48 FR/1TTS POINTERS ON THE HOR5B 



freaks, instead of well-proportioned colts, will be the 

 result 



BREEDING 

 AGES 



For good results, it is always best that 

 both the sire and dam should be mature 

 and have plenty of vigor. If too young 

 or too old, the offspring is apt to be weak and under- 

 sized. The general rule is that a young mare be put to 

 a well-matured horse, not less than from eight to ten 

 years old ; and a young stallion be used for an old mare. 

 Mares can breed from two to twenty-five years old, and 

 sometimes older. It has been proven that age, when 

 bred with youth, is no detriment, as some of our very 

 best horses have been bred from old mares. 



A mare should never be bred, however, until she is 

 at least three years old ; four years is even better. She 

 will then be more fully developed, and her foal stronger. 

 Stallions frequently have full vigor for twenty-five years. 

 Young stallions should be used with judgment, or injury 

 will ensue. 



Early spring is said to be the best time to put a 

 young mare to the horse. If a mare is taken in Febru- 

 ary or March, the offspring is said to be particularly 

 hardy. Some breed in autumn, that the mare may work 

 all summer. The ninth day after foaling is the surest 



