166 MODERN FARRIER, 



most level roads. But the most remarkable proof 

 of the strength of our British horses is derived from 

 that of our mill-horses ; some of which will at one 

 load carry 13 measures, which at a moderate com- 

 putation of 70 Ik each, will amount to 910 lb. 



96. Selecting Stallions. 



The want of good saddle and road-horses, in this 

 country, and the increase of a bad breed, arises 

 chiefly from the w^ant of proper stallions. The fol- 

 lowing cautions, if attended to, would obviate this 

 very general evil. 



1 . Remember that the length of the legs has no- 

 thing to do with the size of the body, and that 

 strength depends more on the muscular disposition 

 of tlie animal than on his height. There are more 

 good middle-sized horses than larger ones that are 

 sixteen or seventeen hands high. 



2. Fat, large, black, fleshy legged liorses, with 

 coarse large heads, narrow^ foreheads, and small eyes 

 and nostrils, are, in consequence of their relaxed 

 texture, almost universally affected with swelled 

 legs and greasy heels. They are clearly deficient 

 both in strength of body and vigour of constitution. 



3. Horses that are either blind or broken-winded 

 are very improper to breed from, as these particular 

 diseases are often hereditary. 



4. Perfect well-formed legs and feet are of the 

 greatest importance in the choice of a stallion ; for 

 v^hen the feet of horses are disposed to dryness and 

 inflammation, the owner is exposed to constant vex- 

 ation and disappointment. 



5 The temper of a stallion is also an object of 

 importance, for some are naturally vicious, which 

 overbalance many other good qualities. 



6. Inferior stallions, which cover at a low price, 

 have generally more mares put to them than they 



