WEIGHT IN HORSES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 152, 14 June 1935, Page 13

WEIGHT IN HORSES

Stamina and Speed The opinion was recently expressed to tho writer by a Hawke's Bay farmer, when commenting on the increased demand for draught horses, that there was a tendency with some draught breeders to-day to breed Clydesdales that were lighter than they should be. While this is a debatable point, there is no doubt that it is one which must have a certain amount of justification, as it has been raised on and off during the past few years. The sacrifice of weight and stamina for speed can be overdone, and it is interesting to note what Mr J. 8. Murray, of Dalgig, New Cumnock, a prominent Scottish breeder has to say on this subject. "Soundness of body and limb are again the principal things to try for in the breeding of Clydesdales," he stated. "Breed for weight, strength and substance, as well as quality. The Shire horse in England is holding its own against the Clydesdale, because he has more weight, and though his legs are a bit. rough he has more bone and he has a grand knack of shifting a heavy load. ‘ ‘ Tho best Clydesdales of to-day are wonderful, but is the breed weigh) y enought Is too much attention not being devoted to straight, long hair around the pasterns and down the back of the legs? Has the average Clydesdale plenty of bone? Does the average Clydesdale represent and denote the purpose for which it is here? I leave Clydesdale men to answer that question.

"If there was introduced more weight in body and bone, with deep, sound feet, and less attention paid to silky hair and fine bones, the demand for Clydesdales still increase. In America, Canada, Australia, in every country, they want weight. A Clydesdale horse should be a good, springy walker."