26 BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



were discovered by a famous Russian explorer. These and 

 the rough ponies of Iceland and northern Europe are prob- 

 ably closely related to the latest 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 

 abundant food no doubt caused the horse to become gradu- 

 ally larger than where the climate was cold and food not 

 abundant. 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, arid 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 northern 

 Africa, where he 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 beauti- 

 ful, intelligent heads; backs especially suited to the saddle; 



