THE DRAUGHT HORSE.

Northern Advocate, 9 December 1910, Page 2

THE DRAUGHT HORSE.

NEW ZEALAND V. MODERN CLYDESDALE. The invasion of the modern Clydesdale has created much discussion among draught-horse breeders. The general concensus of opinion is that the type evolved in this country—i happy medium between the Shire .nd the Clydesdale—is the one that should be adhered to, as it is the animal which brings the most money in this country; while it is the animal that the Australians will give the highest price to possess. It is certainly significant that, while imported Shires have topped the sales in Victoria, imported Clydesdales have been sold at a loas Certainly the lighter horse is more popular in New South Wales, though even in that State the New Zealand draught is thought more of than tiie improved Scotch stamp. The Scottish Commissioners visiting the Commonwealth remarked at a New South Wales gathering the other day, that the local draughts would be improved by the modern Clydesdale. This, cf course, is merely the opinion of men prejudiced in favour of the stamp of horse popular in their counti*y, because of their suitability for the Canadian trade. This opinion is certainly not. shared by all breeders of Home Clydesdales, even in Scotland. For instance, the veteran breeder, Davic

Riddell, who owned the celebrated Prince of Wales, and Darnley, the two most noted horses in Clydesdale history (the former being out of a Shive mare) declared to a New Zealander a couple of years back that he would not j be worth a penny to-day had he listen- ■ ed to those who had catered to the modern craze; and he prophesied that j Scottish breeders would yet come back to the old type. There are breeders in the North of England who are breeding the Cyldesdale of old—the type o' horse New Zealand buyers have always endeavoured to secure, though not always with success. The majority of the importations of recent years have resembled more the old breed than the new. It is not denied that the modern Clydesdale has ;ts good points: It will give a lengthy pastern and freer action, and when put to heavy roomy mares, will effect an improvement in the New Zealand horse; but these improvements are purchased dearly if they are obtained at the expense of substance. One authority declared to the writer the other day that it was impossible to have too much substance in a horse as long as hi& legs and feet were all right, and this is a sound rule to follow. While the fashionable Clydesdale If a bad type for the New Zealand breeder to follow, the Shire is just as ob jectionable. In the one case we have the weight without the quality; while in the other case we have the quality without the substance. The New Zealand draught strikes the happy medium, and it would be a matter for very great regret did anything happen to weaken the standard New Zealand breeders have set themselves. In view of the increasing importance of draught-horse breeding to New Ze?<- ---' land, it is high time some steps w"retaken to protect the interests of the New Zealand horse. We want the local type properly described, and a list of approved judges drawn up, so that A. and P. Societies may know that in securing judges they are obtaining the services of men who will adhere to the stamp favoured by the great majority of New Zealand breeders, and a stamp which should be advanced in the best interests of the draught stock of the country.