64 THE INDIAN PONY. 



in the neighborhood of Skaneateles, and generally in the western 

 part of the State of New York, is gaining more and more favor 

 with the farmers, and is improving the style and stamina of 

 the country stock. He is said, although small himself in stature, 

 to have the unusual quality of breeding up in size with larger 

 and loftier mares than himself, and to give the foals his own 

 vigor, pluck, and iron constitution, with the frame and general 

 aspect of their dams. This, it may be remarked in passing, 

 appears to be a characteristic of the Barb blood above all others, 

 and is a strong corroboration of the legend, which attributes to 

 him an early Andalusian strain. 



THE INDIAN PONY. 



The various breeds of Indian ponies found in the West, 

 generally appear to be the result of a cross between the Southern 

 mustang, descended from the emancipated Spanish horses of 

 the Southwest, and the smallest type of the Canadian, the pro- 

 portions varying according to the localities in which they are 

 found ; those further to the South sharing more largely of the 

 Spanish, and those to the North of the Normal blood. 



These little animals, not exceeding thirteen hands in height, 

 have, many of them, all the characteristics of the pure Cana- 

 dians, and, except in size, are not to be distinguished from 

 thera. They have the same bold carriage, open countenance, 

 abundant hair, almost resembling a lion's mane, the same 

 general build, and, above all, the same iron feet and legs. 

 They are merry goers, and over a hard and good road can 

 spin along at nearly nine miles in the hour. They are dis- 

 tinguished for their wonderful sure-footedness, sagacity, and 

 docility. They are driven without blinkers or bearing reins, 



