DRAUGHT HORSE BREEDING

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1649, 7 October 1903, Page 61

DRAUGHT HORSE BREEDING

Of the "breeding of the heavy draught horse by the farmer, Professor J. \V. Ivenniecly, of lowa, says in the now Year-book of the Department of Agric culture.: —“The heavy draught home is one of the most profitable classes of homes that the farmer can breed. The draught colt can bo reared with less risk and liability to accident than thovse of the lighter classes. This is partially clue to the fact that tho draught-bred colt, is usually A quieter animal than those of the lighter classes, and thus less liable to injure itself through spirited exercise or playfulness. Furthermore, small bunches and blemishes which detract so seriously from tho value of the harness: horse or tho saddle horse are not considered to he so objectionable in the draught lior&w. Ho can also bo made to earn his own keep after he is two year's old, and his education cap he completed on the farm ; thus the farmer who breeds him can secure his real market value. In the case of the coach horse or the saddle horse, tho middleman who educates him usually reaps a much greater profit than the man who produced him. This is not true of the draught. “Some of the essential points to he considered in selecting a draught horse are: Good feet and legs, plenty of weight, a well-developed body, and good style and action. A draught horse without good feet is worthless on any market, hence good feet are the. very first esscentials of a draught horse, or in fact any class of horse. The hoofs shc-uld bo large, round and wide at the heel. They should have width, hut not be too deep or too shallow. The horn should be of good quality, as indicated by i|ts denseness. The wall must he strong and not inclined to be flat. Tho legs should he well set under the body, and possess jilenty of substance, as indicated by the quality and amount of bone and the development of muscle on the forearms and gaskms. Weight is a very essential point. A draught horse should weigh from 18001 b upward, the more the better; provided it is combined with quality and good feet and legs. The body should be deep, wide, and strongly coupled, as indicated by the shortness of back and the muscling of the loin. Good action, is essential, as indicated by tho length of strides, quickness of step, and straight-away

movement. Draft horses weighing 18001 b and upward can be produced by breeding good draught mares which combine size and quality, to a first-class wire of any of the recognised breeds of draught horses, as the tho Clyde, the Shire, and the Belgian. Each breed has its own peculiarities, perhaps advantages and disadvantages. Be that as it may, bo sure and select a good sire, one which possesses individual exceliimco backed up by good ancestry.”