are truthful and honestly made, the student will no doubt get a thorough idea of what a good one is or ought to be like. His education will then be negatively improved by taking a good look at every bad one he meets. A run round the fairs will not do harm, but, on the other hand, give him confidence, and so, when he starts breeding for himself, he will be able to avoid a good few pitfalls he might otherwise have stumbled into. Of course, the great school, after all, in breeding or buying is experience.