128 



THE HORSE 



and want of pace. The great love of blood entertained by breeders in 

 Ireland makes that country the best in the world for finding ponies suitable 

 for polo; although I have known but few suitable for the game. As a 

 rule, an Irish breeder tries to get a hunter, or failing that, a smart trapper ; 

 for his countrymen love to drive a bit of blood. From the Irish animals 

 which are too small for either kind of work we get the large majority of 

 our polo-ponies." 



Up to the present, the majority of attempts at breeding ponies within 

 narrow limits of height have failed, on account of the tendency sires and 

 dams have of " throwing back " ; the fillies being frequently too small for 

 polo : the . colts too big. By the rules of the game polo-ponies may not 

 exceed 14 hands 2 inches. Captain Daly's "Wig," who rode to victory in 



From a photograph hy FlJd, Puincy. 



THE rOLO-PONY. 



the champion cup of 1894, is thus described by Lieutenant Miller — " He can, 

 if required, carry the fourteen stone of his owner for a full half-hour in a 

 tight match. He stands on the best of legs and feet, has excellent 

 shoulders, well-set-on head and neck, plenty of rein, great bone, strong 

 back, arched ribs, deep through the middle of the body, powerful quarters, 

 the best of hocks, and no superfluous weight." In fact all the points of a 

 high-class pony without any faults. The amusing author finishes his descrip- 

 tion by inviting his readers to " kindly add to this the temper of an angel 

 and the wisdom of the Evil One, and they will have his idea of a perfect 

 pony." 



Lastly, the Shetlander comes under review. He is the smallest variety 

 of the Bi'itish horse, and his appearance is well delineated in the annexed 

 engraving. His head, almost concealed by his rough shaggy mane and 

 forelock, looks smaller than it really is, while his neck is extremely well 



