Horses 



1795 



THE FRENCH COACHER 



For some three hundred years, the French Government has 

 maintained a national stud and directed and encouraged the breed- 

 ing of the light horse as a source of supply of remounts for the 

 army. 



Fig. 169. French Coach Stallion 



In originating this breed native French mares were mated Avith 

 thoroughbred stallions, and the progeny were called " demi sang " 

 meaning half breed. This name could not be used successfully in 

 America with this breed and it was changed to French Coach. 



From 1885 to 1895, the French Coacher was very popular with 

 American breeders and at all of the principal fairs in the United 

 States they were a great attraction and much admired. 



In originating the " demi sang " or French Coach the French 

 government early recognized that the ideal horse for the army also 

 for saddle or driving purposes would be a horse of substance, qual- 

 ity and great endurance, and this breed has been developed and per- 

 fected as a long distance horse by the liberal prizes oifered at the 



