146 LIGHT HORSES : BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



carrying ponies comes to be considered, as amongst these the 

 constitutions would probably be vigorous enough, and it 

 would be the type and tendency to run to size that would 

 require the special energies of the breeder to be devoted to 

 them. "Big little ones" can be produced with comparatively 

 less trouble, though with no degree of certainty, from the 

 crossing of a small animal with a big one ; but this is a happy- 

 go-lucky method of breeding, which only proves what every- 

 body would expect namely, that a small foal might be 

 produced and leads to no tangible results whatsoever. The 

 youngster is, in fact, just as likely to come as big as its larger 

 parent, but more probably will partake of the nature of both, 

 and be a compromise between the pair, and therefore if by 

 any principle of scientific breeding a strain could be produced 

 which was in the habit of throwing cloddy, powerful young 

 stock of about 14 hands in height, a certain fortune would be 

 the reward of the happy founder thereof. Here, again, the 

 advantages of persistent in-breeding would be fully recognised ; 

 but the first step on the path of progress must be the selection 

 of the right sort of foundation stock. Fortunately, too, for 

 those if there are such in existence who would be bold 

 enough to attempt such an experiment, there is the Hackney 

 at hand to commence upon, and this is the class of horse above 

 all others which may be suggested for the purpose. The 

 Hackney is, of course, a born mover, and most of them can 

 walk, which in the case of an old man's pony is an essential 

 accomplishment. There are big quarters, properly placed 

 tails, flat bone and good feet, all ready to be utilised ; and not 

 the least advantage offered by the Hackney would be the 

 hardiness of his constitution, which would certainly stand in- 

 breeding and privation as well as could be expected or desired. 

 Moreover, although the tendency of the age is to increase the 

 size of the Hackney, there are plenty of, comparatively speak- 

 ing, small animals at hand which, in spite of their breeding, 

 are obtainable at fair prices. It also should be quite possible 

 to obtain a few that were in-bred to commence with, and if so, 



