Ponies. 27 



WILD OR PRAIRIE HORSE. 



The wild Horse of South America descended from two stallions 

 and four mares, which the early Spanish adventurers left there. 

 The wild horses, which abound in the Southwestern States are 

 doubtless sprung from the same stock, which were of the celebra- 

 ted Andalusian breed, derived from the Moorish Barb. The prairie 

 horses are often captured, and when domesticated are found to be 

 capable of great endurance. They are not however, recommended 

 by the symmetry or elegance of apperahcefor which their type is 

 so greatly distinguished, being generally rather small and scrubby. 



SHETLAND, MUSTANG, AND INDIAN PONIES. 



The Shetland are the most remarkable of all the pony races, 

 and the best adapted for the principal purpose to which they are 

 used, for learning little boys and girls to ride. They are natives 

 of all the Scottish isles, and rarely exceed three feet four inches 

 in heighth, and none are considered truly bred which exceed three 

 feet eight inches. Many are found which do not exceed thirty two 

 inches; their color is usually black, arc exceedingly tough, strong, 

 hardy, spirited, docile, intelligent, affectionate, and free of disease ; 

 they bear a strong resemblance to the Norman and Canadian horse, 

 literally made of iron, will subsist on almost nothing ; in their 

 native country, wild meadow hay or barley straw is a dainty for 

 them. Their speed is not great but will go along at a sort of a 

 waddling run, their fifty miles a day for weeks under a weight that 

 would bother some horses, that is 150 to 200 lb, or 300 lb, in a 

 wagon. They are not often of the pure breed imported into this 

 country. 



The Mexican Mustang ponies are of Spanish origin, are found 

 chiefly west of the Mississippi. They possess considerable spirit, 

 and vigor, their height is usually about four feet six inches, may be 

 found of all colors, but lack in symmetry, hardihood, and endurance. 



The Northern Indian pony prevails from Canada downward 

 west of the lake's — never exceed four feet six inches in height, they 

 are short barreled, round ribbed, strong-limbed short and thick 

 necked, with legs, fetlocks and feet literally of iron, his mane, tail, 

 and forelocks, very heavy.. In a word, he is the pure Norman war- 

 horse, of the largest and oldest type razeed into a pony. They 

 are in every respect, but size and speed, all that could be desired. 

 They are sure footed and as easily fed as a mule, and fifty to one 

 more enduring of cold. At their own pace, from five to seven 

 miles an hour, they will jog along, perfectly unwearied, for fifty 

 miles a day, week after week, with a load of 160 lb on the saddle, 

 or 300 in a wagon. They are very docile, intelligent as dogs, good- 

 tempered when not. stallions, and extraordinarily high-couraged. 



