THIRD ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VI. 355 



In speaking favorably of the range horse, the grades which are usu- 

 ally the offspring of pure-bred sires are meant. These represent what the 

 range is able to do in producing horses, and show its possibilities in the 

 best light, which is no more than fair. With the average old-time ranger 

 — the cayuse, mustang, or Indian pony — only exceptional individuals are 

 worthy of attention. In the main, there is no meaner kind of equine to 

 be found than what is known in different localities under one or another 

 of these names. 



It cannot be said that even a large part of the range horses sold on 

 the Western markets show much evidence of breeding. The work of im- 

 provement is yet in its primary stages. 



The rangers divide into three fairly well-defined classes — ponies, sad- 

 dlers and drivers, and chunks. 



PONIES. 



These are the descendants of the ancient stock that is known by the 

 various names of cayuse, Indian pony, mustang, etc. They stand up 14.2 

 hands, weighing up to 750 or 900 pounds. Some of them are horses of 

 quality, endurance, and intelligence, and make good riding animals. 



These horses are very useful for herding cattle, often showing an in- 

 telligence and agility that is wonderful and frequently disconcerting to 

 the rider. They also furnish some of the best material for polo work that 

 can be found, especially when mares of good type are crossed with small 

 thoroughbred sires. However, the cow pony that will make a good polo 

 pony is not easily found. It is the exception, not the rule, that satisfies 

 the buyer and brings the long prices. In such instances, the pony would 

 not go on the market under the same condition as the ordinary ranger. 

 He is the exception, but an exception that serves a valuable purpose for 

 illustrating the possibilities of the best types of range stock. 



SADDLERS AND DRIVERS. 



These horses are the first as a range class that may show breeding. 



The grades of coach, standard-bred and thoroughbred sires will come 

 under this head. They could be described as horses standing from 14.2 

 to 15.2 hands and weighing from 900 to 1,100 pounds, with an occasional 

 good one of larger size. 



CHUNKS. 



These usually embrace the draft grades, standing 15 hands and up, 

 and weighing from 1,100 to 1,400 pounds. Extra individuals often weigh 

 over 1,500 pounds. 



DEMAND. 



The larger number of range horses normally find their final place of 

 consumption on farms and in small towns. The British government has 

 bought thousands of them, and the United States army is often supplied 

 with cavalry horses from these sources. Quite often branded horses will 

 be found in the export stables. 



