498 



Missouri Agricultural Report. 



Slimming up, it may be said that it all amounts to this: 



First — It has been conclusively demonstrated that the con- 

 tests resulting from these great shows have provided an enter- 

 tainment that is dear to the hearts of not only the Missourians, 

 but to the horse lovers of distant states who have been attracted 

 here through their love of such entertainment. 



Second — A saddle horse that can win is no longer a source 

 of outlay. Such a horse is a money maker, and a number of 

 owners this past season finished with a comfortable balance in 

 the bank where heretofore they had been forced to meet the 

 heavy expense incidental to the campaigning of a show stable. 

 While this phase of the situation must be watched and matters 

 securely safeguarded that the exhibiting of saddle horses shall 

 not be commercialized, yet it is true that, primarily, through the 

 efforts of your association, the stable of good saddle horses can 

 be shown now at a profit rather than a pastime as was entirely 

 the case a few years ago. 



Third — The benefits resulting to the breeders of saddle 

 horses through these improved conditions are most apparent. 

 Show horses are worth more money and the breeders and devel- 

 opers are profiting greatly thereby. Many specific instances 

 could be mentioned where the increased interest in the exhibit- 

 ing of saddle horses has been the cause of high-priced sales, and 

 in a number of these the breeder of the horse sold has been the 

 particular and sole beneficiary. 



Your board of directors held several meetings this year. 

 The most important was that held at Jefferson City May 24th. 



Four horses from reader's left to right: Russell Moore on Queen of the Denmarks. 

 Tom Bass on Golden McDonald. John Woods on The Gingerbread Man. John Hook 

 on My Major Dare. Missouri .State Fair, $2,500 stake, 1913. 



