74 HORSE-BREEDING FOR FARMERS CHAP, 
her soundness and activity, and do his best to select 
a sire that is calculated to remedy her defects in the 
offspring. Such a sire should be of the approved 
and fashionable stamp, and, if possible, with a re- 
putation for getting good sound foals of the right 
colour. Colour helps to sell in all breeds. If the 
Shire horse is selected, a stallion should be sought 
that is big every way, but not higher than 17 
hands at the most, and a horse not nearly so tall 
at the shoulder may be the better stock-getter. 
He should have a quick but kind eye, and a good 
temper; he should be compact, with a deep middle, 
and muscular all over—loins, shoulders, and thighs ; 
he should have big forearms, thighs, and second 
thighs. His top appearance should be one of 
lengthiness without weakness, and his body should 
be carried on short, flat legs, with big joints. He 
should measure about 11 inches below the knee ; 
his tail should be well set on; his mane long and 
full; the hair on his legs should be plentiful, 
long, and silky; his feet wide and sound; and he 
should, of course, be free from hereditary affections 
of all sorts. Beyond these attributes he should be 
a horse with plenty of action, lifting his knee and 
flexing his hock. There are, needless to say, many 
excellent sires that do not come up to this standard, 
and it is better to use a moderate sire with an 
ascertained record of merit than even a show horse 
with a doubtful record or which has his name to 
make. The mare being bought and the sire selected, 
pains must be taken to ensure her being got in foal. 
Nine out of ten mares that miss are barren simply 
from want of care in catching the mare at the right 
