THE ARAB HORSE 13 



In color there is some variation, for there are bays, whites, grays, 

 chestnuts, and blacks, the latter being least common of all. 



The value of the Arab in cross breeding is preeminent. Wher- 

 ever used he has transmitted constitution, quality, intelligence, 

 and style in a marked degree. His value to horse stock in the past 

 has been incalculable. Not only this, but European governments, 

 even of to-day, recognize the value of an Arabian cross to instill 

 the qualities above referred to into depleted stock. As an 

 example of this crossing, in 1899 it is stated that the French 

 government mated sixty Thoroughbred mares with pure Arabian 

 stallions at the national stud at Pompadour. The object was 

 to obtain Anglo-Arab stallions for service in the government 

 studs. These cross-bred stallions are usually placed in low, soft 

 districts, where the horses are coarse and of inferior bone. The 

 progeny from such stallions have more refinement and quality 

 than those obtained by other matings. At the present time one 

 important use for Arab sires is breeding to Welsh, New Forest, 

 Exmoor, or similar ponies to produce cross-breds for polo playing. 



The registration of Arab horses is provided for in the American 

 Studbook, and in the General Studbook of Great Britain. There 

 is no special organization for the promotion of this breed. 



