CHAPTER XXVIII 



MORE ABOUT THE ARAB HORSE 



Have you seen the Arab mare Naomi, sent over from 

 England by Mr Vidal some years ago, said to be the only 

 mare ever imported to the United States — no record of any 

 other having at that time been found ? 



' Yes, I have seen her, and her arrival was a happy event. 

 However, there are now three gentlemen in the United 

 States possessed of mares and stallions of pure Arab 

 blood. As scientific breeders, they believe it is necessary 

 to elevate the blood-standard in America. They are con- 

 vinced that the Arab horse is primitive and perfect, and 

 reproduces himself with all mental and physical perfection ; 

 that all the values in the horse, whether to trot, pace or 

 run, come from the Arab, and that all good qualities are 

 greater or less, according to the amount of pure Arab blood. 

 Crossings are but the dilution of blood cause. They realise 

 the necessity of having more pure Arab blood, especially in 

 the female line, that a promiscuous use of it is not satis- 

 factory, and that an affinity blood is essential. They know 

 that the Arabian is the only strictly true and pure bred 

 horse in the world, and that every good quality — speed, 

 endurance, soundness of constitution and beauty of form 



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