THE NIMROD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9115, 21 December 1907, Page 7

THE NIMROD.

BREAKING THE PONIES. MR TUBMAN INTERVIEWED. When they were landed on Quail Island the fifteen Manohurian ponies to be used in the sledge work m the Antarctio regions,, were wholly untamed, and were considered to be a*out the wildest herd of horseflesh that had been placed on the island. A^ cr TJ a week's handling, however, Mr W. J±. Tubman thoroughly accustomed at least ten of them to harness and saddle work, and had quietened the whole fifteen. Speaking to a reporter yesterday, Mr Tubman stated that he was prepared to drive any one of the ponies through the Christchurch streets. "I use Professor Litchwark's system," said Mr Tubman, "because I think it is the best. The ponies were rough, and the work of breaking them was rough. One pony, a viciousMittle beast took charge of a yard on the island, and drove two men to the safeside of the railings with his attempts at biting. Another pony, the beat of the herd, in my opinion, we have christened " Shackleton." He was very vicious. When roped down on .his knees, his spirit was undaunted, and he kicked with bis hind legs at ©veryone near him. I, have handled a large number of horses, but 1 have never before seen one kick as he did with his fore-le^ roped. Still he has been tamed and ridden. Dr Mackay has assisted me splendidly, and I think will prove a very good man with them down South.. To-day I picketed them, in order to prepare them for their duties in the snow. Dr Mackay can ride and drive them, and by the tivae I am finished with them he will be thoroughly acquainted with their needs. v We are feeding them on maize and hard foods, to accustom them to the fodder that they will have to live on when in the Antarctic." Questioned as to his opinion of the abilities of the ponies, Mr Tubman was loud in their praise. He said that one of them could easily pull half a ton on the sand, and he had no doubt that one" pony could pull $\ro of the sledges to be , used. The ponies were sturdy, and he thought that they would be a great success with the expedition. It had been decided that only ten of the ponies should be taken, and he thought the number quite sufficient.