DRAUGHT HORSES

Southland Times, Issue 17786, 15 July 1916, Page 5

DRAUGHT HORSES

EXPORT TO MELBOURNE. LOCAL CONSIGNMENTS. At one time Melbourne provided * steady market for Southland's surplus draught horses, but of late years, owing to a continued drought in Australia, the trade has languished to such an extent that it has become of little account. It has been thought, however, that the breaking of the drought on the other side would remedy matters, and once again some Southland breeders have been tempted to try their luck. Reports that have come to hand recently do not by any means favour the idea that remunerative prices will be immediately offering, but, notwithstanding, those who have made the venture are hoping for the best and trusting that the long expected turn for the better will arrive in time for them to reap the benefit. By the Wimmera on Thursday 22 horses were shipped from Bluff for Melbourne, and if some of the animals included in the shipment do not set "heads a noddin’ ” then the outlook for the future must assuredly be bad. Included in the lots that went forward on Thursday were some of the finest quality animals that one could wish to see, and these will undoubtedly provide a test as to whether or not breeding horses for export to the Commonwealth is a payable proposition. Foremost amongst the lots that were booked over were seven splendid animals shipped by Mr Robert Kennedy, of Drummond. who is making the trip himselfThese include a rising 3-year-old colt by Squire Ronald —Maud, a fine upstanding horse. Three other rising 3-year-old colts by General Douglas, in Lord Douglas, Royal Douglas and Bloombury. These three colts have splendid ring records to recommend them. The firstnamed was unbeaten as a two-year-old, and Royal Douglas bad a similar distinction as a yearling, and he also was a winner of the Clydesdale medal. Bloombury has only been beaten by his two stable companions. Lord Douglas and Royal Douglas, and he has never failed to gain a place on each of the occasions he has been exhibited. These three colts have furnished grandly, are in the pink of condition, and, as is usual with Mr Kennedy’s horses, bear striking proof of the care and attention lavished on them. In addition to the<Joregolng Mr Kennedy shipped three mares, each of which i» in foal to General Douglas, and it is doubtful if In point of quality a superior team has ever left Southland. "Bonny mares" is how one well known judge on Thursday classified them, and the term comprehensively sums up any description of these choice specimens of homeflesh. The mare Rfimrose, by Abbot, la one that fills the eye in every way satisfactorily. Maggie Belgarrie, by Premier Balgarvie, now rising five years, does not need a lengthy description here, as she is well-known throughout Southland, having had a most brilliant ring record. With the exceptions of being twice second, she has held premier position at the Winton, Wallace, and Invercargill shows during the past three years. White Heather, by Abbot—Kate of Drummond, rising four years, has also a splendid ring record, having never been beaten out of a place, and at the Invercargill Summer show last year she was first in her class, securing a similar distinction at Otantau, where he was also awarded the reserve championship. Mr M. J. Dooley, of Kapufca. who baa been the most venturesome Southland horse owner of late years so far as the Australian market is concerned, was again well to the fore on Thursday with a fine S-year-old colt by The Rlgg Fashion, out of a Herd Laddie mare, and this horse provides a first-class advertisement for his sire. Mr Dooley’s lot also Include three six-year-old mares by Garth land. Hector Macdonald and Lord Cranbourne respectively. Each of these mares possesses rare quality, and should adequately recompense Mr Dooley for his enterprise. There is no better known horse fancier in Southland than Mr Andrew ChryataU, of Lochiel, and he has been a constant exporter of draught horses for many years. His consignment on Thursday was two rising 3 -year-old colts, and a rising four-year-old colt, all sons of Baron Tenapa, and worthy descendants of that well-tried and successful sire. Mr W. Christie shipped four mares and a gelding, all throe-year-olds,- Baron Tenapa and Squire Ronald being the sires responsible for them, and a cursory Inspection revealed the fact that they were a sturdy and durable-looking lot. Mr Walter Blakle, the well-known. Branxholme studmaster, had only one hore to keep his colours flying. This was a 3-year-old filly, by Royal Marcellus, out of a Shepherd Lad mare. This mare has a good show ring record, ana last year was most successful in the teams classes. Since then she has furnished finely, and ia now a stamp of mare that does credit to her breeder. Mr John Poole shipped a 6-year-old horse, by Winterseugh Hero, out of a mare by The McKenzie and the weUfenown 6-year-old horse Squire Athol, by, Baron Wigton, out of Longbeach Susie. The former is of the older and heavier stamp of Clydesdale, which is said to bo favoured in the Commonwealth, and should therefore command a satisfactory price. Squire Athol is a well performed show ring horse, and as a sire he has already proved his worth, so that he also should prove a reliable pw»P °Several other Southland horse breeders Intended sending consignments across this year, but the somewhat unsatisfactory reports regarding the state °f the market that have recently been received caused them to refrain from doing so.