128 THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 



FRENCH COACH HORSE. 



For the following information regarding the French coach 

 horse I am indebted to the kindness of the editor of their " Stud 

 Book": 



" The following history of the government studs of France, 

 and their effect upon the horses of that country will give a 

 person a fair idea of the quality of horses the scientific breeder 

 of later periods were provided with ; from which, by ming- 

 ling the blood of the Arab, Barb, and thoroughbred, they 

 formed that magnificent race of coach horses that so admirably 

 meets the demands of the fastidious purchasers of high-step- 

 ping, fine-styled, smooth-formed horses of sufficient weight to 

 draw the heavy European coaches of the present day. • 



" The liberal aid in supplying the finest stallions, the gener- 

 ous encouragement extended to the breeders of fine horses by 

 the government in France since the establishment of the Gov- 

 ernment Stud Book by Louis Phillip in 1833, has done much to 

 secure that combination of power, elegance, and endurance 

 that has placed the French coach horse in the front rank of 

 excellence .among the carriage breeds of the world. 



The need of this class of horses in America has been griev- 

 ously felt, and the demand for them is constantly increasing, 

 and their raising will undoubtedly prove a lucrative branch of 

 horse breeding. The eagerness that information is sought after 

 on the subject is the best evidence that we can have that the 

 introduction of French coachers into America will meet 

 with a favorable reception. 



THE GOVERNMENT STUDS OF FRANCE. 



" The French government has taken an interest in the im- 

 provement of horses never equaled by that of any other nation. 



"That the French people have from the earliest periods 

 been ardent lovers of equine perfection is evinced in the early 

 superiority of the horses of that country, and the popularity of 

 every move made by the government tending towards their 

 improvement. 



