THE CLYDESDALE 123 



As might be supposed, this breed finds its greatest champions 

 among the Scotch-Americans. 



Half-bred or grade Clydesdales are not uncommon in some sec- 

 tions of the country. Pure-bred stallions on native mares of draft 

 character produce excellent horses for farm or city work. They 

 are usually of medium draft weight, are active on foot, and are 

 quiet and docile of temperament. They frequently lack weight 

 for the heaviest work, which emphasizes the necessity of using 

 only such stallions for sires as have plenty of middle, as well as 

 quality and bone. 



High prices for Clydesdales are more common in Scotland than 

 in America. Prince of Albion (6178) is said to have sold for 

 ^3000 ($15,000), Prince of Kyle for $8000, and Prince Alexan- 

 der (8899) for $6000. The highest price ever paid for a two- 

 year-old filly was 1000 guineas ($5000) for Montrave Rosea by 

 Prince of Albion. 



Criticisms of the Clydesdale are not uncommon among horse- 

 men. The hairy legs are objected to by farmers who find it 

 necessary to use them on dirt roads or under conditions in which 

 mud or dampness are prevalent in the cooler months of the 

 year. The Scotchman argues that the hair protects the skin of 

 the leg, and is an evidence of superior bone. In spite of this 

 assertion the average buyer prefers a horse with a leg free from 

 superfluous hair. On a city pavement or on the hard macadam- 

 ized roads of Europe the hair is not so objectionable. 



The shortness of rib of this breed, with a tendency to rangi- 

 ness of body, has also counted against it in the past. A short 

 coupling and broad, deep body must be a part of the best draft 

 type, to give the necessary weight for hauling heavy loads. The 

 more recent show horses are distinctly deeper of rib and meet 

 with a more favorable reception by horsemen generally. 



