164 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



Thoroughbred or the Arabian horses. These still 

 are known as Broncos, although in recent years they are 

 more commonly termed " cow ponies," from the use that 

 is made of them in herding and driving cattle on the 

 ranges. 



191. The Bronco. The Broncos, like all horses in a 

 semi-wild state, have good constitutions, and the best 

 of feet, but because of inbreeding and want of selection, 

 they may not be good in general conformation. "In 

 general, the Bronco is an exceedingly hardy, wiry little 

 horse, possessed of considerable endurance. In the best 

 types the head is small, clean-cut and refined, with 

 bright, piercing eyes, small ears and attractive appear- 

 ance, although many individuals have ill-formed heads. 

 The neck of the better class is of medium length, well 

 crested and very well carried. The body is short, deep 

 and muscular. Broncos are frequently ridden day 

 after day for weeks at a time, without shoes, over the 

 rough, rocky soil, carrying a heavy man and a cumbersome 

 stock saddle (Plate V). They weigh approximately 

 850 pounds, and are possessed of enormous strength for 

 their size and weight." (W. L. Carlyle.) 



These ponies of the Southwest, as a rule, do not exceed 

 thirteen and one-half or fourteen hands in height unless 

 cross-bred. Some of them are handsome, graceful crea- 

 tures, but they do not compare favorably with the best 

 American horses, or with imported European ponies, nor 

 are they as good as the more northern Indian pony. 

 They stand a great deal of hard work, however, and if 

 broken young, can be made very serviceable. It is 

 to be regretted that this race of exceedingly useful and 

 picturesque animals is decreasing, as a result of the demand 

 for a larger and more fleet horse by the cowmen which 



