HORSES TO THE FORE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 50, 23 February 1943, Page 4

HORSES TO THE FORE

IF there is one good thing the war can be said to have accomplished it is the rapid and we hope the permanent re-establishment of the horse. In pre-war days the horse, after-serving mankind faithfully and well from time immemorial was in danger of complete extinction under the weight of the mechanical age which was fast, sweeping the world. Two years before the outbreak of hostilities one or two farseeing students of world affairs persuaded the Government to initiate a subsidised horse-breeding scheme whereby the horse population of this country was to be built up from approved diams. The result, though originally intended as a war measure, is to be seen to-day in every branch of agricultural activity. Witness last gymkhana; witness the numerous other sports meetings in this district where the events are mainly equestrian, and above all witness the amazing manner in which private: horse breeding for utility purposes is coming into its own once more. Long may this very desirable trend continue, so that even in post war years with the inevitable reversion to mechanical appliances there will be sufficient lovers of the faithful and noble horse to find him a corner in human affection and a permanent place in the sun.