88 THE ORANGE COUNTY 



supposed to be a Barb, and contributed more to the improve- 

 ment of our racers than any other foreign horse before or 

 since. 



THE AUSTRALIAN HORSE. 



At first, horses were exclusively imported from England, 

 but they were found rapidly to degenerate. The coasts of 

 Chili and Peru were then tried for mares, and this step was 

 followed by the production of a breed admirably suited to 

 the country. Surefootedness and endurance are now emi- 

 nently the characteristics of the Australian horses, and their 

 sagacity probably exceeds that of all other breeds. It is 

 wonderful to see an Australian stockman at full speed after 

 a drove of wild cattle, amidst a mass of forest of which 

 neither he nor his horse have the slightest knowledge. The 

 ground beneath his feet is full of yawning chasms in the 

 earth, caused by the dryness of the climate, whilst the over- 

 hanging branches threaten him every moment with such 

 blows on the head, as, if not avoided, would speedily put an 

 end to his horsemanship. Under these circumstances, there 

 seems to be a compact between horse and rider, that the 

 horse shall look at all dangers beneath his feet, whilst the 

 rider ducks between the overhanging branches; and between 

 them they perform feats which few steeple-chasers \vould 

 face, though accidents are very rare. 



A similar, and perhaps a still better, breed is rapidly 

 being introduced into New Zealand, The breeding stock is 

 the same, but from the greater favorableness of the climate, 

 it is probable that this country will produce one of the finest 

 breeds of horses in the world. 



We have often witnessed the process of these persons in 

 breaking the wild horse as he finds a purchaser from the 

 ship. As it is curious, and may afford hints to English 

 horse-breakers, we will describe it. A post is firmly fixed in 

 the ground, to which a ring is attached. The horse is then 

 brought to the post with a long halter, and made fast. The 

 breaker takes his poncho a large cloak worn by the South 

 Americans and ties it round the eyes of the horse, so as to 

 blindfold him. The animal is then left to himself, and 

 shortly begins to tremble with fright at his unusual helpless 

 position. A profuse perspiration breaks out upon him, and 

 if suffered to continue thus, ho falls from the exhaustion of 

 the nervous system caused by his fright. Before this takes 

 place, a rude saddle is placed on his back, heavily weighted 

 at the stirrups, and to this he quietly submits. Presently, 



