Chapter VIII. 



FRENCH COACH HORSES. 



{Demi- Sang. ) 



These horses are the direct result of the wisdom and foresight of 

 the French government. Some time during the latter part of the i8th 

 century the government began the establishment of studs and breeding 

 stables, in anticipation of an approaching scarcity of good horses for 

 the cavalry service. Thoroughbred stallions from England were intro- 

 duced and their services offered to breeders at remarkably low rates, the 

 policy of the government being to buy back the get of these horses, and 

 eventually establish a breed of the peculiar type desired. The practice 

 led to a great deal of trickery in the way of selling good-Jooking in- 

 dividuals on appearance solely, the fraud only appearing when the ani- 

 mal was used for breeding purposes. To obviate this trouble, the French 

 government adopted the plan of buying up superior stallion colts and 

 rearing them in the public studs. In addition to this, the owners of very 

 superior stallions are granted a bonus by the government, on condition 

 that the stallion in question shall remain in the country for service ; 

 a second class the owners of stallions good but not fine are allowed 

 to offer their stallions for service, but receive no subsidy ; no stallions 

 except these two classes, and those belonging to the government, are 

 allowed to stand. In certain departments of France only as notably 

 in Orne, Calvados and Seine-Infe'rieure is government attention directed 

 to the production of Coachers ; in other departments the Thorough- 

 bred, the Breton and the celebrated Norman and Percheron horses re- 

 ceive in turn particular attention. The American French Coach Horse 

 Association has been organized, and a Stud Book started. S. D. Thomp- 

 son, of Wayne, 111., is the present secretary. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 



The color of the Franch Coach is usually bay, but chestnuts are abundant and 

 blacks quite common ; the fashion in America calls for bays, and most of our importers 

 have selected with a view of supplying this fashionable demand. In size they rank with 

 the Cleveland an average weight falling between 1,000 and 1,200 Bbs. for stallions. 

 The head is small, with full forehead, expressive eyes, fine muzzle, and medium, quick- 

 playing ears The neck is long, well arched and firmly set on long, sloping shoulders. 

 The back is short ; hips long and well up ; legs of good length, firmly knit, and with 

 tough, well-made feet. In general appearance as will be seen by a glance at the en- 

 gravings the French Coach Horse is just what the name indicates, a stylish, well-made 

 carriage horse of good action and fine appearance. 



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