CHAPTER XV. 

 BLOODLINES IN THE SHOWRING. 



We come now to the matter of an examination 

 of the blood elements most largely represented in 

 the breeding of the leading prizewinners of recent 

 years at the two most important shows of France 

 and the United States. This was undertaken not 

 with a view to demonstrating the truth or falsity 

 of any particular proposition, but merely as the 

 presentation of the record as it actually exists. A 

 study of these tabulations and summaries should 

 prove of interest and value to present-day Percheron 

 breeders. 



The Breeding of Leading Winners. — The show- 

 ring is to Percherons what the racetrack has been to 

 Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. It is the fiery 

 crucible wherein the gold is separated from the 

 alloy. When leading shows are considered, the win- 

 ners represent the highest type which Percheron 

 breeders have been able to produce. A Percheron 

 of surpassing excellence in type, conformation and 

 quality can no more escape the showring than a 

 race horse of extraordinary speed can escape the 

 racecourse, because hundreds of men are seeking out 

 the most excellent animals to prove their merit by 

 open competition in the showring. If suceessful, 



