146 A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



the rough ponies of Iceland and northern Europe are prob- 

 ably closely related to the later form of prehistoric horses. 



The development of the breeds of horses has been due 

 to different conditions. Climate, food, and man, have each 

 had a very important influence. A mild climate and abun- 

 dant food no doubt caused the horse to become gradually 

 larger than where the climate was cold and food not abun- 

 dant. The Shetland pony comes from a region in the North 

 Sea where the weather is very severe and food is never 

 plentiful. So this pony on its native island is very small. 

 In his American home, however, on the western prairie, 

 where food is -abundant, and the climate mild, he develops 

 into a greater size. The horses from hot climates have 

 always been more active than those from cold. Thus in 

 northern Africa the Arab horse has developed into an animal 

 full of grace and activity. So we see that breeds probably 

 gradually developed in certain localities, and that different 

 causes helped to bring about the final result. There are 

 many breeds of horses and ponies in different parts of the 

 world. The following, however, are the only ones common 

 in America, that should especially interest us. 



The Arab horse originated in the desert region of north- 

 ern Africa, where it has been known since long before the 

 time of Christ. The Arab is a saddle horse, but usually is a 

 pony in size. The horses from Arabia and the Orient have 

 had a great deal to do with the improvement of the horse in 

 Europe. Between 1700 and 1800, many Oriental horses were 

 taken to England. Their blood was mingled with the horses 

 of that country, and especially with the race-horse type, by 

 which a great improvement in form and speed was secured. 

 Arab horses should be from 14 to 14^ hands high, have 

 beautiful, intelligent heads; backs especially suited to the 

 saddle; and have strong, muscular quarters and legs. The 

 pure Arabian may be gray, white, bay, chestnut, or black. 

 He is not of special value in America. He was first brought 



