Breeding. 83 



tations occur, in which case the wisest course to 

 pursue is to send off with all despatch for the 

 nearest veterinary surgeon ; as by unskilful treat- 

 ment the life of both mare and foal are en- 

 dangered. 



THE HUNTER. 



The hunter is of great value to the tenant 

 farmer and small breeder — a good sound and 

 clever hunter is always as good as ready money 

 — therefore it will not be out of place to give 

 a few hints how to breed them, and also how 

 to train them to make perfect horses in the 

 field. In selecting the mare to breed from, it 

 is necessary to make as many enquiries into 

 her lineage as possible. First, examine her 

 carefully to ascertain if she has any hereditary 

 complaints, and if the mare has curby hocks, 

 splints, thick Avind, a roarer, or imiperi'ect vision, 

 discard her at once, however good she may be, for 

 her progeny is sure to inherit its mother's failings. 

 If, on the other hand, the mare has flat legs, good 

 feet (if rather large it is a good fault), if the sole 

 is not flat, deep chested, a good oblique shoulder, 

 rather long in the back, with powerful loins, the 

 fore limbs standing well forward, and of six or 

 seven years of age (not under six or over twelve), 

 you may come to the conclusion that you have a 

 chance for a good foal. But look back to her 

 ancestors and try and find out if any of them 

 were screws, for the best mares will sometimes 

 throw back for five or six generations. It is a 

 noticeable fact that the best horses of the present 



