TEMPERAMENT OF BROOD-MARES 



(Published in 'Wallace's Monthly," July, 1886.) 



There is a matter which I have intended writing about 

 for a long time, but for various causes have neglected 

 to do so until now. As I have watched the different per- 

 formers that have appeared on the turf, my ideas have 

 changed somewhat on the breeding question, and some 

 time I want to compare the Wallace theory with the Fasig 

 theory. They are essentially the same, however, for in 

 fact the latter received its foundation from the teachings 

 of the greatest student of the subject in the world — i. e., 

 J. H. Wallace. But of that another time. 



What I want to speak of now is the disposition of 

 brood-mares. Is there any way, without involving too 

 much labor, to get statistics on this subject showing the 

 temperament of the dams of the greatest trotters? I 

 think it an essential question and one that has never re- 

 ceived the consideration due it. From my own limited 

 observation it seems a startling fact that every dam that 

 has produced a fast horse has been a very high-strung 

 mare. In a small way I have studied the matter, and 

 have made inquiries from quite a good many sources, 

 and the result is the same in every case. Many of the 

 mares have been vicious, even, and most all of them pull- 

 ers and luggers. It is the easiest thing in the world to 

 spoil a high-spirited horse and make a lugger or puller of 

 him or make him vicious. 



