42 



Finally there is arranged in each province an annual 

 provincial competition for the stallions which have obtai- 

 ned a prize in the class of 4 years and over, or a 2 nd prize 

 in one of the shows of the year or of the preceding year. 

 In this competition there are two prizes : a first of 900 francs 

 and a second of Too francs. 



These prizes can be gained the same year with the 

 1 st competition bounty, but the owner of a stallion which 

 has obtained a second competition prize can only claim the 

 provincial bounty. 



The examination of the stallions is followed, sometimes 

 in the same year, but generally in the succeeding year by 

 shows of foals, and fillies of two years and three years, and 

 by sliows of brood mares. Considerable prizes are awar- 

 ded at these different shows. Maintenance bounties may 

 also bo awarded to the owners of the best brood mares. 



By these means the provincial regulations encourage the 

 maintenance of good breeding stock from the age of 

 18 months, and encouragement is continued during a long 

 period it' (he condition of the horses justify it. As regards 

 the stallions of merit, the maintenance bounties are paid 

 to the owners so long as the committees of examination 

 pass the horses as fit for service. 



In 1886, the Belgian Draught Horse Society : Le chcval 

 de trait bdge was founded. This association has a double 

 object : 



a) Encouragement is given to the breeding of native 

 horses by the organisation of annual national shows ; 



b) The keeping of a Studbook of Belgian horses. 



All horse breeders of Belgium may participate in the 

 annual shows of the society. 



Most of .the horses awarded prizes at the provincial shows 

 come and compete in Brussels. The shows of the Draught 

 Horse Society have greatly contributed to make the best 

 breeds, known and appreciated. They have also greatly 

 influenced the decisive direction given to horse breeding 

 in Belgium; the excellent qualities of these horses is uni- 

 versally recognized (i). 



(i) A Special publication concerning The Belgian draught horse, 

 will bo distributed at the Horse shows of Saint-Louis of a4 th August 

 to 3th September 



