106\ TYPES AND BREEDS 



generations back, the type is not always fixed, as is exemplified 

 among the breed representatives themselves, hence they may 

 not breed trne; they have been largely mismated, being stood 

 along with draft stallions and getting only those common bred 

 mares that w^ere considered too small to raise a draft colt. Bred 

 to trotting-bred mares, results have proven very satisfactory in 

 many instances, in the production of good-sized, well-shaped, 

 and high-going harness horses (Fig. T6). 



GERMAN COACH 



Origin. — The different States of Germany have* been pra 

 ducing big, stout horses for mounting the German cavalry for 

 so long a time that their origin is obscure. Some Thoroughbred 

 crosses have been made, no doubt, more especially in certain 

 States, but as a rule the German horse shows very little of the 

 refining influence of this blood. It is probable that some Oriental 

 crosses have also been made, but cold blood dominates in their 

 veins. 



They have been bred more or less under government super- 

 vision, although the system is not so complete as in France. 

 Each State has been, to a certain extent, a law unto itself, and 

 has developed a type somewhat distinctive. Size and substance 

 requisite to 'carry the heavy weight of the fully equipped Ger- 

 man trooper have been sought more regularly than the pace and 

 action of the harness horse. 



The type of German coacher which has been brought for- 

 ward in this country is derived chiefly from Oldenburg and East 

 Friesland. It is the largest of any of the heavy harness breeds 

 (Fig. 77), weighing 1500 pounds in some instances, with an ideal 

 haniess form, if not too drafty, as may be the case, but quite gen- 

 erally deficient in quality, finish, style, pace, and action — in 

 short, too cold. The more refined individuals present a most 

 imposing stamp of coach horse, and some go very well. 



Color. — Hard, solid colors are so prevalent that importers 

 will sell a stallion under a guarantee to get a high percentage of 

 colts that wdll be bay, brown or black, with very little if any 

 white. 



