84 HOW TO BREED A HORSE. 



be an exceptional case ; but if of an irritable family, she 

 would be worse tlian even a roarer or a blind one." 



Sulkiness and savageness, and even the liability to start 

 and shy violently, are likewise to some degree hereditary; 

 but as these are capable of being modified and affected in 

 the highest degree, if not absolutely cured, by judicious 

 and humane treatment in young animals, they are not so 

 essential to be guarded against. 



GENERAL RULES. 



First. Size, symmetry and soundness are mostly to be 

 regarded in the mare ; — blood from the sire, beauty from 

 the dam, is the Golden Eule. 



Second. She should have a roomy frame, hips somewhat 

 sloping, a little more than the average length, wide-chested, 

 deep in the girth, quarters strong and well let down, hocks 

 wide apart, wide and deep in the pelvis. 



Third. In temper she should be gentle, courageous, free 

 from all irritability and viciousness. 



Fourth. Previous to putting her to the horse she should 

 be brought into the most perfect state of health, not over- 

 fed, or loaded with fat, or in a pampered state, but by ju- 

 dicious exercise and an abundance of nutritious food and 

 proper grooming she should be in the very best condition. 



Fifth. During gestation she should have generous and 

 nourishing, but not heating diet. For the first three or four 

 months she may be worked moderately, and even to 

 within a few weeks of her foaling she niay do light work 

 with advantage to her system. 



