Items. (From the Live StocK Journal.)

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 2021, 20 June 1885, Page 6 (Supplement)

Items. (From the Live StocK Journal.)

Thews was somo very sensible talk on draught home-breeding at the dinner following the show of the Machara Horse-breeding Association the other day, Mr. M'Master, of Culhorn Mains, one of the judges, said that with regard to horses, Wigtownshire had beon famous for a considerable time, but there was no doubt that daring the past few years the points in judging had changed. As a previous npeakcr had mentioned, at one time it was bone and hair, but now it was feet and pasterns. They found now that unless they had good feet and pasterns, there was no use in bringing their animals into the ring. But ho waa inclined to think they ought to be careful that they did not go too far in that direction, as they were beginning to get hints from foreigners to keep up the strength, because if this wan sacrificed for feet and pasterns, they would co in 'or Shire horses. Mr. Brown, Mains of Duchra, another judge, took exception to the remark aa to the fear that ClydeadaloH were getting too fine and light in bone. That he denied, as they wanted plenty if it wan of the right sort. They could not have a horse without feet and paaterns, and the bent proof of that wan to watch tho action of horses at a place like the Broomielaw, in Glasgow, where the long-legged beasts went as if they were on Btilta. They went in for quality and strength, and a big animal with short legs.

Tnr, Clydesdale breeders havo had a capital foaling season, and the turns-out of yearling colts and fillies for next year's showß are expected to be the largest and best ever known. The ntallion owners havo had no reason to be dissatisfied, and one gentleman makes no secret of the fact that he has cleared over a full thousand pounds from his horse for this Reason alone. This gives him a clear gain of i::{,000 and a horse, for which he could get 11,500 —by no mcana bad business out of an investment of CSO for a yoarling colt.

Thk announcement of the special prizes offered for the Chicago Show of Clydesdales by the Clydesdale Horse Association of Oreat Britain and Ireland, has created a favourable impreasion in America, although some objection ceema to be taken to tho class for which the premium is offered. With the sum offered by the American Clydesdale Association, LIOO will be awarded for the best stud, and The linedera' Gazette remarks : —This handsome prizo should attract the best imported Clydesdale horses in Amerioa. There are, however, very few breeders who can oompete for this prize, as an imported stallion and live imported mares are not to be found even with the few imported that annually bring over scorefl of Scotch-bred howeß. Our contemporary goes on to say, the offering of stud or herd prizes is not as popular in Amarioa as in the paat, owing to the fact that but few breeders can exhibit the requisite number of superior show animals without purchasing one or more animals from other breeders, and such animals are held at prohibitory figures. This action of the Clydesdale Horse Society of Great Britain and Ireland will prove a good investment for Scotch breeders, not only in increasing the quality and number of Clyde horses on exhibition, but in demonstrating the fact thr*tthe Society in Scotland is on the alert to add in every possible way to the popularity and prominence of the recognised merit of the fc'rfc horse tit home and abroad.