172 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



instructions of the purchasing board allowed con- 

 siderable latitude, but it was required to select 

 strictly according to type. Hereditary unsound - 

 ness was regarded as a disqualification. Pedigree 

 was not considered, so far as registration was 

 concerned, but the board required evidence to be 

 submitted showing that the animals purchased 

 were from parents and ancestors of like type, 

 thus insuring blood lines that would breed rea- 

 sonably true. Speed, while not ignored, was not 

 made an essential. Life, spirit, and energy, with 

 moderate speed, were considered, and, while con- 

 formation was not sacrificed to speed, speed with 

 conformation and good action was regarded as an 

 advantage. 



"The type for mares was one standing about 

 15.3 hands, weighing 1100 to 1150 pounds, bay, 

 brown or chestnut in color, with stylish head and 

 neck, full made body, deep ribs, straight back, 

 strong loin, straight, full croup, muscular fore- 

 arms, quarters and lower thighs; good all-round 

 was insisted upon. Any tendency to pace or mix 

 gaits was regarded as grounds for disqualifica- 

 tion. In some cases mares of more than 15.3 



