Iv THE VARDY 53 
the inexperienced can tell the Thoroughbred at sight ; 
and it is certain that when you use the Thorough- 
bred sire you will obtain the quality and texture of 
the Thoroughbred to a preponderating extent. In 
breeding from non-pedigree stock, even from the 
best-looking and most meritorious mares, there is so 
large an element of chance as to make horse-breeding 
a lottery, for she may throw back to some unknown 
cross and have a foal that in no way resembles her. 
Those who have tried to breed hunters from half-bred 
hunter mares know how difficult it is to make sure 
of counting on breeding a good hunter. The mare 
may be a big fine one, with quality and endurance, 
and yet somehow or other her progeny are faulty or 
undersized weeds. On the other hand, a little mare 
that has been nothing wonderful herself may throw 
superb stock. Therefore the farmer who breeds for 
the market, unless he is sure of his mare’s capacity 
for throwing good stock, is wise not to despise pedi- 
gree, and should look to “breeding” even in purely 
agricultural horses. 
I have previously alluded to the old north-country 
prejudice against hairy heels, and though I do not 
entirely lament its disappearance, I do think the 
farmers of Northumberland have made a mistake to 
lose the strong, hardy, active, clean-legged breed 
known as the Northumberland Chapman or Vardy. 
These horses were similar to, but of a heavier make 
than, the Cleveland bay of the stronger and old- 
fashioned sort in vogue in the days of heavy coaches, 
deep muddy roads, and long journeys. The Vardy 
was not bred so true to colour as the Cleveland, but 
was a purely agricultural horse, though partaking of 
