STALLION TO BREED FORM.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 263, 23 October 1916, Page 2

STALLION TO BREED FORM.

A SOUND CANADIAN OPINION. In view of the statement commonfl made that a Canadian demand for light-quality active draughts has led to Home breeders sacrificing weight to quality, it is interesting to have the following expression of opinion from a leading Canadian paper, the ‘ Grain Growers’ Guide,” on the desirable Clydesdale stallion :—

“Since tiie ability to stamp his characteristics on his progeny is the i only really important point in selecting a sire, improvement of our stock can only result front our ability to , pick out such a sire and consistently breed to him. rhe one sure and best method is by carefully observing the progeny got by the horse from our own and other mares in the vicinity. Too frequently, however, we are not able to do this, and must make our selection wholly on the appearance of the horse. Stallion license laws have created a constantly shifting population ot scrub or unsound horses, and too much discrimination cannot he used in getting not. only the right type but sound pedigree sires. J “As stated, prepotency is essential, and it is well indicated by certain characteristics. Boldnes* of outlook, free, spirited action, and strong masculine appearance mark the horse with ability to pass on his characteristics to his foals. We well r- member having seen a black two-ycar-old Percheron colt at the head of his class in Calgary last summer that we venture to say will leave colts like himself. He was a slashing good colt that put on his own show. (liven bis head be got up and moved with such free- <!> n> and precision, strength and power, and brought liis feet down so solidly that he simply made everybody look at him. He was ‘looking for a bigger town.’ That is the result of breeding, and with good conformation and soundness one of the first tilings to be looked for. A horse with a sleepy appearance. a mare-licad and a ewe neck may do for the other fellow to bn cd from, but not for the man who wants real character in his colts.