150 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



The French track is from two to three miles long, and 

 is of turf. These sod tracks promote high knee action 

 and long strides, as well as strong, well-flexed hock 

 action, and in addition increase the stamina and endur- 

 ance. 



Uses of the French Coach horse; — In America, this 

 breed is prominent for heavy-harness driving, while in 

 France it is also used for saddle purposes, for racing and 

 for the cavalry. In this country the French Coach 

 stallions are often crossed on common mares for the 

 production of a grade coach horse for general city pur- 

 poses. When the mares were of the proper conformation 

 and possessed sufficient quality success has usually fol- 

 lowed such efforts. These grades possess much style 

 and action, and in addition are of sufficient weight to 

 command a high price on the market. 



Distribution of the French Coach horse. — This breed 

 is perhaps as widespread as the Hackney, but has not 

 been bred systematically on a large scale except in 

 France. Large numbers have been imported to America 

 and are scattered throughout the North Atlantic and 

 Central states, where they are in demand for general 

 utility. 



Organizations and records. — As previously stated, the 

 French Coach Stud Book was established and the French 

 Jockey Club organized in 1833 by a royal decree. This 

 organized effort has been responsible for much of the 

 development of the breed in France. In America the 

 French Coach is represented by two societies, the French 

 Coach Horse Society of America, organized in 1888, and 

 with headquarters at Oak Park, Illinois, and the French 

 Coach Horse Registry Company, organized in 1904, with 

 headquarters at Columbus, Ohio. Each society has es- 

 tablished a stud book and published at least one volume. 



