BREEDS AND VARIETIES OF HORSES ii 



pony out of his place if it so be that his lack of size 

 does not put him out of court, and, in fact, no 

 variety of horse is capable of being more useful to 

 his master or affording more pleasure to a lover of 

 the equine race than a good pony. 



The description of a pony is difficult to give, as 

 there are a few characteristics amongst the special 



PONY, 



breeds referred to which are not shared by all alike. 

 The great point, however, to be sought for in an animal 

 of this description is quality combined with action, 

 and if a person wants to procure a sound pony 

 possessed of these merits he will assuredly have to 

 pay high for the privilege of doing so. Being so 

 small in stature, ponies are very rarely utiUzed by 

 grown-up persons as saddle horses, and are conse- 

 quently usually relegated to an honourable position 

 between the shafts. The most valuable ponies are 



