9 Dec, 1907.] Examination of Stallions. 753 



Rejection for Inferior Type and Conformation. 



It will be seen from the above table that 7.88 of all horses submitted 

 ■have been rejected through being- below a reasonable standard, so far as 

 ■conformation and type is concerned, and there is little difference between 

 the percentage of each breed rejected under this head. 



Much as I had feared from my previous knowledge that the lamented 

 ■deterioration of horses in this State arose largely from the inferiority of 

 the sires being used, it has been a matter of surprise to me to find that 

 the nondescript, ill-bred sires predominate in many centres. No matter 

 what the inferiorit\ of the mares may be that are left to us, there can 

 be no doubt that it is the control of the stallions that is the key to 

 .amendment of the situation. The mares would indeed have to be 

 wonders to throw anything decent from many of the " scrubber " sires 

 that are standing throughout the State, and that have been proudly submitted 

 to us for Government approval. It must always be remembered that a 

 stallion makes or mars the year's crop of foals, while the malre influences, 

 for good or ill, but one each year. 



I would be glad if next season arrangements could be made, whereby 

 .the scheme could have the assistance of competent judges to deal more 

 ■effectively and drastically with this aspect of the subject, for as I have 

 previously indicated the veterinary staff have no desire to undertake 

 functions other than those in regard to which the horsebreeding public 

 have confidence in them as experts. 



Comment on Defects Found. 



Draught Horses. — While the percentage of all round rejections 

 for unsoundness may give room for some congratulation, the percentage 

 of draught sires fomid to be unsound is a matter that cannot be regarded 

 .as other than serious. 32.47 per cent, of the draught stallions examined 

 have been refused certificates. Of these refusals 24.41 per cent, have been 

 for unsoundness. 



Sidebones. — The bane of draught horses here as elsewhere is sidebone, 

 ^20.78 per cent, of all draughts examined having been so affected. Large 

 as this percentage is it compares favorably with the 33 per cent, of side- 

 fconed horses found to exist amongst show exhibits in England, when 

 the system of veterinary inspection was first adopted by the Royal Shire 

 Horse Society. It is noticeable that here too, the greater proportion 

 •of sidebone is found in the coarse shire type of draught horse as 

 •coimpared with the cleaner boned Clydesdale. One hairy legged brute 

 was come across that had sidebones all round, inside and outside of both 

 fore and both hind feet — 8 in all — and being only 3 years old, he was 

 without the usual excuse of the " 'ammer, 'ammer, 'ammer on the 'ard 

 "igh road," or the equally common one of being " trod on in the team." 



The belief that sidebones are commonly caused by the coronets being 

 trod on is very general. Perhaps the evidence adduced further on in this 

 Teport as to its hereditary nature may shake this too common belief in some 

 ^degree, but it may be here said that the excuse cannot be decently offered in 

 the case of those stallions that are not workers. Furthermore it is a 

 scientific fact that an inflammation of the coronet such as would be 

 produced by tread does not frequently tend to induce ossification of the 

 -cartilage of the foot (sidebone). In "quittor," for instance, inflammation 

 of the part may exist for months with actual suppuration in the cartilage 

 ■without it being transformed into bone. 



