THE AMERICAN HORSE MARKET 193 



most other forms of live stock. An undesirable 

 steer or hog or sheep can be killed for meat and 

 something gotten out of it, but a scrub colt is a 

 source of loss and annoyance; consequently, get 

 rid of your poor mares; or, at any rate, do not 

 breed them. Pick out good individuals which have 

 proved good breeders or give indications of being 

 successful mothers. See that they have good bone, 

 are full of life and also see that they are well fed 

 and cared for. 



In selecting a brood mare, length of loin and a 

 wide and deep rib must be given the highest con- 

 sideration. Select those showing feminine char- 

 acter rather than masculine. The mare's jaw 

 should be lighter than that of a stallion. The neck 

 should also show refinement. If mares are to be 

 bought, two rules are a pretty safe guide. One is 

 to buy the mare with a foal at foot. This gives the 

 purchaser an opportunity to see what kind of colts 

 the mare brings. The other is to buy young fillies 

 of the man who bred them. This gives an oppor- 

 tunity to see both sire and dam. In purchasing 

 pure-bred stock, of course, the pedigree or cer- 

 tificate must be right. See that the animal has 

 good ancestors. In conformation, the draft mare 

 should have the sloping pastern and shoulder, good 

 feet, excellent hocks, compact bone, and must have 

 a good disposition. 



After the mares have been chosen, the selection of 

 a stallion requires the highest skill and the best 

 experience. He should be a horse of good size if 

 a drafter. He must be well balanced, strong and 

 virile in every particular. He must have a massive 

 jaw, a clear, bright eye, good width between the 

 eyes, indicating intelligence; he must have sound 

 feet; his bones must be clean and compact; all his 



