WHAT SORT OF HORSE TO BREED 213 



that is, thoroughbred and Arab — was not more 

 practised in Australia. 



' Goulburn Valley,' in the Leader, October 6, 1890, 

 says that it was contended by some experienced 

 breeders that we want more Arab blood for endur- 

 ance, and that it was certain that first-class Arab 

 sires of the true breed could only be used at a 

 generally prohibitive fee. On this I observe that it 

 is doubtful if there are any Arab sires in the world 

 of higher class and purer breed than Mr. Blunt's. 



The Afazl (March 9, 1902) states that in a contract 

 by Major Follett for horses for the Transvaal War 

 it was provided that the horse must be within the 

 heights of 14.2 and 15.1 hands. My Quambi Arab 

 stallions have averaged about 14.3 hands ; one of 

 them nearly reached 15 hands. 



The Spectator says (March 15, 1902) that 'nothing 

 can surpass the South African cob for mounted 

 infantry work. They are hardy, active little beasts 

 that require no care, live on the scantiest rations, 

 and on the veldt they are sure-footed as goats. . . . 

 Something is lost even in the Arab if it is bred up 

 over the nominal height of 14^ hands.' 



The Spectator apparently assumes that the South 

 African ponies are Arabs, as they are. Whether 

 that be his assumption or not, the expression ' even 

 in the Arab ' shows the writer's decided opinion of 

 the excellence of the Arab breed, and infers that it 

 would take a great deal to cause that breed to 

 deteriorate. Difficult as that would be, says the 



