The Farmer. Breeding of Horses.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 2018, 13 June 1885, Page 6 (Supplement)

The Farmer. Breeding of Horses.

The supply of both hunting and carriage horses of a good okas lies become very scarce in England. It h»s for years been unequal to the demand, and is year by year beooming Btill more limited. Englishmen ore proverbial for their love of horses, and probably none of our domestic animals are hold in greater veneration by the average Englishman than a sound, well-bred saddle or carriage horse. It is, nevertheless, manifest that tha breeding of horses of this class has been declining in England — declining, too, in the face of an increasing demand and of advancing prices. That such should be the case is, for various reasons, much to be regretted. In well-conducted breeding of horses of all classes there is a tolerably sure Fource of profit, and in these times of agricultural depression it is important that every branch of mdu a try which can be pursued with profit should receive its due share nf encouragement. While breeders of horses would benefit by giving increased attention to the rearing of a good olass of well-bred saddle and carriage horses, it would also be advantageous for the nation at large that we should produce an ample home supply of hordes of this class. For all interests concerned, indeed, it is very desirable that the breeding of light- | legged hor«es should receive greater attention j and encouragement than have been given to it in recent years. In view of these considerations, we have observed with uatiafaotion that a movement is now on foot for the encouragement of the breeding of high-clasa thoroughbred sire 3. In our columns, a few weeks ago, thore appeared some communications whioh had referpnee to this subject, aiid which have, we are glad to say, attracted a good deal of attention. At a meeting of the council of the Hackney Stud Book Society, it w»b suggested that classes for thoroughbred stallions suitable for getting hunters should be included in the show of that society, to be held at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington. The suggestion, as might be expected, at once commended itself to the favourable consideration of the Council, and it was resolved that the desired classes should be introduced, provided a sum of money could be collected which would enable the society to offer substantial premiums. Accordingly a number of publicspirited gentlemen, deeply interested in the matter, decided to make an effort to raise the necessary funds. An influential committee of management was appointed, and Mr Edward Somerville Tattersall of Albert Gate, London, kindly undertook the duties of honorary secretary. Already a considerable number of handsome subscriptions have besn intimated, and thus far the movement has met with general and hearty support. It has been found that ft sum of £SUO would be required to provide sufficiently substantial premiums. The committee, we believe, will aim at raising a larger sum than this, so as to ensure the success of the scheme ; and looking to the importance of the interests in- j vclved, we should be surprised if even the highest expectations were not more than realized. Few subjects of the kind which have recently been brought before the public are more worthy of liberal support, and we hope sincerely that the efforts of those who are moving in the matter will bo crowned j with ample success. From the details which have been given, it is evident that much care has been taken in arranging the proposed classes. It is intended that there should be two classes for thoroughbred Btallions — the first for "thoroughbred horses suitable for hunter stallions which have not been previously used for stud purposes ; " and the second for " thoroughbred stallions, not exceeding 1G years old, suitable for getting hunters which have been used for stud purposes. " In the first class there would be one premium of H~>o and a silver medal ; another premium of 12.5 and a silver medal ; and in addition, three silver medals, to be awarded, in the discretion of the judges, to animals of merit. It is proposed that in the pecond class there should be one premium of £100 and a gold medal; two premiums of £~>Q each and a silver medal ; two of 12.3 oach, with silver medal ; and three addicional silver medals, to be awarded as in the other class. In this programme, owners of thoroughbred stallions have certainly very substantial encouragement, and it will be more than surprising if it Bhould not draw out one of the beat collections of thoroughbred sUllione ever Been in England. The second class, that i?, for sires which, aa sires, have already been tried to some extent, will, of course, be the must important one, and we think the committee has acted wisely in offering for it more than the usual number of prizes. There are for this class, it will be seen, no fewer than five handsome money prizes, in addition to eight medals, so that ownera of good horses will have a much better chance of obtaining a valuable reward for the merit of their animals than is usually afforded at our leading shows throughout the country. It is wisely provided that none of these prizes will be obtained for any animal which, in the opinion of the veterinary surgeon in attendance, is not free from hereditary or other diseases detrimental to the breeding of sound and healthy stock. Another provipion of great importance is introduced, with the very worthy object of having the use of the sires which win these prizes placed within the reach of farmers at moderate fees. The provision is to the effect that " the owners of atallions winning prizes must guarantee to offer 20 subscriptions for the vee of tenant i farmers' mares in the United Kingdom at a fee not exceeding t'2 103." It is stipulated that unless this condition is fulfilled the prizemoney will be withheld. We attach great importance to these conditions of pervice, and we hope that farmers will eagerly avail themselves of the opportunities which will thus be provided for them of obtaining the use of high-class thoroughbred sires at moderate fees. Too often hitherto, sires which have been able to win prizes at our leading shows have stood at such high fees as have placed them beyond the reach of ordinary farmers. It would, therefore, be well if the example whioh has been set in this instance were copied by those of our leading agricultural societies that offer similar prizes. The Live Stock Journal,

CiAi>hsi>Afii: breeders (says the Lite Stock Journal) will be interested te learn that Mr. Peter Crawfords llantin llobin (585, whioh beat, when & four-year-old, Mr. Drew's famous Prince of Wales 07.'5, at the Highland and Agricultural .Society's Show at Dumfries in 1870, is living and breeding well at Collingrove, South Australia. This horse, which is by Bergaraine 11, out of a mare by Clyde Bay .~)7l, was no doubt a loss to the country through being shipped so early ; and with all due deference to the adverse critics of the famous stallion which is now at Blaokhall, we must say that had they both been shipped to the Antipodes, Clydesdales would not have taken the leading place they have now done. The famous show-yard Clydesdale mare, Kelso Maggie, is also in the Collingrovo stud, and is breeding well also — her colt, by Lord Clyde, being described as a coming champion. When we think of these animals and their ei/e and substance, combined with quality, it may be doubted if the very beat Clydesdales are at present in Scotland, the standard as regards size having been reduced since 'their departure.