n6 LIGHT HORSES: BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



mares up to not more than 14 stone. In this way the heavier 

 mares, which may be the better calculated to breed weight 

 carriers, would have more chances of gaining prizes than they 

 have at present. It would also be a move in the right direc- 

 tion if greater rewards could be given in the classes for 

 farmers' brood-mares. If a farmer with a decent mare could 

 nearly make sure of picking up 25 or ^"30 a year at small 

 shows there would be forthcoming proof positive that keeping 

 a better mare paid best, not only because she could win 

 prizes where a worn-out thing could not, but also because 

 better young stock could be bred. 



HUNTER SIRES. 



In an article on " Hunter Sires," Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart., 

 makes some suggestions which are calculated to render the 

 breeding of hunters more reliable than it has hitherto been. 

 He writes as follows : 



" It is strange to observe how satisfied many people con- 

 tinue to be with the present system of breeding general-pur- 

 pose horses. This condition of mind affords a striking 

 instance of the influence which deep-rooted prejudice, and a 

 determination to adhere to fashion, can exert upon the intelli- 

 gence of men. The idea has prevailed too long that weight- 

 carriers or useful riding and driving horses can only be 

 bred by using thoroughbred sires ; and this belief has proved 

 the chief obstacle in the way of every suggestion for a better 

 system of breeding strong and sizeable animals. 



" There is no doubt that the thoroughbred of to-day is, for 

 racing and for reproducing speedy animals, better than he ever 

 was before ; yet the fact that there has been great change in 

 rules and customs of the Turf has made him, of necessity, less 

 suitable as a sire for getting horses for weight-carrying, for 

 harness, or for military purposes. The altered system of rac- 

 ing and modified Turf arrangements have combined to produce 



