294 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



HORSE DEPARTMENT. 



All previous records as to number of horses were broken. Prophets 

 had predicted a light show because of the absence of the importers as 

 well as a general depression in the horse values during the last year. 

 As proof that the small breeder was very much in evidence we noted 

 that there were 171 exhibitors with horses in the barns. This was cer- 

 tainly commendable. 



Superintendent Curtiss inaugurated a new plan of judging this year. 

 A small program was printed giving the day and the hour that each 

 class would be judged. In this way all interested knew exactly when 

 each class would be in the ring. 



Some of the larger classes took more time than was allotted them. 

 However, by working until 1 o'clock each day the judges were able to 

 get through the scheduled classes. The plan is certainly praiseworthy, 

 as many of the visitors desire to see certain parts of the judging, but 

 cannot afford to give all their time to this feature. By the aid of the 

 detailed program they can plan their route in advance and thereby see 

 all they wish to. 



The judging, for the most part, was quite satisfactory. The one-judge 

 plan was used entirely in the open classes. This method doubtless saves 

 considerable time, although with two judges officiating serious mistakes 

 should be out of the question. .ludging horses of any kind is com- 

 plicated work, to say the least. With the wide difference of opinion 

 that exists as regards type it is hard for a judge to satisfy all the 

 exhibitors and onlookers, even though he do consistent work. 



PERCHEKOXS. 



The French drafts made a highly creditable showing, in spite of the 

 fact that imported horses were practically neglible owing to the out- 

 break of the war just as the large importers were ready to assemble 

 their purchases ready for shipment. Iowa breeders should profit by the 

 present condition of affairs. Evidently they are expecting to for they 

 certainly had their colts out in large numbers at Des Moines. The 

 American breeds made a highly creditable showing besides what few 

 imported horses were on hand and were able to win consistently. This 

 is surely proof that drafters can be developed in the United States to 

 as great a degree as they are abroad if we will but feed and care for 

 them. 



The Percheron judge, Ralph Drennan of Canada, was taken sick Satur- 

 day evening after judging the mare classes and Alexander Galbraith was 

 chosen to complete the awarding in stallion and group classes. Several 

 placements were made in the mare classes with which the ringside failed 

 to agree. In the aged class Early's 2,200 pound gray, Hermine, justly 

 headed the string of eleven matrons. She moved well and stood on 

 clean limbs with considerable bone and quality. She was later made cham- 

 pion. 



