countries further East suffered little from 

 these causes. It was then proved beyond 

 dispute that these small horses are both 

 hardy and enduring, while, owing to their 

 possession like our English thoroughbreds 

 of a strong strain of Arab blood, they 

 were speedy enough for light cavalry pur- 

 poses. 



Breeders of every class of horse, saving 

 only those who breed the Shetland pony 

 and the few who aim at getting ponies for 

 polo, have for generations made it their 

 object to obtain increased height. There is 

 nothing to be urged against this policy in 

 so far as certain breeds are concerned ; the 

 sixteen-hand thoroughbred with his greater 

 stride is more likely to win races than the 

 horse of fifteen two ; the sixteen-hand 

 carriage horse, other qualities being equal, 

 brings a better price than one of less stature ; 

 and the Shire horse of 16*2 or 17 hands 

 has commonly in proportion greater strength 

 and weight, the qualities most desirable in 

 him, than a smaller horse. Thus we can 

 show excellent reason for our endeavours to 

 increase the height of our most valuable 

 breeds ; and the long period that has 

 elapsed since we were last called upon to 

 put forward our military strength has allowed 



