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THE HORSE—INTRODUCTION. i) 
found useful has given rise to all the so-called breeds, such as the draught horse, 
thoroughbred race horse, hunters, cobs, hackneys, coach horses, saddle horses, 
trotters, pacers, buggy horses, ponies, and others, the fashion continually 
changing so that new breeds are coming forward and old ones falling out; 
but none of these necessarily become obsolete, as they can at any time, if 
fashion demands, easily be cultivated to a standard in a few generations, 
THE MODERN HORSE. 
Presuming that the perfect horse combines all the possible requisites 
after the original design, we may further state that individuals of the species 
are subject to variation, so that no one animal combines all qualities in 
perfection, and no two are exactly alike, the physiological causes of which 
will be discussed under their respective’ heads, The classification that 
appears most suitable comprises four groups, namely: The Primitive, the 
Refined, the Varied, and the Common or Domestic. 
The Primitive——The primitive stock, now found as a type in the 
high latitudes, is most nearly identical with the prehistoric horse. Left to 
their own resources, without domesticating influences, these are small, 
tough and hardy, of round build, large heads, short, heavy necks, sturdy 
limbs, dark and shaggy coats, familiar to all who are acquainted with the 
Shetland ponies, or better, with the old French and Scotch. 
The Refined.—This class is typified in the Arab horse of ancient and 
modern times. The white, gray, and delicate lighter shades are an index 
of their refinement and purity; their artistic mould, the superb design of 
their proportions, and the exquisite carving of their form being very sug- 
gestive of antique statuary, there being a marked contrast to the more 
sturdy northern horse. 
The Arab of ancient history is finely represented in bas-relief in the 
ruins of Konyunjik, as we learn from Layard’s “ Nineveh and Babylon.” 
A satisfactory description of the modern Arab also appears in the same 
work, from which we gather that great attention is paid to pedigree, it 
being the first consideration. Arabs divide their thoroughbred horses into 
five races, descended, as some declare, from the five favorite mares of the 
Prophet. The greatest number now, as formerly, is to be found in Meso- 
potamia and the great plains watered by the Tigris and Euphrates. The 
best are probably those of the Shamas and Aneyza tribes. 
The Arab horse is remarkable for its exquisite symmetry, united with 
wonderful powers of endurance, rather than for extraordinary speed. Their 
color is generally white, light or dark gray, light chestnut, or bay, with 
white or black feet. Black is exceedingly rare, and Mr. Layard never 
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