BREEDING HORSES FOR FARM AND MARKET 



303 



THE FARMER'S HORSE 



While the average farmer should not attempt to pro- 

 duce fancy or fast horses, because of his lack of capital, 

 time and facilities, yet he has certain advantages as a 

 horse breeder that should be recognized and that should 

 shape his course. The farmer uses horses extensively, 

 and while the most efficient type of horse will depend 

 to some extent upon the nature of the farm work, yet 

 only the more useful 

 types can be proper- 

 ly employed, there 

 being no work suit- 

 able for race horses, 

 coachers and sad- 

 dlers. On most farms 

 there is a large 

 amount of cheap 

 feed, which puts the 

 horse industry on 

 much the same basis 

 as the beef industry. 

 Further, most farms 

 are provided with 

 an abundant range, 

 which affords facil- 

 ities for exercising 

 and growing young 

 stock. While there 



may be many exceptions, the general trend of farm 

 work is toward the horse possessing considerable weight, 

 much endurance and good action. 



General-purpose horse. — On the average farm there is 

 a variety of work to be done, some very heavy, as plow- 

 ing, and demanding a heavy horse ; some rather moderate 

 as drawing produce to market, and demanding an active 

 moderate-sized horse; and on the same farm there will 

 be family driving, demanding a driving liorse. To do 



Fic. 143.- 



-Gbade Percheron Colts Ready for 

 Market 



